Any meal can be a family gathering, which means parents, grandparents, cousins, friends, and, of course, kids. For the traditional fare, like turkey, ham, sweet potatoes or apple pie, everyone's up for seconds. But when it comes to passing the vegetables, kids will often decline the offer.

Preparing vegetable side dishes that the whole family will love can be a challenge for any home cook. Until now. The following recipes pair nutritious vegetables such as squash, peas, green beans, carrots, and red peppers with such flavorful and loved ingredients as raisins, nuts, apples, mint, and bacon.

This creative combination results in hearty vegetable side dishes that everyone can enjoy. Just watch all the hands go up when you ask who wants more.

Carrot and Potato Latkes
Green Bean Salad with Almonds
Butternut Squash and Apple Puree
Peas with Nitrate-Free Bacon and Fresh Herbs
Quinoa Salad with Corn and Red Pepper