From the United Kingdom’s Cornish pasties to the fried savory “doubles” (a breakfast street staple) that are prevalent in Trinidad and Tobago, many cultures claim hand pies as their own.

Here at home, the pies, sweet and savory, are popping up all over Charm City, including the duck confit gumbo pies at Pie Time (available at the new Patterson Park storefront and area farmers markets), the blueberry rhubarb riff at Charlsie’s Bakehouse in Federal Hill, and these fruit-filled beauts (pictured above), from cinnamon apple to sour cherry, in a variety of appealing shapes from Lutherville-Timonium’s Stone Mill Bakery.

Why have these mini me’s made a resurgence?

“They’re an easy snack,” says Stone Mill pastry chef Cristina Quinteros. “Based on where you grew up, small, filled pies can be a part of your heritage. When we migrate, eating familiar foods maintains our bond with home. Hand pies, Pop Tarts, knishes, empanadas—call them what you want, as long as they’re wrapped in pastry and will fit in your hand.”

Somehow, we’re already halfway through November and a week out from Thanksgiving. When it comes to the food-filled holiday, every family has its own traditions. For some, it’s about gathering around the dining room table at home—and lounging on the couch after one too many slices of pumpkin pie. But others value the ease of letting a restaurant do all of the cooking and cleaning. No matter your preference, the local dining scene is offering plenty of options if you’re getting a late start to planning your Turkey Day this year. Whether you’re searching for last-minute pies and potluck dishes to impress loved ones, or just hoping to make a reservation somewhere, here are a few options.

POTLUCK PICKS

Bramble Baking Co.: Bramble’s baking extraordinaire Allie Smith is offering a signature menu of holiday pies that are available for pre-order by Nov. 21. Cut into festive flavors such as mulled wine pear crumble, maple bourbon pecan, brown butter pumpkin streusel, apple cheddar rye, and chocolate rosemary cranberry tart. Pickups can be made from Local Color Flowers from 4-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 27.

Eddie’s of Roland Park: In honor of its 75th anniversary year, this Roland Park mainstay is offering a full holiday feast that feeds six people for $75. The meal deal includes turkey and all the fixins’ including stuffing, mashed potatoes, and two quarts of gravy. It also comes with two sides (think options such as green beans and butternut squash) and one of Eddie’s fresh-baked pies. If you’re not feeding a crew, Eddie’s holiday catalogue has plenty of options for single orders. 5113 Roland Ave. 410-323-3656

The Charmery: This fan-favorite creamery is offering its signature ice cream pies this year. The $22 dollar treats come in inventive flavors such as spiced pumpkin caramel, brown sugar molasses pecan, and vegan sweet potato. Pre-order and pick-up at one of The Charmery’s locations in Hampden, Towson, and Union Collective. Each of the locations will be open for a few hours on Thanksgiving Day for those in need of a last-minute crowd pleaser. 801 W 36th Street Baltimore, 410-814-0493

The Corner Pantry: If you want to spend Thanksgiving at home, but would rather someone else do the cooking, this Mt. Washington go-to is a solid bet. Tick-off takeaway items on the homestyle menu of family-sized must-haves, such as brined and roasted turkey, butternut squash soup, cheddar biscuits, and pecan pie. Orders must be submitted by Saturday November 23rd, so don’t delay getting your feast in order. 6080 Falls Road, 667-308-2331

Zeke’s Coffee: Make your Thanksgiving prep a little easier—and more delicious—with an apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie handmade by Zeke’s Coffee on Harford Road. Pre-order an $18, nine-inch pie, and then pick it up at Zeke’s flagship cafe the week of Thanksgiving, or on the big day until noon. The cafe also offers a tasty brunch Thanksgiving morning featuring comforting pumpkin waffles. 4719 Harford Rd, 410-254-0122

DINING-OUT DESTINATIONS

Chez Hugo Bistro: Chef Steve Monnier is whipping up a family-style prix-fixe menu that showcases his take on all-American staples. Enjoy options including pumpkin-bacon soup, grilled turkey leg rillettes, creamed spinach, Brussels sprouts with crispy onions, and potato gratin dauphinois. Save room for signature sweets including a French apple tart and Pumpkin Pavlova with chocolate meringue and candied pecans. 206 E. Redwood St. 443-438-3002. $50.

