6 Recipes For a Family-Friendly Thanksgiving Feast

Updated on Nov 24, 2014 at 6:19 PM

If you don't have your Thanksgiving menu figured out quite yet, you've come to the right place. Our friend Amanda Haas of One Family One Meal (and author of Real Family Food: Simple & Easy Recipes Your Whole Family Will Love) has shared some of her all-time favorite Thanksgiving recipes with us, and we're all about her fresh take on tradition. From lightened-up green beans (no creamy soup-based casserole here) to a crispy turkey with maple brine, consider this your one-stop destination for your entire holiday menu — there's even an edible activity for the kids!

Keep-the-Kids-Busy Fun Fruit Turkeys

"These turkeys made of fruit are a healthy way to engage the kids on Thanksgiving Day. You can use any type of pear that you like, but I look for at least two types in order to vary the colors of the turkey's 'feathers.' If the turkeys are not served immediately, rub the cut side of each pear with a lemon juice in order to keep their color."

Better-Than-Casserole Green Beans

"Unless I'm making my grandma's green bean casserole, we like 'em simple around here. It's all about finding fresh, crisp beans for this lightened-up take on the classic."

The Only Thanksgiving Turkey Recipe You'll Need

"The maple syrup and herbs in this turkey brine ensure an immensely moist and flavorful bird with delightful underlying sweetness. Guaranteed your guests will be trying to guess your secret ingredient!"

Sweet and Savory Cornbread Stuffing

"I love this stuffing. The sweetness of fresh cornbread and dried cranberries is the perfect counterpoint to savory Italian sausage and herbs. For a gluten-free version, I use Gluten Free Pantry's Yankee Cornbread and Muffin Mix. Just add a bit more stock than you think you need in order to keep it moist while cooking. Finally, a gluten-free stuffing that tastes like the real thing!"

Fluffiest Mashed Potatoes

"These creamy, fluffy, kid-friendly mashed potatoes get their texture from butter, milk, and a touch of sour cream. If you're looking to try something just a little different, try replacing a few potatoes with celeriac (also known as celery root). Most kids love the sweet flavor, and celeriac is full of vitamin K, some vitamin C, and B vitamins. For the fluffiest, lump-free potatoes, it's worth investing in a food mill or potato ricer. You won't be disappointed with the results."

The Sweetest Sweet Potato Side Dish

"Every year, Williams-Sonoma holds a competition among its corporate employees for the best Thanksgiving side dishes. This recipe is adapted from Rachel Thur's winning recipe. I loved it so much that I served it at Thanksgiving the following week, and everyone asked for the recipe. It must be something about the contrast of smooth sweet potatoes, salty bacon, and crunchy pecans mixed with the perfect amount of brown sugar."