It’s just not Thanksgiving dinner without homemade pies waiting on the sideline for the post-feast wow. Try these terrific, easy pie recipes that start with refrigerated pie crust for a finale that will be remembered long after Thanksgiving!

Homemade Pie Basics

A few things to keep in mind as you plan:

· Shop: Purchase plenty of Pillsbury® refrigerated pie crust so you’ll be ready to bake!

· Borrow: If you don’t own several pie plates, borrow some ahead of time. Glass pie dishes make a pretty presentation on the dessert table.

· Bake: Grandma might tell you that pies must be homemade fresh on Thanksgiving morning. Smile, and then go ahead and make them a day ahead. No one will be the wiser, and you’ll be so much calmer on Thanksgiving Day.

· Keep it simple: Your guests will be impressed with your home-baked delights, but if you’re short on time, go ahead and make ‘em the easy way with purchased pie fillings.

· Keep tradition in mind: Thanksgiving is the most traditional of holidays, so keep pie recipes easy and simple, and make sure you include one or two consummate favorites like pumpkin, pecan, or apple. Chocolate lovers will praise you for including one chocolate selection as well.

Thanksgiving Pie Presentation

Plate your pies for a wowing presentation with these fun ideas:

· Warm sauces – Warm caramel, raspberry or chocolate sauce can transform a plain piece of homemade pie into a masterpiece! Drizzle the sauce on a dessert plate in a zigzag pattern, then place a pie slice on top. Drizzle more sauce across the top of the pie before serving.

· Whipped cream – Always a favorite at Thanksgiving, whipped cream is a must, whether purchased in spray cans or homemade. If making ahead, whip until stiff before refrigerating up to four hours.

· Easy details – A toss of toasted pecans, a dash of nutmeg or a sprinkling of shaved chocolate atop a dollop of whipped cream can make any slice of homemade pie look like a blue-ribbon winner!

· Pie buffet – If you don’t want to plate and serve dessert, set up a small table as a pie buffet for your guests to help themselves. Have plenty of toppings for delightful self-serve combinations!

Homemade Pie Recipes to the Rescue

Check out these traditional and not-so traditional feast finales:

New-Fashioned Pumpkin Pie

Perfect Apple Pie

Walnut-Cranberry Tart

Golden Pecan Pie

French Silk Chocolate Pie

Streusel-Topped Cranberry-Pear Tart

Cranberry-Raspberry Cream Pie

Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Pie

Cinnamon Apple Crostata

Super-Easy Fruit Pie