Chores like peeling potatoes can make kids start to feel like they are on KP duty, and though that may be fun for a while, it can quickly turn to drudgery. This Thanksgiving, let everyone share chores so they go by faster, then set your kids up with one of these fun projects. Even little kids can roll cheese balls and cut out shapes with cookie cutters, and older kids can do more-complicated projects like creating a turkey-shaped veggie platter. These projects are win/win/win! They teach kids how to use creative thinking in the kitchen, they take some of the work off parents’ hands, and they keep kids occupied. Plus, the results look and taste good enough to meet the standards of your most-persnickety guests.

Start with this Mini Cheese Ball recipe from Food Network Kitchen and toppings of your choosing from the grocery store. Refrigerate the cheese balls for at least 4 hours, then roll in bowls of toppings. Press in additional toppings with your hands to coat completely.

Guests may want to gobble up these personalized hand-shaped turkey place cards inspired by the classic kids' drawings, and Ree Drummond’s Hand Cookies recipe, as soon as they sit down to the table.

Sparkle Gel Icing was used to write the names and apply the heavier candy and sprinkles. Icing writing pens with thinner tips ideal for longer names are also available. Spread a small amount of icing, Nutella or peanut butter onto the fingers, then decorate with sprinkles, cereal and candy. A dab of red sparkle icing was used to attach the candy corn beak and make the wattle (yes, that’s what the red part under their beak is called). Candy Eyeballs and Jumbo Confetti Sprinkles are both available from Wilton. Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal, candy corn and India Tree’s Chocolate Decoratifs also make tasty feathers. The cookies can be made a few days in advance and stored in a cool, dry place.

One package of 6-inch whole-grain tortillas, slices of cheese (pepper Jack, cheddar and provolone all work well), leaf-shaped cookie cutters, olive oil, herbs and spices in autumn colors, and salt. First, cut leaf shapes out of the tortillas and the cheese slices with cookie cutters. Refrigerate the cheese until ready to serve.

These seasonally themed dinner rolls look beautiful on the dinner table, and they're a fun way for kids to learn about the magic of yeast.

Divide yeast roll dough into balls, then wrap snugly with baker’s twine as shown. Let rise for at least 30 minutes before baking. The dough will rise up and around the twine to create the pumpkin shapes.

Let the rolls cool completely, then carefully unwrap the twine. Press a pecan piece into the center for the stem.