Turkey may be the star of the show on Thanksgiving, but it’s the standout side dishes that leave a lasting impression. Make your holiday meal unforgettable by using traditional ingredients in new ways. Pair ingredients and spices that mimic a classic dish and try a new presentation.

Here are just a few examples of what you can create.

Sweet Potato Gnocchi

» 2 cups mashed sweet potato
» 2/3 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
» 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
» 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
» 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
» Pinch ground nutmeg
» 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
» 1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for work surface

Sage Brown Butter:
» 1/2 cup unsalted butter
» 20 fresh sage leaves
» 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
» 2 tablespoons maple syrup
» Salt, to taste
» 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In large bowl, combine potatoes, cheeses, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper; blend until well combined. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until soft dough forms.

Lightly flour work surface; divide dough into 6 equal balls. Roll out each ball into a 1-inch-wide rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. Roll pieces over tines of a fork to form gnocchi. Transfer to large baking sheet. Continue with remaining dough.

Meanwhile, bring large pot of salted water to boil on high. Add gnocchi in 3 batches and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 5 to 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, drain gnocchi and place onto baking sheet. Tent with foil to keep warm.

While gnocchi are cooking, in large saute pan, melt butter on medium. Add sage and cook, swirling butter occasionally until it stops foaming and begins to brown. Remove from heat; stir in remaining ingredients. Toss cooked gnocchi in browned butter. Plate and serve immediately. Serves 8.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving (not including salt to taste): 300 calories, 16 g fat, 10 g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 550 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrate, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 7 g protein

Crispy Stuffing Balls

» 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
» 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
» Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
» 2 eggs
» 2 tablespoons milk
» 1 cup panko crumbs
» 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
» 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
» 2-1/2 cups prepared stuffing
» 2 ounces fresh goat cheese, or favorite soft cheese cut into 14 cubes
» 1 quart oil for frying

In shallow bowl, combine flour, poultry seasoning, salt and black pepper. In separate shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk until smooth. In a third shallow bowl, mix panko, Romano cheese and black pepper.

Scoop stuffing and roll into 14 balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Using index finger, make indention in center of ball. Insert cube of cheese, then pinch together stuffing to seal. Repeat with remaining balls.

Dredge each ball through flour mixture, followed by egg mixture, and finish with panko mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Set aside to allow breading to set.

In deep-fryer or large saucepan, heat oil to 350 degrees. Carefully place 4 to 5 balls into hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 4 minutes; transfer to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with the remaining balls. Makes about 14 balls.

Approximate nutritional information, per ball (not including salt to taste): 230 calories, 16 g fat, 3.5 g saturated fat, 35 mg cholesterol, 300 mg sodium, 16 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 1 g sugar, 6 g protein

Cranberry Punch

» 1 quart raspberry sherbet
» 1 (46-ounce) can chilled pineapple juice
» 1 (12-ounce) can frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
» 1 (12-ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
» 1 liter chilled soda water (substitute with ginger ale for a sweeter punch)
» 1/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
» 4 cups ice cubes

With large ice cream scoop, make rounded balls of sherbet and place on a tray, then freeze 1 hour to allow sherbet balls to harden.

In large punch bowl, combine remaining ingredients. Stir gently. Add sherbet balls just before serving. Makes 14 servings.

Approximate nutritional information, per serving: 200 calories, 1 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 30 mg sodium, 48 g carbohydrate, 42 g sugar, 1 g protein, no cholesterol or fiber

More Hawaiian Electric Co. recipes are available at hawaiianelectric.com.