Soon, families across the Lowcountry will be giving thanks — and with that, some will also partake in classic Thanksgiving debates. Topics for this annual discourse can include but are not limited to defending your predictions for Thanksgiving football games, choosing the best float featured in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, if you call that classic bread-based side stuffing or dressing, or whether marshmallow or a brown sugar crumble should top the sweet potato casserole.
Because we’re like one big happy family here at CHStoday, we’re having our own debate to decide which side dish is the best + the proper way to pronounce pecan. Special thanks to all the readers who weighed in.
Pee-CAN vs. Puh-KAHN
Did you know? The pecan is a hickory nut native and grows in the southern US + northern Mexico. “Pecan” is a word of Algonquin origin used to describe “nuts requiring a stone to crack.”
Now when it comes to the pronunciation of the nut, 52.4% of our readers say pee-CAN, while 43.7% prefer puh-KAHN, the 3.9% don’t have a preference.
The National Pecan Shellers Association says the way we say the nut’s name it’s not as simple as a regional split. Here is a deep dive into what may have influenced why some say puh-Kahn and others pee-can. Regardless, they’re delicious and can be served ain ll kinds of ways.
Best side dishes
Move over corn pudding and sweet potato souffle. Google crunched some numbers and the annual Thanksgiving trends report is live, detailing the most popular holiday sides in each state. Here in the Palmetto State, it looks like folks are looking for bacon-wrapped green bean recipes.
But we wanted to hear from you. More than 330 CHStoday readers answered the call when we asked about the best side dishes. Here’s a peek at a few of those entries:
- Dressing or stuffing — Mimi C., Michelle B., Kae C., Jill S., Destiny M., Amanda M., Joe V., Joanne P., Mary C., Karl B., Garrett S., Marcia S., Jean M., Marlene S., Fred S., Lisa Q., Barbara D., Margaret J., Chris W., Connie A.
- Some form of sweet potatoes, souffle, casserole, or just the potato — Gary J., Tracy V., Sherry H, Enid G., Melaina M., Alexandra M., Laura J., Laura D., Michele L., Rachel W., Diane D., Teresa M. Brian T.
- Mashed potatoes — Jen S., Maggie S., Troy A., Lexa G
- Broccoli casserole — Robin J., James F., Julie H.
- Pie — Joanie K., Dave S., Mike F.
- Cranberry relish — Lara K., Mary D.
- Green bean casserole — Bobby H.
- Creamed spinach — Chris Y.
- Deviled eggs — Mary B.
- Rice and gravy — Carrie J.
- Candied yams — Melissa D.
- Potatoes au gratin — Chrissy F.
- Corn Casserole — Spike B.
- Balsamic and honey roasted brussel sprouts — Iris K.
- Sausage Stuffing — James F.
- Oyster stuffing — Ricki G.
- Oyster casserole — Mark G.
- Mac + cheese — Pattie A., Landon M., Whitney C., Angela R.
Add a new side to the lineup and order out from a Charleston restaurant — several spots are still accepting orders. Pro tip: Order a few items, and reduce the number of dishes you have to wash.