Charleston: If you’re looking for a fine-dining selection, this award-winning restaurant offers a choice between turkey, beef short ribs, and pan-roasted wild rockfish. Bring the family for savory entrees with family style sides—including collard greens slow-cooked in ham hock broth—followed by decadent desserts. The prix-fixe menu is $85 per person. 1000 Lancaster Street, 410-332-7373

Citron: For an elegant Turkey Day option, Citron in Pikesville is offering a three-course meal with dishes such as maine lobster bisque, filet mignon, turkey, and pumpkin cheesecake. Additions include a Thanksgiving wine pairing, a simplified children’s menu, and family-style appetizers. Seatings take place from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. and the fixed menu is priced at $59 for adults and $24 for children. 2605 Quarry Lake Drive, 410-363-0900

Rusty Scupper: Pair your Thanksgiving feast with beautiful waterfront views at this Inner Harbor seafood spot. The restaurant’s annual feast will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. offering all of the classics, but with a seafood twist. Step up to the buffet to pile on options such as mussels marinara, scallop mac and cheese, and oyster stuffing. Reservations are required for the all-you-can-eat meal, which is $58.95 per adult and $29.95 for children 10 and under. 402 Key Highway, 410-727-3678

Rye Street Tavern: This Port Covington hotspot is featuring an elevated meal of Thanksgiving staples. Guests choose an appetizer, main course, and dessert from a mouthwatering list of options. Start things off with crispy barbecue prawns or striped bass ceviche before getting to more traditional fare and finishing off with indulgent desserts including dutch apple pie. The restaurant will open from 2 p.m.- 8 p.m. with fixed menus at $70 for adults and $35 for children 10 and under. 225 E Cromwell St. 443-662-8000

Tersiguel’s: For a magnifique holiday, Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant in Ellicott City is crafting a $60 prix-fixe featuring hearty Alsace Potato Soup, farm-fresh salads, beef beaujolais, and roast turkey leg with stuffing and gravy. 8293 Main St., Ellicott City. 410-465-4004

Topside: Overlooking historic Mt. Vernon, this stylish rooftop restaurant will highlight a special menu complete with holiday favorites from 5-9 p.m. Each meal will include cornbread with cranberry-orange relish, alongside a choice of a classic appetizer, entree, two sides, and a dessert. (Don’t miss out on the famous Pimlico Pie.) The special menu is priced at $45 per person. 101 W. Monument St. 410-727-0065

From slaving over cranberry sauce and pounding mashed potatoes to disinfecting dishes and setting the seating arrangement, hosting Thanksgiving dinner can start to feel more like a chore and less like a treat. That’s why more and more families are choosing to abandon their aprons and dine out on Turkey Day. And with decadent dishes, boundless buffets, and multi-course meals, these Baltimore restaurants are making it easy to kiss the kitchen goodbye this Thanksgiving.

The Manor Tavern: This Monkton mainstay is serving a Thanksgiving buffet with tons of seasonal favorites, including apple harvest salad, glazed sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, oven-roasted local turkey, brown sugar glazed ham, house-made cranberry sauce, roasted prime rib, and tons of assorted breads and desserts. There are seating times at 12:30, 3:00, and 5:30 p.m., and the meal is $41.95 for adults and $16.95 for children (3-12). 15819 Old York Rd., 410-771-8155

Baldwin’s Station: Feast your stomach and your eyes at this rustic restaurant overlooking the Patapsco River. Open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Baldwin’s will serve individually plated meals, like a traditional turkey plate and other options on the fall menu. Don’t miss out on the maple leaf duck breast or the bisque made with slow-roasted squash, topped with a touch of ginger, cinnamon, and maple syrup, and garnished with apple compote, fried sage, and star anise. 7618 Main St., Sykesville, 410-795-1041

The Capital Grille: The luxurious dining room makes this steakhouse a perfect escape from jam-packed, elbow-bumping Thanksgiving dinners. The Capital Grille will serve a $42 prix-fixe meal that includes dishes like slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, French green beans with Marcona almonds and cranberry pear chutney, and Sam’s special mashed potatoes. The dinner is $15 for kids, and you can add on the pumpkin cheesecake dessert for an extra $10. 500 E Pratt St.,443-703-4064

Cafe Troia: Baltimoreans flock to this Towson restaurant to satisfy all kinds of comfort food cravings. Starting at 1 p.m., Cafe Troia will host a prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey, gravy, yams, whipped potatoes, string beans, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. The meal is $40 for adults and $20 for kids, and the a la carte menu is also available for those who want to mix and match their favorite dishes. 31 Allegheny Ave., 410-337-0133

