Mashed Potatoes are really quite simple to make. It's just a matter of choosing the right potatoes -- I like Yukon Gold -- and not overmashing. Never use an electric mixer to make mashed potatoes! This mashed potato recipe can be made even creamier by using light cream instead of half and half. And if you're looking for a Thanksgiving side dish, just double or triple the recipe. It's very easy.

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Mashed Potatoes image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Having visitors for Thanksgiving? Serve them this hearty breakfast of hash browns, red and green peppers, onions and sunny side up eggs. It's easy to make in an electric skillet.

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Farmer's Breakfast image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

It's dinner time and you have nothing planned. Sound familiar? These BBQ Chicken Quesadillas have been my solution to that dilemma more times than I can count. Leftover rotisserie chicken, pre-shredded cheese and bottled barbecue sauce make these chicken quesadillas a cinch to prepare. Serve with tomato salsa and guacamole.

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BBQ Chicken Quesadillas image by Idaho Potato Commission 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

The key to Thanksgiving side dishes for me is to be able to do as much of the work ahead as possible. This Twice Baked Potato Casserole Recipe makes that easy. It's basically a mashed potato casserole with onions, celery and red pepper folded in. A sprinkle of Asiago cheese on top makes this baked mashed potato casserole creamy and cheesy. And the best part is you can make the whole thing a day in advance (stop just before baking) and just bake 20 minutes before you're ready to serve.

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Twice Baked Potato Casserole image by Idaho Potato Commission 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Baking season is already underway for me. School events, neighborhood parties, holiday gatherings are all starting. When it all comes down on me, I go for the easiest, tastiest recipes I can come up with. These Andes Mint Chocolate Brownies are a classic. Made with a brownie mix and topped with Andes mint candies, mint and chocolate-lovers will adore these brownies. A sprinkling of white chocolate chips takes these brownies to the next level of decadence. Try my chocolate brownies with mint and fudge frosting, too. Mmmmm.

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Andes Mint Chocolate Brownies image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes need not be fussy. They just have to taste good. These Thanksgiving dinner recipes include classics like turkey stuffing and sweet potato marshmallow casserole, plus a few family favorites. Try them and let me know what you think.

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White Chicken Chili image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

You need to have something fresh and crunchy to balance out all the decadent flavors on the Thanksgiving table, right? This Broccoli Bacon Salad makes a wonderful Thanksgiving side dish, because it's bright, crispy, crunchy and looks great on the table. Even more important: This broccoli salad tastes amazing. The combination of crunchy broccoli, salty bacon and sweet grapes is divine.

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Broccoli Bacon Salad image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

This White Chicken Chili Recipe is one of my favorite ways to use leftover cooked chicken (you can even make this recipe with leftover turkey.) The fresh tomatillos and jalapenos add a real authentic flavor to this chicken chili recipe. If you've never used tomatillos before, they're found in the produce section. They look like green tomatoes with a thin papery husk. Just peel the husk (the tomatillos will be slightly sticky underneath) and puree as directed.

Serve with cornbread.

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White Chicken Chili image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

This Apple Pie Recipe is a simple, elegant and a tasty dessert for Thanksgiving or any time. Refrigerated pie crusts make this apple pie easy to prepare. Look for the best "cooking apples" you can find for this pie. If you can go to an orchard or farmer's market, that's ideal. If not, use Granny Smiths. The tart, firm texture seems to perk up this apple pie recipe.

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Apple Pie image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.

Want to try a different green bean casserole for Thanksgiving this year? This Fresh Green Bean Casserole Recipe is made with fresh green beans, fresh mushrooms and a homemade white sauce. Crispy onion strips, such as those from Fresh Gourmet (found in the produce section of most supermarkets) top off this green bean casserole.

If you're a traditionalist, try the classic green bean casserole recipe.

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Fresh Green Bean Casserole image by Stephanie Gallagher 2009, licensed to About.com Inc.