Latke toppings used to come in only two options: Savory (sour cream) or Sweet (applesauce). While I enjoy the old standbys, it’s nice to have some variety. Here are 25 fresh ideas for an old favorite food:

1. Cream cheese & chives
2. Smoked salmon & capers
3. Jam  (raspberry, apricot, etc.)
4. Pesto
5. Chutney
6. Cranberry sauce
7. Horseradish
8. Greek yogurt
9. Honey
10. Maple syrup
11. Cheese  (soft cheese like goat or thin slivers of hard cheddar)
12. Lemon curd
13. Salsa
14. Ketchup
15. Pear or apple compote
16. Shredded meat  (roast beef, turkey, etc.)
17. Pomegranates
18. Tuna salad
19. Chicken Salad
20. Egg Salad
21. Ratatouille
22. Berry sauce
23. Cinnamon & brown sugar glaze
24. Sliced Avocado
25. Caramelized onions

While we’re on the subject of toppings, let’s not forget that latkes don’t have to be comprised only of white potatoes. There are versions made from sweet potatoes, carrots, or zucchini that are yummy in a different way. The unusual colors/flavors may upset purists, but I think it’s fun to try new recipes!

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Oh, the thrill of Thanksgiving food…until you wake up the next morning feeling like a baby beluga whale! I’m so bloated and lethargic, it’s unreal. Since you probably are too, here are some easy ways to detox after the feast:

• Healthy Beverages – 2 or 3, over the course of a day

• Healthy foods  – Pick at least 4 foods for maximum results

Other good things to include are lots of plain water, broth-based soups, ginger tea, and raw produce.

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?