By Meredith Deeds and Connor Deeds, The Minnesota Star Tribune

Thanksgiving may be all about the turkey, stuffing and pie, but at our house the real magic begins long before the bird hits the table.

At any holiday get-together, it’s the appetizers that set the tone, welcoming friends and family with comforting aromas and bold flavors. A mix of textures, temperatures and flavors keep guests engaged and the table more interesting, which is why we’ve created some unexpected and sophisticated bites to get the party started.

From a creamy whipped Brie cheese dip served with fragrant and easy-to-make brown butter baked saltines to elegant endive spears stuffed with smoked salmon mousse and topped with a fun green apple slaw, this collection has something for everyone.

Best of all, most of th

See Full Page