Countdown to Thanksgiving: Last-Minute Turkey Day Tips

It's upon us.  The hordes will descend on Thursday.  (OK...that sounds more ominous than the situation really is, but you get my drift.)

You've probably got the dressing, turkey and pies all covered.  But do you have a handle on the pre-feast nibbles?  Before you object, yes, you need them.  Someone is going to show up early and you need to have something to keep them out of the kitchen.  Plus what happens if dinner is not ready at exactly the appointed time.

Here are a few simple appetizers that you can throw together to stave off the hungry masses...

• Grocery list: Round of brie and a bottle of cranberry chutney.  Warm the brie in the oven at 325° for 10-15 minutes.  Place the brie on a serving plate, pour the chutney over the brie, sprinkle some walnuts or pecans around, and serve with crackers.
• Pick up a tub of your favorite pre-made hummus.  Serve with carrot, red bell pepper and celery crudite.
• Love this one.  Pick up a carton of butternut squash soup at the grocery.  (I like Pacific Natural Foods brand.)  Puree in a blender until smooth.  Place in a sauce pan and gussy it up (yes, that's a technical term) with a pinch of cayenne, a dash of lemon juice and a pinch of sea salt.  Warm until heated through.  Place three tablespoons or so in shot glasses or demitasse cups. Yum.