Consider needs of vegetarian guests

A day centered around a bird can be challenging for vegetarians. For one thing, it's difficult to be a gracious guest while passing on the cook's hard work and the centerpiece of the meal, and for another, you have to think of polite ways to decline turkey every year and make a meal out of side dishes. This takes away from the spirit of sharing the holiday bounty.

But the good thing about traditions is that families and friends get to make them together. And if there's a vegetarian guest in the household, this might be the year to offer something instead of turkey. One inviting dish without meat can go a long way toward making everyone at the table feel welcome. We suggest kid-friendly pasta, cheese, and veggies, in a big baking dish -- to offer multi layered comfort food.

It can serve as a main course for some, a hearty side for others. Toss lightly cooked penne with steamed butternut squash, cooked eggplant, sauteed mushrooms, spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, dried cranberries, and tomato sauce. This satisfying dish has a celebratory feel, and it can be made in advance and reheated with the side dishes once the turkey is ready. It also adapts easily to other seasonal vegetables.

If there's a lot of pasta left over, reheat it on another night, so it can take center stage. When there are only a few cups left, add them to beaten eggs and turn the mixture into a crisp frittata. Turkey lovers may look skeptically at the new dish, but don't be surprised if they request it next year. Or better yet, offer to make it themselves. -- KRISTINA NIES