Seasonal sidekicks

A Thanksgiving table without a turkey would seem barren. But given the fanciful attention people pay to food nowadays, the traditional accompaniments aren't inspiring enough to be paraded out every year. No one is suggesting that we abandon the sweet roots and fleshy squashes that symbolize fall's bounty; we simply think these vegetables need a face lift. Three local cooks have come to the rescue, tossing slab bacon and white wine into the Brussels sprouts, garlic into mashed potatoes headed for a savory pie filling, and curry powder into the squash. Everyone at the table is sure to sit up and take notice.