Pumpkin pie is always an autumn classic dessert for Thanksgiving and other family dinners in North America. And while pumpkin pies are abundant on the store shelves at this time of year, this homemade version raises the game for pumpkin pie lovers anywhere. Not only easy to make, this almost no-bake dessert is a healthy dessert as well, featuring a crust made up of raw pecans, oats, and dates that is not only less fuss but also just as or more delicious than a traditional crust. And the simple but smooth and creamy filling features not only pumpkin purée and spices, sweetened with real maple syrup, but also cashews. Overall, with the pecans and cashews, this is a rich dessert, so one small slice goes a long way.

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Thanksgiving Day is almost upon us again. First set aside in North America to celebrate the harvest bounty of the New World, Thanksgiving is a useful reminder for those of us modern-day urban-dwellers accustomed to enormous supermarkets that shelves and shelves of inexpensive food couldn't always be so easily taken for granted … it may be especially appropriate for us to remember this year. It seems appropriate that as we give thanks for being able to spend a day with family and friends, we celebrate with food … and usually plenty of it!

These are some of my favorite fall entertaining ideas from the hundreds of recipes I've published over the years. From breakfast or brunch through to snacks and appetizers, dinner ideas, soups, salads and side dishes, and — of course — treats and desserts, there's something for every vegetarian or any family with vegetarians to feed at Thanksgiving. There are even some ideas in there for vegans or those who want to try an Indian-themed Thanksgiving dinner for a different experience. Your family and friends just might be giving thanks for your cooking at the end of the day!

Check out these and other menu ideas on

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Thai green curry paste is one of those vivid and memorable flavors that has earned an international reputation for enlivening food. From soups to curries and stir-fries, green curry paste can add zest and aroma to vegetables, eggs, or meat or fish if you're so inclined. As with spice blends, you can quite easily find storebought green curry pastes but—just as with spice blends—I like to take just the little extra trouble and time to make my own to add that extra vibrancy and authenticity to my dishes.

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Eggplant is, I think, often an undervalued vegetable, even though there are many ways to cook and many cuisines that feature this humble nightshade. It can be baked, fried, broiled, roasted, or grilled, and is a fine addition to soups and stews, stir-fries, casseroles, curries, salads, pasta, or it can feature in sandwiches or be stuffed for a especially satisfying main feature.

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