The Oregon Grille: Hop on the gravy train and head to this Hunt Valley restaurant for a Turkey Day feast. From 1-8 p.m., the restaurant will serve a special, three-course menu that consists of dishes like like butternut squash soup, turkey, pan gravy, mashed potatoes, herb stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, pumpkin cheesecake, and pecan pie. Dishes from the regular dinner menu are also available, and the three course option is $55 for adults and $35 for kids.1201 Shawan Rd., Cockeysville, 410-771-0505

Mt. Washington Tavern: Starting at 2 p.m., this neighborhood go-to will host a feast complete with everything from martinis to ‘Grandma’s’ dressing. Order from the full dinner menu with added dishes like honey-glazed ham, turkey entrees, and traditional Thanksgiving sides. Or opt for the all-you-can-eat buffet with traditional sliced turkey with gravy, sausage and vegetarian stuffing, fingerling potatoes, sautéed green beans, and tons of other family-style faves. 5700 Newbury St., 410-367-6903

Victoria Gastro Pub: This Howard County restaurant serves up pub-style dishes that never disappoint. From 11 am-9 p.m., try the prix-fixe menu and add on a la carte Thanksgiving sides. Guests choose from entrees like roast maple turkey, sweet potato gnocchi, turkey pâté de campagne, and Brussels sprouts topped with bacon, sweet chili soy vinaigrette, sesame and Sriracha aioli. Choose two courses for $32 or three courses for $42. 8201 Snowden River Parkway, Columbia, 410-750-1880

Chez Hugo: This downtown Baltimore bistro is whipping up creative twists on traditional Thanksgiving dishes. The prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu is $65 for adults and $20 for children and features delicious dishes like pumpkin and bacon soup, roasted turkey breast with hay cream gravy, sourdough stuffing, and creamed spinach with garlic, onions, and Comté cheese. 206 E Redwood St., 443-438-3002

Rusty Scupper Restaurant and Bar: From families reunions to Friendsgiving feasts, this harbor-side restaurant is perfect for large groups. The menu features traditional dishes like carved roast turkey, honey-glazed ham, and herb-crusted roast prime rib. Adding a Maryland twist, Rusty Scupper will also offer seafood-inspired dishes such as roasted salmon with crabmeat, sautéed Prince Edward Island mussels with marinara sauce, and a raw bar with fresh oysters. The buffet is $56.95 for adults and $28.95 for children (under 10), and reservations are required. 402 Key Highway, 410-727-3678

Zeke’s Coffee: This beloved Northeast Baltimore cafe is going beyond coffee this Thanksgiving. From 6 a.m.-12 p.m, guests can dig into brunch specials like chicken sliders with fried eggs, biscuits with gravy and fried eggs, apple cranberry pancakes, and flavorful maple sausage links. Pre-game your Thanksgiving the only way we know how—with more food. 4719 Harford Rd., 410-254-0122

Severn Inn: Pair scrumptious food with scenic views at this Anne Arundel County restaurant. The Thanksgiving buffet includes dishes like roasted turkey and gravy, prime rib, crab cakes with fried green tomatoes and corn salad, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese. End the meal with a sweet seasonal pie in flavors like pumpkin pie, apple pie, and apple cobbler. Seating times are at 12, 2:45, and 5 p.m., and the buffet is $72.95 for adults and $26.95 for children (ages 5-12). 1993 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Annapolis, 410-349-4000

Charleston: Gather at this award-winning restaurant to celebrate with Chef Cindy Wolf’s prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu for $85 per person. Dishes to look out for include butternut squash and andouille sausage soup, braised beef short rib with yukon gold potato puree, roasted turkey breast with turkey leg confit, pecan stuffing, and roasted sweet corn. Make sure you save room for dessert with options like pecan tart with bourbon caramel, pumpkin cheesecake with gingersnap crust and cranberry compote, and southern chocolate pie with toasted meringue. 1000 Lancaster St., 410-332-7373

Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant: This farm-to-table Ellicott City spot will be open from 12-6 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, offering a prix-fixe four course menu that is $59 for adults and $30 for children (under 10). The first course is an Alsace potato soup, complete with leeks, bacon, house-made sausage, onion, caraway, and dill. The second course features assorted marinated salads like the golden beet. And the main course includes traditional treats like roasted turkey leg and breast, smoked ham leg, stuffing, mashed potatoes with sage gravy, and cranberry sauce. 8293 Main St, Ellicott City, 410-465-4004

