I like to keep the apps (that's restaurant lingo for "appetizers") simple on Thanksgiving. A relish tray, perhaps a simple cheese plate, and always a platter of crudites to make sure everyone gets some veggies in them before drinking pints of gravy. This collection of 10 Simple Thanksgiving Appetizers is vegetable-based, seasonal, and delightfully delicious. Many of them travel just fine, so if you pulled "just bring an appetizer" duty, you're sure to find something to fit the bill.

Classic Manhattans aren't particular to Thanksgiving, but their rich but balanced flavor hits me as just right for starting the celebration right.

For a less intense jump into the fun, try adding a nice bit of seasonal color and flavor to a glass of champagne, sparkling wine, or sparkling cider by dropping in a few pomegranate seeds (see other great ideas for using pomegranates).

Mashed potatoes are delicious, and I am in no way suggesting that you not make mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving. If, however, you were thinking of trying something a little different, think about making Smashed Potatoes, with plenty of garlic and parsley. A cheesy savory Potato Leek Gratin or Potato Cabbage Casserole fits the Thanksgiving meal nicely, too.

Roasted Potatoes are an incredibly easy option (just throw them in the oven with the bird), as are Grilled Potatoes if you happen to be grilling the turkey this year. Potatoes In Cilantro Sauce are one even less traditional option, or try this Spicy Potatoes, Cabbage & Carrots.

Or keep with tradition, just make sure to make the Best Mashed Potatoes possible.

Pomegranates and persimmons are only available in the fall. They both make delicious and beautiful additions to the Thanksgiving table. Try just piling the fruits in bowls for edible decorations. Learn All About Pomegranates and get ideas on how to incorporate them into your feast.

Not all persimmons were created equal - learn about the different Varieties of Persimmons before shopping for them.

Wild rice is not as common on Thanksgiving tables as one might think it would be. Like cranberries and turkeys and corn, it is native to North America - plus it has a wonderful nutty flavor that matches the traditional Thanksgiving meal perfectly.

If you've never cooked wild rice before, check out this guide to cooking wild rice. For a fun treat, try treating wild rice like corn and pop it for a crunchy treat before the meal begins or a nutty addition to any salad.

Wild Rice Mushroom Soup makes a great start to the big meal, or a casual lunch/snack to serve when hunger hits but the bird isn't done roasting. Wild Rice Pilaf is a great, hearty side that reheats beautifully.

I've met a lot of people who claim they hate brussels sprouts. Inevitably, I roast a few or saute them or slice them up and serve them raw and they try them and their face lights up and they exclaim that, in fact, they find brussels sprouts quite tasty.

So save me the hassle, would you? Don't steam or boil your brussels sprouts this Thanksgiving. All that moisture has a way of making them taste simultaneously drab and noxious. Cook them dry - roasting or sauteing are both great.

Roasting brussels sprouts is easy: trim the sprouts, cutting large ones in half, toss them in a bit of olive oil, put them in a shallow baking pan in as much of a single layer as possible, sprinkle with salt, drizzle in a bit of broth or water, cover the pan, and bake/roast in a hot oven until sprouts are tender, remove cover and continue ot bake/roast until the sprouts get some nicely browned bits on them.

Making Sauteed Brussels Sprouts is equally easy - halve or slice the sprouts and cook them, stirring, in a hot pan in some fat - olive oil, butter, or bacon drippings all work great. Adding nuts, as in this Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts, is extra delicious.

A less traditional path lies with the amazingly delicious (I find it addictive) Spicy Brussels Sprouts Salad With Almonds and Mint. A bit of spice, a bit of mint, some crunchy almonds, some salty creamy cheese - it has everything.

Go beyond apples and cranberries this Thanksgiving. Consider pears when planning your Thanksgiving menu. They add sweetness to lots of dishes and, even better, they can be used as beautiful, seasonal, edible decorations.

First things first, pick a type of pear - from rounder comice pears to slimmer rusty Anjou pears. Bringing out a simple bowl of pears at the end of the meal along with dessert is always nice, or add a delicious Pear Tart alongside (or instead of) an Apple Pie. Or make an even homier, more casual dessert like Rosemary Pear Crisp or Asian Pear Crisp.

Try pears in savory dishes, too - use them instead of apples in the stuffing. Or, make a batch (or double batch) of Bourbon Glazed Pears to serve alongside the big bird.

Winter squash are a classic component of the Thanksgiving feast. Simple roasted squash with butter and brown sugar is always delicious, as is mashed squash - again, often served with butter and brown sugar or maple syrup, but there are certainly more options when it comes to serving squash on Thanksgiving.

First of all, choose a winter squash. There are tons of varieties out there, from relatively quick-cooking delicata (pictured) to the dauntingly large and heavy-skinned hubbard. Then check out three simple ways to cook winter squash.

One of my favorite ways to start the Thanksgiving meal is with a big pot of Winter Squash Soup (butternut squash works great). I used to serve it at the table as a first course, but now I tend to pass out mugs of it out as people arrive.

Glazed Butternut Squash is a tasty twist on the classic sweet flavors used in cooking Thanksgiving squash. Take the twist a step further by making a mustard seed-laden, cilantro-topped Winter Squash Stir-Fry.

We all know pumpkin belongs in pie on Thanksgiving, but if you want to add to the winter squash dessert options, try this easy Winter Squash Spice Cake (or just make one to have for breakfast the next morning!).

Many tables will have a green bean casserole on them on November 26. Recipes for that American treasure abound, but if you're looking for something less predictable, try one of these delicious green bean recipes:

• See how easy it is to just have Simple Steamed Green Beans topped with butter and salt. Add freshly grated black pepper, if you're so inclined, or get fancy and sprinkled some sliced almonds on these crisp-tender green beans.

• Braised Green Beans are tender and the slower cooking brings out their natural slightly grassy flavor. The delicate, subtle flavor of these beans blend in beautifully with the comforting tastes of Thanksgiving.
• Buttermilk Fried Green Beans are a fun and crunchy way to snack while the turkey roasts.
• Marinated Green Beans are a traditional French preparation, with a great sweet bite from minced shallots, red wine vinegar, and mustard.
• Mint Jalapeno Green Beans are a kicky twist on traditional marinated green bean salads, with the lightly steamed green beans tossed in a jalapeno-mint vinaigrette.
• Roasted Green Beans could be easier, but only if you didn't have to turn on the oven. Tossed with a bit of olive oil, these green beans are perfect for just throwing in the oven while other things cook.