Seven Recipe Books to Ensure Your Thanksgiving's a Success

While Thanksgiving Day is one of the simpler holidays—just being a meal and family—it can also be the most stressful. Because of the meal and family. What if the peas are over-cooked? Or worse, the turkey is under-cooked. Will Great-Aunt Hilda be fine with ham instead of turkey? Oh no, Bill's new girlfriend is vegetarian.

Don't worry. It's still early, and we've got your back. We've found the Thanksgiving recipe books that'll have your family raving about the meal for years to come. And for all the right reasons.

Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child

Did you know that in the 80s Julia Child publicly listed her phone number and encouraged people to call for cooking advice? While Mastering the Art of French Cooking isn't distinctly Thanksgiving, it's very easy to follow, and that's important for an enjoyable holiday. And French food may not be traditional; it is impressive. Even to Great-Aunt Hilda.

American Girl Cooking by Williams Sonoma

Make cooking a family affair with American Girl Cooking. Ignore the word girl in the title and get all the kids in to make healthy sides like minty peas or even a herb roasted chicken. Who knows, they may be inspired to keep cooking year-round.

Betty Crocker Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook

The American cooking queen is our go-to for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Betty details the basics, like lump-free gravy and how to carve a turkey. Vegetarian recipes are included as are low-fat ones. Especially useful are the recipes for first-time cooks and groups larger than 20.

New Thanksgiving Table by Diane Morgan

Do you wonder if people across the U. S. have the same Thanksgiving meal as you? While some things are the same, some are local due to different traditions and local produce. That's what we love about New Thanksgiving Table. Try hickory grill-roasted turkey this year. Or maybe Minnesota wild rice dressing with dried fruits.

Vegetarian Times Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook

"Gone are the days of filling up on nothing but potatoes and cranberry sauce," and we're thankful for that. The Vegetarian Times is full of dishes for those who let the turkey run free. Supplement or replace the meat with delicious pattypan squash stuffed with split peas. Dessert is covered with a vegan pumpkin pie.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks - A Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond

This recipe book will quickly become your must-have for all celebrations. A relative newcomer, Ree Drummond shares beautifully photographed recipes—19 for Thanksgiving alone. Start with your Thanksgiving menu, and you'll have Christmas and birthdays covered too.

Entertaining by Martha Stewart

Finally, with the meal covered it's time to look at the table settings. In Martha's Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations, Martha Stewart has lots of full-color photographs and many ideas to add the final touches.

Do you have any favorites to add?

Read more by Bianca Smith