Inexpensive Thanksgiving Side Dishes for Ham

The Thanksgiving meal can become quite expensive, especially when you are cooking for a lot of friends and relatives.These inexpensive Thanksgiving side dishes are the perfect accompaniment for your Thanksgiving ham. They are extremely easy to prepare. Although these side dishes for ham may be inexpensive, they are wonderfully delicious.

Inexpensive Thanksgiving Side Dish for Ham #1 - Southern style Black eye peas.

3 or 4 cans black eye peas(cooked dry or cooked fresh, or cooked frozen may be substituted)

1 can diced tomatoes

1 cup cubed, boneless ham(bacon, salt pork or ham hocks can be substituted)

1 small onion diced

1 bell pepper diced

8 or 10 whole okra pods(frozen or fresh)

salt & pepper to taste

Pour 2 cans of the black eye peas into a large stew pan. Drain the other 2 and add these to the pan. Add all of the other ingredients (except okra). Simmer over medium heat until vegetables are almost done, about 15 minutes. Add okra and cook, just until okra is tender, do not overcook as this will make the okra slimy.Salt and pepper to taste.

Inexpensive Thanksgiving Side Dish for Ham #2 - Candied Sweet Potatoes.

5 or 6 sweet potatoes, peeled, washed and cut into 1" to 2" chunks

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

4 tbs. butter or margarine

1/2 cup pecans(walnuts or almonds may be substituted)

1/2 cup shredded coconut

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

2/3 cup miniature marshmallows(optional)

Place the prepared sweet potatoes in a large casserole dish. Evenly distribute the pecans and coconut over the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the top and add the margarine in pats, on top of everything. Drizzle the vanilla over all. Cover and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven, until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 45 minutes to an hour. Remove the lid and sprinkle the marshmallows on top then place the sweet potatoes back in the oven(uncovered), for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the marshmallows are a beautiful golden brown.

Inexpensive Thanksgiving Side Dish for Ham #3 - Boiled Cabbage and Smoked Sausage

1 large head of cabbage

1 lb. smoked sausage(any brand)

1 large onion cut into 1/4 inch strips

1 large bell pepper cut into 1/4 inch strips

2 tbs. sugar

1/2 stick of butter or margarine

salt and pepper to taste

Wash the cabbage and quarter, removing the stem(if so desired, I like to leave mine in).Add cabbage, smoked sausage, butter and sugar to a large stew pot. Add enough water to cover cabbage completely. place on medium heat and boil uncovered, until cabbage is almost tender, about 30 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook until all vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.