Q: I am planning on making zucchini quinoa fritters for an upcoming work potluck, but my only concern is how to keep them somewhat warm. I was thinking of stacking them in my crock pot on low with layers of parchment paper between them — would that work? Any other ideas? More

Q: I have a winter CSA from my local farm and I'm already overflowing with roots and squashes. I also have holiday parties coming up where bringing finger friendly food is encouraged. Any ideas for finger-food dishes with beets, potatoes, squash, carrots, parsnips, and turnips?

Sent by Marla More

Q: We are having a casual holiday dinner party for friends and there will be 10-15 toddlers there. So I'm looking for recipes with a low mess potential (no chili or tomato sauce) that will appeal to both kids and adults, and are easy to eat while managing little ones. Any ideas? More

Q: I am looking for a DIY punch bowl for our wedding. I don't really want to buy (and store) a punch bowl I will rarely use. I have some huge stainless steel bowls and a ladle, but I don't think they're heavy enough, and they'd scooch and slosh around when in use.

Sent by Chris More

Q: I'm planning Christmas dinner for a mixed group of vegetarians and meat-eaters. I would like to make one vegetarian main and one meat main (doesn't have to be turkey or poultry) that will go with the same standard Christmas side dishes. Any ideas?

Sent by Alana More

Q: It's the day before Thanksgiving and due to illness we have to cancel going to the big family gathering. I'm wondering what readers would do if they were putting together a Thanksgiving meal for family on very short notice? More

Q: I am celebrating Thanksgiving with my family in Palm Springs this year. I think we should take advantage of the ready availability of Mexican ingredients to inspire the menu. I'd love to hear some riffs on this idea that will help me satisfy the Thanksgiving purists in my family... More

Q: My husband and I are spending Thanksgiving in a sparsely furnished apartment away from our home this year due to his job, so I don't have my usual arsenal of spices and tools. What are some good recipes for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner that use minimal specialty spices and tools? More

Q: Help! I am hosting Thanksgiving this year for the first time, and I am very excited! I will only be cooking for six people, and so I am having a hard time selecting a menu that 1) isn't too difficult (i.e. time-consuming) and 2) won't leave me with lots of leftovers. More

Q: We're having Thanksgiving with relatives, one of whom cannot have any fats due to a severe bout with pancreatitis. I want to make sure she can enjoy some homemade foods. Do you have any suggestions for sides that include substitutes for all butters and oils?

Sent by Sarah More