We've always had a penchant for pie, but it was declared the new "it" sweet by the food-powers-that-be for 2011. Just in time for Thanksgiving, Cooking Channel is crisscrossing the country to see if this old standby has what it takes to take on the cupcake. Tune in tonight at 8 p.m. ET for our special,  For the Love of Pie!, as we seek out the best of the best in the pie world.

And if you find yourself inspired to bake up a pie or two, or are already plotting out your Thanksgiving dessert offerings, here are a few of our favorite desserts with a crust:

Alton's Sweet Potato Pie (pictured above): Take sweet potatoes from a supporting side to the starring role of your dessert buffet with Alton's recipe for Sweet Potato Pie.

Maple Pecan Pie: It's hard to beat mom's recipe, especially when we're talking about Chuck Hughes' mother! Give her recipe for pecan pie (with a touch of maple syrup) a try for Thanksgiving this year.

Classic Pumpkin Pie: No Thanksgiving feast would be complete without a pumpkin pie. And this classic recipe is guaranteed to satisfy the pickiest pumpkin pie fan.

Salted-Caramel Apple Pie: This irresistible salty-sweet twist on classic apple pie will hit the spot after a day of feasting.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pie: Who says your Thanksgiving offerings have to be traditional? Here, the classic pairing of peanut butter and jelly is reinvented as a crowd-pleasing dessert. But don't wait for Thanksgiving to give this pie a try. Do a "practice run" as soon as you can!

Pecan Pie Pops: It's just more fun to eat food off a stick. And your guests will appreciate a bite-size treat (as it will let them do double duty on the dessert table).

Black Bottom Pie: This showstopping dessert starts with a buttery graham cracker crust glazed with rich chocolate, which is then spread with a thick, boozy layer of spiced rum custard. Once the layers are set, the pie is piled high with freshly whipped cream and a mountain of dark chocolate shavings.

Get all the recipes from For the Love of Pie! here.

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