How do I put static posts (with thumbnails) in side bar?

I've found a portion of what I'm looking for (the need for content aware), but I'm struggling to find out how to include static posts with thumbnails.

Let’s say I have a site about bikes, skateboards and scooters. When someone reads a post about scooters, I want 4 static related posts, that I choose to appear in the sidebar. I want control of what those 4 related posts are because I want them to be my more popular posts that are only about scooters.

It appears content aware gives me the capability to create sidebars specific to the current article being read..

However, I can't figure out how to tell content aware - Display these 4 posts with their thumbnails.

Is this possible by chance? Thanks!!