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Get your stretchy pants and your "what's new with you" responses ready — Thanksgiving is almost here. 

We've rounded up advice on everything from how to pick a turkey to how to keep the peace during dinner.

Meanwhile, travel throughout Minnesota is looking like it will be relatively OK through Thanksgiving Day, though there is a shot of light snow late Thanksgiving night into Black Friday morning.

Your forecast

Remember to practice safe cooking this Thanksgiving (and really, anytime) — Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires.

https://twitter.com/usfire/status/800747465779593216

Fire officials are also discouraging cooks from using turkey fryers. Because this can happen: 

DPS Highlights: Fire Officials Demonstrate Dangers of Deep-Frying Turkey

However, if you're still planning to deep-fry your turkey, use your fryer outdoors. 

 use them on a wooden deck or in the garage. 

 after receiving hundreds of reports consistent with norovirus, a highly contagious and fast-spreading virus that causes diarrhea, vomiting, aches and other symptoms. Olmsted County Public Health official Kari Etrheim said it's wise to wash one's hands regularly and thoroughly.

https://twitter.com/USDAFoodSafety/status/800410906383577088

join Lynne Rossetto Kasper and The Splendid Table's Turkey Confidential,

 This year, Kasper will field listeners' questions with the help of America's Test Kitchen co-host Bridget Lancaster, Mario Batali, Francis Lam, Melissa Clark and A Prairie Home Companion's Chris Thile.

Call in during the show with your pressing Thanksgiving Day questions: 800-242-2828. You can also post your questions using #turkeyconfidential on Facebook or Twitter. 

In the meantime, here are a few tips and recipes to hold you over:

What to know before buying a Thanksgiving turkey

3 ways to spice up Thanksgiving without the bird

What to drink with your Thanksgiving meal

Millions of Americans will be sitting down together over the coming weeks to break bread, catch up, reminisce and do their best to avoid talking about embarrassing or hot-button issues.

 from William Doherty, a University of Minnesota family social science professor, for avoiding family drama. (If you 

Heading off to a holiday party where you might have to mingle and make small talk? We've got 

5 tips from Bon Appetit for being a good guest on Thanksgiving

If you're looking for a deal on Black Friday, be sure to check out the great outdoors. Entrance fees to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived.

On most days, the state charges $5 for a daily vehicle permit, including motorcycles.

Like last year, officials are waiving the fee in an effort to get Minnesotans to spend time with family outdoors, presumably walking off those turkey dinners instead of shopping or sleeping off food comas. (On Thanksgiving Day, the average American eats around 4,500 calories.)

The Department of Natural Resources says there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans.

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Nancy Yang

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It's time to give thanks. We've rounded up advice on everything from how to pick a turkey to how to keep the peace during dinner.

Your guide to Thanksgiving recipes, safety tips and how to avoid fights

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