Photo: Martha Stewart

I’m having such fun reading about all of the mouth watering Thanksgiving preparations happening in the homes of my favorite food bloggers. Tofu-less vegetarian feasts, turkey a hundred ways, roasted veggies of all kinds and tons of ridiculously delicious desserts. No such preparations are happening here, though. I’m a little disappointed, but it’s by choice. I’ll be hosting a low key Christmas and also cooking for Hanukkah, so I’m happy to sit this one out and cuddle with my ChowBabies while my mama serves up a feast.

In lieu of offering new Thanksgiving recipes, I’ve pulled together a handful of my tried and true ChowMama dishes that are perfect for the holidays. As always, these are quick, easy, healthy and will work for everyone at the table, whether 6-months or 60-years old. Enjoy!

Holiday Breakfast: Quick eats that will fortify you before a day of cooking and socializing

• Slow Cooker Apple Butter for your toast
• Pumpkin Walnut Cream Cheese for bagels
• Blueberry Almond Morning Polenta

Snacks & Apps: Perfect to keep your ChowBaby or guests from getting over hungry while waiting for the big meal

• Sweet Potato (or Pumpkin) Mini Muffins with Cream Cheese Filling
• Homemade Cheese Crackers
• Red Pepper Walnut Dip
• Kale Chips

Sides: Veggie goodness fit for any holiday meal

• Vanilla Cumin Roasted Carrots
• Butternut Squash with Honey, Lemon & Parmesan
• Sake Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes
• Greek Homestyle String Beans
• Roasted Beet and Orange Salad with Creamy Dill Vinaigrette

Dessert: Need I say more?

• One Bowl Apple Cake
• Apple & Candied Bacon Upside Down Cake
• Cinnamon Cardamom Cherry Crisp (add apples or pears which go great with cherries!)