When thickening a fruit pie filling, there are several options to consider. Very often flour or cornstarch is used, but in certain instances tapioca, arrowroot and potato starch can also help achieve the desired consistency.

If you're using homemade pie crusts, make the dough now and freeze it in freezer bags for Thanksgiving.

With chocolate crust, graham cracker crust, ice cream or cream cheese-peanut butter filling? (There's no wrong answer, really.)

Enjoy more time with your guests this Labor Day weekend by making these whoopie pies ahead of time.

Dig in to these delicious frozen treats that are reminiscent of Italian ices. Granita’s are harder in texture than sorbets and contain less sugar. To make a granita, cook up a simple sugar (combo of sugar and water) and add flavors such as coffee, mint, juice and wine along with fruit. Once the mixture has begun to freeze (it takes about 3 hours), scrape the ice crystals every so often as they start to form. Once frozen, scoop and serve.

Filled with classic and new flavors, Food Network's top five cheesecake recipes are simple to prepare and range from cakes to cookies.