(Family Features) - My Thanksgiving memories are made of baking together, gathering loved ones around the table, a moist turkey dinner with all the trimmings. But nothing beats dessert. Specifically pie.

When the leftovers are safely tucked away in the frig and I present the dessert choices, I never hear groans of "I can't eat another bite" around my Thanksgiving table. For enticing desserts, look no further than pumpkin pie: It's the all-American, must-have holiday dessert.

In fact, in many homes, it's not Thanksgiving without the traditional delicious pumpkin pie: Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie, the one everyone loves. Perfectly spiced and seasoned creamy pumpkin is nestled in a flaky pie crust. It's the pie whose aroma announces, unequivocally, "Thanksgiving." The recipe for Famous Pumpkin Pie is included on the label of the can of pumpkin, where I look for it every time I bake this pie throughout the holiday season.

On occasion, I do like to add my own signature touch to pumpkin pie, and this Walnut Crunch Pumpkin Pie makes a spectacular appearance at the table. Before it disappears, that is! A classic, deep-dish pumpkin pie that is crowned with a broiled walnut-brown sugar topping makes a pie that's almost - almost! - too pretty to eat.

Kick off the holiday season in great Thanksgiving style by using the advice and checklist to Get Ready for Thanksgiving at www.verybestbaking.com, which reminds hosts to:

• Get organized early: plan your menu, detailed shopping list and guest list a few weeks ahead.
  
  
• Make your home festive, and get kids involved in dressing up the table.
  
  
• Organize on the big day: Begin baking early; plan multiple uses of your oven; enlist help for setting the table or setting up a casual buffet.