Roasting a turkey breast instead of a whole turkey is a faster, easier way to enjoy Thanksgiving turkey than trying to do the whole bird. Why? Because it's easier to handle, it cooks faster and you don't have to worry about the breast getting dried out while you're waiting for the legs and thighs to finish cooking.

Want a whole turkey? Try my oven bag turkey recipe. The step-by-step directions will show you how to get a perfectly moist and juicy turkey every time.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Roast Turkey Breast image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Kids seem to pop from the womb hating Brussels sprouts. And honestly, I don't get it. Yes, I realize that when overcooked, Brussels sprouts can impart a bitter flavor, but most of the kids who claim to hate Brussels sprouts have not only never tried them, they don't even know what they look like. And so it was with my youngest. I often shred Brussels sprouts and saute them with bacon. This time, as I was preparing these Roasted Brussels Sprouts, my little one said to me, "What are those mini lettuces?"

The honest reply was met with silence. Complete silence. And then, "Why don't you just call them mini lettuces?"

It's up to you -- call them Brussels sprouts, call them mini lettuces, call them whatever you like. This recipe is healthy and tasty and a nice addition to Thanksgiving dinner or any meal.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Roasted Brussels Sprouts image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Aren't these Oreo Cookie Turkeys adorable? They make a fun cooking activity to do with kids. You can even serve them to the kids for dessert on Thanksgiving.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Oreo Cookie Turkeys image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Volunteered to bring a side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, but you don't have a lot of time? No problem. This Raspberry Cool Whip Jello Recipe can be made in advance, and it's guaranteed to be a hit. Layers of raspberry Jello and frozen whipped topping are alternated with layers of whipped sweetened cream cheese, then garnished with fresh raspberries in this side dish that is sweet enough to serve for dessert.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Raspberry Cool Whip Jello Mold image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

This Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe makes a lovely addition to Thanksgiving dinner. Frozen, pre-cut sweet potatoes make this recipe super simple to prepare, and the crunchy streusel topping makes this sweet potato casserole taste almost like dessert.

For more sweet potato recipes, see also:

• Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows
• Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
• Sweet Potatoes with Vanilla

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Sweet Potato Casserole image by Ore-Ida 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

If you like the combination of sweet and savory, you will appreciate this Cornbread Stuffing Recipe. Sweet cornbread is the basis for this savory stuffing, which serves as a wonderful accompaniment to roast turkey. Serve this cornbread stuffing for Thanksgiving or anytime you're making chicken or turkey.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Cornbread Stuffing image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

These Thanksgiving Turkey Cupcakes make a fun craft project to do with the kids -- and a great way to use leftover Halloween candy, too! Try them today or serve them for Thanksgiving dessert.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Turkey Cupcakes image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

There was a time, not so long ago, when I did not host Thanksgiving dinner. I did not have 26 relatives materialize on my doorstep, bellies empty, just waiting to be filled with the tastes and smells of autumn. I didn't have to worry about how and where to cook the Thanksgiving side dishes, while the turkey was roasting. I didn't have to figure out where to put all the food -- before and after dinner -- where to seat all the people, and whether to have the cleaning people come before, after or both.

And yet, I don't miss those days. I really enjoy cooking Thanksgiving dinner. My secret? I have made many practice turkeys over the years -- 40, to be exact. And I have finally come up with a fool-proof method: Roasting in an Oven Bag. This technique not only produces the moistest, juiciest turkey you will ever want to eat, it is incredibly simple to clean up, too. What could be better? Click here to see step-by-step pictures and directions for how to make turkey in an oven bag.

What are your secrets for cooking Thanksgiving turkey? Share them now!

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Thanksgiving Turkey image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Trader Joe's truffle brownie mix is my absolute favorite brownie mix, so it's unusual to find me doing anything with it other than making brownies. But I had some lovely sweetened dried cranberries on my hands, and it just seemed like they were calling for cookies. If I tell you these were the most tender, chewiest cookies I've ever tasted, you wouldn't believe me. That's why you'll just have to try this recipe for yourself. And yes, you can make it with any brownie mix. Trust me, these Brownie Mix Cookies taste every bit homemade.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Brownie Mix Cookies image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Everybody knows the best part about making a gingerbread house is the decorating. So why bother with templates and rolling and cutting dough when you can make Easy Gingerbread Houses without them? With these simple techniques -- a gingerbread house out of cake pan, a pop-tart gingerbread house and a pre-made gingerbread house that's ready to decorate, you can enjoy all the fun of making a gingerbread house without the hassle.

Sign up for my Cooking for Kids newsletter
Check out the Cooking for Kids forums
Follow me on Twitter

Gingerbread House image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.