Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year.  It marks the first big college break when I enjoy some quality time with my kiddos and also gives me a great excuse to pull out some of my favorite recipes and cook to my heart's content.  Over the years, I've enjoyed finding recipes that fit the bill for a special Thanksgiving menu, but that save me time and eliminate stress in the kitchen.  Here's a few I'd love to share with you.

All the great fall flavors come together nicely in our Apple-Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Medley. And with a prep time and cook time of five minutes each, it's easy to add this one to the menu and not have to worry about time management.

Apple-Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Medley

Though a simplistic dish, cranberry sauce is one of those Thanksgiving staples that can be adapted to take on a number of unique flavor profiles.  While not the cranberry sauce I grew up on, I have grown to love Chef Tony Baker's recipe for Cranberry Fennel Sauce.

Cranberry Fennel Sauce

Here on the west coast, it's common for artichokes to be a main side dish in a Thanksgiving spread.  My family has come to expect, and in some cases demand, that fresh artichokes be a part of our menu.  With the ease and speed of cooking artichokes in my Instant Pot, I think I'll be serving steamed artichokes with yummy dipping sauces as an appetizer to get the food festivities started.  Right now it's a toss up between these Lemon and Herb White Wine Artichokes...

Lemon and Herb White Wine Artichokes

and these Crispy Sage Butter Artichokes.

Crispy Sage Butter Artichokes

How about you? What are some family favorites that you prepare for the Thanksgiving meal?