This time of year is the crunch. Halloween is now over and we have three weeks left until Thanksgiving. Some people decide to spend this time at their home or a friend's, others stay on campus. Whatever your plans, you're sure to already be dreaming of the delicious foods in your traditions for Thanksgiving. If you need something new to add to your family's (or your personal) items to serve on this wondrous holiday, then look no further. Here's what you need to start thinking about your Thanksgiving meal.

1. Mashed Potatoes

This starch-filled dish, smothered in a brown gravy is the second staple of a Thanksgiving meal. Whether you prefer instant or homemade, you can't go wrong with the decision to make a steeping pot of mashed potatoes for all to enjoy. The key to light and fluffiness is milk and butter mixed with a little thankfulness and holiday happiness. You can spice up your potatoes with whatever flavor you, your friends, or your family most desires or even top it with some cheese - you can NEVER go wrong with cheese!

2. Macaroni and Cheese

To some this is a weird dish to add to Turkey and Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes and Cranberry sauce, but I kid you not, it's the first thing to be gone at my family's celebrations - it's even fought over! I'm not talking about the boxed kind, either - not this time. I mean a classic, homemade, baked-with-crumbs-on-top, melt-in-your-mouth macaroni and cheese. Honestly, you're truly missing out on this fabulous dish in your line-up of traditions.There are so many different ways to make this dish, so many cheese combinations.

3. Green Bean Casserole

Another one of my family's favorites that is essential to our tradition. You should consider adding it to your own. You could choose to bake it in the oven or let it sit in a slow cooker all day. Whatever method works best for you, remember that the most important part of this dish are the crispy fried onions that decorate the top! They give this dish its greatness and is the main reason we continue the tradition year after year. Plus, despite its other ingredients, at least you can say you had some vegetables on Thanksgiving.

4. Sweet Potato Casserole

This delicacy is something that should be added to everyone's plate on Thanksgiving. NO, they are not the same as yams. To make this, my mom peels, chops, and boils sweet potatoes until tender. Then she mashes them and adds a secret ingredient! Totally something you should make this year! And don't forget! Mini-marshmallows top this dish to give it a sweet taste.