Although turkey is somewhat synonymous with Thanksgiving dinner it’s not all about the Turkey. For many, folks are most grateful for the side dishes, appetizers and the pies. In Massachusetts the most searched recipe on Thanksgiving? Cheesecake. Making cheesecake is easier than you think. Here’s a list of 65 cheesecake recipes to get you started.

As you surround your big bird with dishes that celebrate the 1621 harvest feast of the Wampanoag people and the Plymouth Pilgrims, why not get a little creative with the customs. While generations of traditionalists fill their menu with tried and true dishes (hello, stuffing and pecan pie), some get even further inspired while still paying homage to foods native to the New World.

butternut_squash_optimizedAcross New England, each region has its own peculiar twist on traditional Turkey Day standbys. Massachusetts’ contribution to the table ever since Stow resident Charles Leggett crossed a Hubbard with a Gooseneck in the 1940s is Butternut Squash. Locals roast the winter squash and turn its orange flesh into hearty and interesting holiday dishes with just the right savory to sweet ratio. From soups to salads to stuffing, its potential has no limits. Need some inspiration to change up your squash game? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this list of 37 Butternut Squash Recipes.

While cheesecake and butternut squash have grown in their desire to be on the Massachusetts dinner table, many other historic Thanksgiving foods have come and gone from the menu over the years as tastes change. These include bear and lobster!

Whatever your dinner table tradition, we hope you enjoy and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Source: https://patch.com/massachusetts/arlington/most-searched-thanksgiving-side-dish-massachusetts and http://sponsored.bostonglobe.com/frigidaire/thanksgiving-dishes-with-a-twist/ and https://www.newenglandhistoricalsociety.com/five-historic-thanksgiving-foods/