With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, you might be finding yourself in one of the two scenarios that I am about to list:

1. You are 100% checked out, and already counting down the hours until you can spend time with friends and family. You are also going to bed thinking of the national holiday where it is socially acceptable to eat your entire body weight in delicious homemade food and not have anybody question your behavior. I am personally a member of this category, but that is mainly because my only role as a college student who is coming home for the holidays is to relax and recharge before heading back to school. I don't have a lot to worry about over the holiday season, because I am not yet old enough to host gatherings or feel the stress that often comes along with this busy time of year.

2. This alternate scenario is all too common with Thanksgiving just days away. Although most of us think of the holidays as a time filled with love and cheer, will often forget that this is not always the case for everyone. With enormous amounts of friends and family members to entertain, gifts to buy, and parties to attend-- it is no wonder the average person tends to feel overwhelmed at times.

With all of the chaos that you will probably experience within these next few weeks, I thought I would take a moment to provide you with some inspiration that you could use to impress your company, come Turkey Day. These seasonal dishes are simple, delicious, and easy to prepare. They will satisfy all of your guests, no matter what their preferences or dietary restrictions may be, and they take minimal time in the kitchen. It is truly a win-win situation.

I hope you get the chance to recreate these cozy dishes, and that you love them as much as I have. I also encourage you to focus on appreciating the small moments throughout the holidays and being thankful for all that you have been blessed with-- because that is what really matters.

1. Butternut Squash Soup

2. Quinoa Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms

3. Tahini Roasted Carrots

4. Butternut Squash Fennel & Apple Gallette

5. Roasted Vegetable Salad

6. Cauliflower Potato Mash with Herbed Mushroom Gravy

7. Berry Apple Cake

8. Pumpkin Tart with Gingersnap Crust and Coconut Whip

Wishing you the happiest of holidays! xo