Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season and kicks off party planning for Christmas and New Year’s. The holiday is a special time intended to be spent with friends, family and loved ones and to give thanks for all that you have. Of course, thanksgiving is most popularly known for its holiday foods and festivities. Whether you are entertaining your own guests for a Thanksgiving feast or going to a party, select a few of these top 10 Thanksgiving foods to make and serve.

10. Turkey

What is a Thanksgiving feast without a turkey or two? Turkey is high in protein and a source of essential vitamins and minerals that add balance to a meal that is also rich in desserts and appetizers. Roast turkey with herbs, spices and stuff with a dressing prior to cooking to increase flavour and guest satisfaction.

9. Roasted vegetables

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time of year to serve a variety of nutritious vegetables that are equally as tasty as they are healthy. Root vegetables such as carrots, beets, potatoes and turnips are ideal to serve to guests as they are naturally sweeter than other water-rich vegetables. Furthermore, roasting with a drizzle of olive oil, herbs and spices extracts a succulent flavour that will have your guests asking for more!

8. Pumpkin pie dip

Dips are great to serve at parties or events that gather a large number of people together. Dips can be served with appetizers and snacking Thanksgiving foods such as raw vegetables and chips. Try this recipe for a pumpkin pie dip for a Thanksgiving twist on a dip as featured on TasteofHome.com.

7. Green bean casserole

Make vegetables fun by preparing a green bean casserole to serve to your guests. Try adding cheese to a recipe that will be sure to please even the carnivores’ palette as well as fussy children.

6. Biscuits

Home-made biscuits hot from the oven will have guests singing your praises for the evening! Get creative and stuff biscuits with cheese, beef and spinach prior to baking for a filling appetizer.

5. Butternut squash soup

In addition to pumpkin, Thanksgiving is a great time to use other in-harvest squash for holiday menu plans. Try roasting a butternut squash and then pureeing in a blender with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg for a light and warming side dish.

4. Stuffed mushrooms

Mushrooms make an ideal appetizer as they are low in calories but high in taste and nutrition. Make your own stuffed mushrooms by filling the mushroom cap with a combination of cheese, stuffing and spices and bake in a hot oven until slightly browned.

3. Deviled eggs

Devilled eggs are a versatile appetizer that can be served at traditional buffets or for holiday affairs including Thanksgiving. Serve up this delightful treat by mixing yolks with light mayo and paprika for a spicy kick.

2. Pumpkin pie

A traditional favourite, pumpkin pie is one of the most well-known Thanksgiving foods that come to mind when we think of the celebration. Bake up your own pumpkin pie or buy a store-bought one if you are short on time to serve to guests in bite-size portions or generous slices.

1. Sweet potato pie

Whether you are entertaining guests for Thanksgiving dinner or a party, having a variety of foods, including desserts, is essential. Sweet potato pie is nearly as popular as pumpkin pie and another great way to sneak in some hearty nutrition with dessert.

Contributed by Jennifer Andrews, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru