What would Thanksgiving be without the "good stuff"? That's what my kids like to call the myriad side dishes and stick-to-your-ribs starches that are about to go swimming in a pool of pan gravy. No doubt your family and friends are expecting to see old favorites such as green beans, Brussels sprouts and potatoes (both sweet and white varieties) on the table. But most guests also appreciate a little flair and culinary creativity during the holidays. We up the ante just enough to make it interesting with the recipes that follow. Cooks, meanwhile, love anything that makes their job easier, which is why the recipes are on the simple side, with components that can be prepared the morning of or even the day before the big event. A less-stressed chef is a happier chef, which in turn makes for a meal the entire gang will enjoy.