Is it a necessity to bake from scratch for Thanksgiving? Of course not! Some years, I do, and other ones, I do not. Usually it comes down to how organized I am and how much energy I have. Today, I’m feeling ok and I have nothing scheduled, so… Also—and this is key—I have the motivation! (If I didn’t, well, there’s no shame in bakery pies and rolls, right?)

Here’s what’s on my list:

Turkey Cupcakes:

Brown sugar, candy corn, cream cheese…talk about indulgent! These littles cuties should definitely be a hit.

Beef Knishes:

Yup, it’s a Jewish-American Thanksgiving for sure. These are my idea of the perfect appetizer.

Turkey Challah

A bread shaped like a bird—cool concept, huh? Because there’s no braiding involved, I actually find it easier to make than a traditional challah.

Cinnamon-Banana Cake

Since we’ll have 3 diabetics joining us, I wanted to make a low sugar dessert that they could eat (and enjoy!). I’ll be trying this highly rated recipe with a slight adjustment—no ganache.

Hopefully, I can finish all the baking today, most of the cooking tomorrow, and just roast the turkey and reheat on Thursday. By breaking it up, day by day, I find it to be a lot less stressful.

Will you be baking for the holiday?