A White Elephant is a type of gift exchange in which each guest is asked to bring an anonymous wrapped gift. Usually, there is a maximum amount of money that can be spent, and oftentimes the gifts are unpractical and eccentric. If you are attending a White Elephant party bring fun shaped ice cube trays. A set of Emeril's spices are hysterical and could provoke conversation about the future of Food Network. However, my favorite gift is this chicken kitchen timer. It's ten percent bizarre and 90 percent practical. I definitely wouldn't buy it for myself, but it would be fun to get at a White Elephant gift exchange.

For more wacky White Elephant gifts, browse below.

You've probably noticed that we share a scrumptious side dish recipe every Saturday. Sides are a wonderful way to enhance a meal and round out a menu. When making side dishes I like to experiment with new flavors and reinvent old classics. I've looked back at all the dishes and picked out my top five. Here they are, starting in the top middle and moving clockwise:

• Spinach and strawberry salad for Spring
• Grilled potato and onion packets
• Nachos for super bowl Sunday
• A stuffing-like Autumn panzanella
• Romantic Champagne Risotto

How about you? What was your favorite side?