There is a joyful chaos this time of year that I’ve finally learned to embrace. A big part of the mayhem is that it’s nearly impossible to predict who will be around for dinner.

There is a head-spinning array of holiday gatherings between my daughter’s, my husband’s and my calendars. Plus, I like to keep the door open for friends and family visiting from out of town who can be hard to pin down. Thankfully, recipes like this one amplify the season’s joy while tempering its chaos, allowing me to share a satisfying meal with whoever shows up while keeping my stress level in check.

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