Easy Thanksgiving dinner

No time to make it? Fake it.

Turn to these smart express ideas when you need to cut prep time to a minimum without skimping on flavour.

SALAD
Slice 2 peeled oranges into rounds. Drain a can of baby beets and quarter. Toss greens with your favourite store-bought vinaigrette. Divide among plates. Arrange beets and oranges on top. Crumble with goat cheese. Sprinkle with chopped fresh dill. Click here for recipe.

SOUP
Buy a carton or jar of squash soup. Liven up by heating with a little orange juice and big pinches of ground cumin. Click here for recipe.

STUFFING
Buy a stuffing mix and prepare following directions. Then stir in dried cranberries, sliced green onions and chopped parsley. If making ahead of serving, spread out in a casserole dish and bake at 325F (160C) until hot. Click here for recipe.

TURKEY
Buy a frozen stuffed bird and roast following directions.

BEANS
Buy 2 340-g pkgs microwave-in-bag green beans. Cook following package directions. Turn into a bowl and stir in butter and pesto to taste. Click here for recipe.

POTATOES
Prick 4 unpeeled sweet potatoes and microwave on high until fork-tender, 20 to 25 min. Turn over partway through. Scoop flesh into a bowl. Add marmalade, butter, salt and either brandy or orange liqueur to taste. Mash with a fork or purée in a food processor. Click here for recipe.

TARTS
Buy pumpkin pie or tarts and sprinkle with chopped candied nuts. Click here for recipe.