Personally, I’ve never been a subscriber to the whole “Thanksgiving is all about the sides” mindset. I love turkey, especially when it’s done really well. A buddy of mine has started curing and smoking his own hams and they’re pretty damn good too.
That said, the sides are crucial, and will make the meal for most of the people you’re eating with anyway. So you might as well, go for the gusto.
This recipe will be a double power move on your relatives and on in-laws. A three-cheese macaroni recipe that features crawfish tails AND smoked tasso, to give you a smokey/savory combo in a rich sauce.