Martha, Giada cook favorite Thanksgiving sides

>>> this morning in "today's" holiday kitchen. the turkey's roasting, time to buckle down on the side dishes . and martha stewart is sharing her greens recipe. and giada de laurentiis is making her famous mashed potatoes with an italian twist. good morning, guys.

>> let's start down here with the green.

>> these are greens, kale and spinach, and you can use any greens. and we're going to saute them in olive oil . wait, they change color, they become a bright green. and just saute them over a couple of seconds. we have chestnuts, onions, and garlic already sauteed in olive oil . and some spices --

>> what are we using here?

>> a wonderful red hot pepper flakes. so good. and white wine , a little cream, a little butter, you make almost like a little roux.

>> do we do this beforehand with the onions?

>> before or after. and giada's making the most delicious mashed potatoes .

>> well, first, let's start with the beginning. you boiled the potatoes in garlic and salt and water --

>> and butter. and i start with cold water . it's really important you do, because you want -- it correctly cooks the potatoes. otherwise, you put them in boiling water , it stunts them. potatoes, then obviously the butter.

>> you can do the butter. and the chicken broth .

>> 3 tablespoons or so.

>> yep.

>> parmesan cheese . the parmesan cheese .

>> martha and i were discussing what she puts in hers, which is --

>> i can do sour cream , cream cheese , heavy cream , butter.

>> yeah. that's why we put a little italian spin on it. and the idea, it has to be room temperature. pepper, now you like yours -- you like them really smooth or a little bit of lumps?

>> i have to say i like them smooth.

>> i like them very smooth.

>> me too. yeah.

>> yay.

>> you like yours lumpy?

>> i'm a lumpy guy.

>> and you put some fresh chives.

>> you could do anything you wanted. martha 's going to taste it.

>> this is where i say --

>> oh, yummy.

>> it has to be hotter.

>> yeah, it has to be hotter.

>> little hotter. but those are delicious.

>> i'm going to bring --

>> i'm going to use this from now on.

>> made a bit of a mess over here.

>> best thanksgiving ever. your dreams come true.

>> how are the greens?

>> we're going to add a little bit of butter to them. again, this is not a day to really abstain.

>> no, i'm with you.

>> we want pies, butter, all kinds of great stuff.

>> oh, yes.

>> and that fabulous turkey.

>> how long does this wilt? is it a couple minutes?

>> we're on an electric burner here, so it's not --

>> and we're going to add a little bit of white wine to it. not too much.

>> you're doing good.

>> look, look.

>> you're doing really well for someone that doesn't cook.

>> how far ahead of time do you start making the sides? right as the turkey's about ready to come out?

>> no, no --

>> those can be made early.

>> this you can early.

>> like the greens, you don't want them to get too wilted.

>> this is last-minute. you can add that beautiful stuff now.

>> mashed potatoes .

>> look how gorgeous. and this is like -- this is a vegetarian delight. for the vegetarians, those chestnuts and onions and a little tiny bit of garlic.

>> hurry up.

>> hurry up.

>> we're going to run out of time.

>> beautiful.

>> isn't that great?

>> pepper?

>> you going to make that when you get home?

>> absolutely. i'm going to take this one.

>> the greens part of it, right, martha ? when do you add --

>> we're going to add the cream a little later.

>> how about black pepper ? can i do that for you?

>> there we go.

>> why not, right?

>> a little tiny bit. not too much. not too much.

>> not too much, willie.

>> and a little bit of heavy cream .

>> not too much. yeah, i know where you're going.

>> heavy cream .

>> there goes the heavy cream . okay.

>> we've altered the recipe slightly, didn't make the beschemel.

>> there we go.

>> and don't be shy. butter, heavy cream , go for it. thanksgiving, right?

>> what other sides do you like to make?

>> oh, my gosh. sweet potatoes , all different kinds. now, that is a beautiful -- beautiful squash with lady apple slices. a little bit of bacon. everybody's talking about how bacon belongs everywhere.

>> yes, it does.

>> and cranberry sauce . you must make that delicious cranberry sauce .