There are only two more weekends before the big day. Whether that's Christmas, Hannukah, or another holiday is up to you. Still, you need to plan and get to work! So make meals this weekend a breeze with this collection of recipes. My crockpot is working overtime; the only thing better would be to have a cook on staff. Enjoy these recipes and the holiday spirit!

Virtual Cookie Exchange - Our Guide to Herbs & Spices shares this recipe for Cinnamon Hazelnut Meltaways. Festive in their powdered sugar coating, these melt-in-your-mouth cinnamon nut cookies are perfect for holiday entertaining.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

It's time for more holiday dinner menus. Most of us do a lot of entertaining this time of year. Creating menus is one of the challenges of entertaining. So let me do it for you! This menu includes some of my favorite foods, including sweet shrimp and one of the best desserts on the planet: Chocolate Caramel Crepes. Yum.

Virtual Cookie Exchange - These big, fat, chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies were given 5 stars by a panel of the toughest critics: kids. Try them and see why!

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it's time to start thinking about Christmas and New Year's. This is one of the rare 'lull' periods during the holiday weeks, when it's the perfect time to make a few casseroles, appetizers, cookies, and desserts and freeze them for unexpected company. Enjoy Peanut Chocolate Parfait Bars (pictured), Cheesy Hash Brown Potatoes, and other easy make ahead recipes.

Virtual Cookie Exchange - It just wouldn't be Christmas in Eastern Europe without Kolaczki. These flaky cookies start with a buttery cream cheese dough that's filled with fruit or a sweetened cheese filling.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

These leftover recipes will help you feed your family with ease this weekend, and they use the traditional Thanksgiving foods in new and fun ways. Turkey Cobb Wrap Sandwiches (pictured) is a favorite recipe. Or try Potato Pizza, or Praline Sweet Potato Bread. And if your turkey isn't already gone, be sure that you remove the meat and freeze it by tomorrow, for food safety reasons.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Now that your tummy is full and you're relaxing in the glow of the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, it's time to think about leftovers. And what glorious leftovers! The turkey, of course, is your first thought. It should be used within three days of Thanksgiving. Here are some of my favorite ways to transform it, including Turkey Club Pizza (pictured). Yum.

Virtual Cookie Exchange - Our Guides to Spanish Food, Lisa and Tony, have a favorite and very traditional Spanish cookie for the holidays called Mantecados, or Crumble Cakes. They are so soft, they will literally melt in your mouth. Light and with a delicate anise flavor, words will not do them justice. And it's time to start thinking about hosting your own Cookie Exchange in the three dimensional world.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

For an easy Thanksgiving menu, try these recipes. A turkey breast is cooked with a cranberry-flavored stuffing. It's served with a creamy potato bake and a fresh salad that uses pears and walnuts. And for dessert, these luscious brownies satisfying any chocolate craving.

Virtual Cookie Exchange - Homemade Fortune Cookies taste so much better than store bought - besides, it’s more fun writing up your own fortunes to put in the cookies!

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

Thanksgiving is two days away! If you're panicking, or even if you're not, have no fear - this menu is actually easy. From a turkey cooked from frozen, so you don't thaw it first, to stuffing in the crockpot and easy salads and sides, this menu may become your gold standard.

Virtual Cookie Exchange - Kevin, our Cooking for Two Guide, swears by his Applesauce Cookies and tells us the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make more. They have a delightful 'holiday' flavor of apples and spice.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

The turkey is the centerpiece of the Thanksgiving table. It's not difficult to roast a turkey; it just takes some practice. Give yourself lots of time, and be sure to read all the material I've posted for best results. Then choose your recipe and begin. In about four hours you'll have a beautifully bronzed bird you'll be proud to set on your table.

Virtual Cookie Exchange - Our Guide to Latin Carribean food suggests Besitos de Coco, or Coconut Kisses, which are a favorite treat in the Spanish speaking islands.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

No, this menu isn't from Calvin Trillin (although I would love to correspond with him!). It's my version of what he thinks the true Thanksgiving menu should be. This fun menu is a good alternate if your family doesn't like turkey, or it's great for entertaining during the holiday season.

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}

For an easy alternative Thanksgiving menu, grill some fabulous turkey tenderloins, wrapped with bacon, to crisp perfection. Serve with some cheesy and easy potatoes, a special molded salad, and classic green beans, with a fabulous cake for dessert.

• Italian Turkey Tenderloins
• Sour Cream Cheesy Potatoes
• Carrot Pineapple Salad
• Green Beans Amandine
• Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Cake

Virtual Cookie Exchange - Elaine Lemm, our guide to British food says 'This irresistible Scottish Shortbread is traditionally eaten on New Years Eve, but is so good you can enjoy it anytime.'

_{Photo © 2008 Linda Larsen, licensed to About.com, Inc.}