Blue Moon Cafe and Blue Moon Too: Family and friends unite at these Fells Point and Federal Hill favorites for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner date. Blue Moon Cafe and Blue Moon Too will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., and though the restaurants won’t be serving turkey, there will be enchiladas and other fun surprises in addition to their regular breakfast menus. 1621 Aliceanna St. and 1024 Light St., 410-522-3940

Rye Street Tavern: The three-course prix fixe at this Port Covington restaurant on the Sagamore Spirit distillery campus offers guests their choice of appetizer and dessert, and a main course served family style. Highlights will include an autumn salad, wood-broiled Choptank oysters, ember-roasted beets, crispy crab fritters, mashed potatoes with Sagamore Spirit whiskey-spiked gravy, and turkey sourced from Whispering Breeze farm in Taneytown that will be roasted over Maryland white oak logs. Save room for dessert with options like maple-buttermilk and black bottom pecan pie. 13 Rye St. 443-662-8000. $35-70

Wit & Wisdom: Bring the whole family to enjoy an Autumn-inspired buffet filled with favorites such as roasted marinated turkey, smoked prime rib, southern cornbread, and applewood-smoked bacon stuffing. The bottomless meal will be offered from 1-8 p.m. 200 International Drive. 410-576-5800. $45-95

Sean Flanigan first started baking pies back in 2002 while styling hair on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. “I would bake pies and bring them to the hair and makeup trailer,” says Flanigan. “Then it became a Sunday hobby. I got sick of baking cakes, so I turned to pies. I became known as ‘The Pie Guy.’”

These days, The Pie Guy and House of Cards hair department head (who won an Emmy for his top-notch tress work on Mad Men) dazzles the cast and crew with his creations. “They all love my pies,” says Flanigan. “I post photos on Instagram of the pies I’ve made on Sunday, and they’re like, ‘Can’t wait to have a slice tomorrow.’”

Flanigan says that the key is the crust. “It’s a science,” he says. “I’ve tried so many different ones, but I always go back to my grandmother’s recipe that uses butter and good leaf lard [the highest grade of lard], which I buy at Parts & Labor.” For the fillings, however, Flanigan enjoys experimentation. “I love going to the JFX farmers’ market and using what’s in season. I’ve even made a concord grape pie.”

Growing up in Los Angeles, Flanigan learned to bake as a boy. “I grew up in the kitchen with my grandmothers and family cooking all around me,” he says. “On Sundays, we always had the big family meal. My great-grandmother was the baker, and I grew up peeling apples and making butter tarts. I’m a natural caretaker, and part of the caretaking for me is enjoying the food and the company.”

“I got sick of baking cakes. I turned to pies and became known as ‘The Pie Guy.’”

On House of Cards, Flanigan oversees the hair department, but mostly cares for the hair of lead actors Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright. “Robin is notorious for cutting her hair,” he says. “We keep the scissors hidden away from her. Sometimes she’ll come back with her hair too short after the end of a season, and I’ll have to lay in all the fake hair to match the storyline.”

While the L.A. native travels frequently for work (including grooming Spacey for the upcoming film Elvis & Nixon), he now considers Baltimore his home. Four years ago, after living in a rental property in Harbor East, he decided to invest in a Hampden rowhome with a generous yard. “I fell in love with the seasons,” says Flanigan. “I love the quirkiness of the city and the fact that when I travel, my neighbors watch my house. Wherever my work takes me, I’ll always have this place.”

Around the House of Cards set, Flanigan also has become known for his house parties. Several years back, he and then-co-worker Sakina Jaffrey (who played the White House chief of staff), the youngest daughter of renowned cookbook author Madhur Jaffrey, threw an Indian food feast at Flanigan’s home. “Sakina came here with all the spices, and we cooked a full Indian meal over two days,” he says. “Kevin and Michael Kelly and the hair and makeup and costume departments were here, too. I’m creating memories here—that’s what having a home is all about.”

Recipe: Bourbon Ginger Pie

Crust

• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon apple-cider vinegar
• 3 cups flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ sticks cold butter
• ¼ cup cold leaf lard

In a small bowl, mix milk and vinegar and refrigerate. In another bowl, add flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt, and quickly cut fats into mixture using a pastry cutter.
Once mixed, work in half of milk mixture. Mix. Add remainder of milk mixture. Blind-bake crust (a crust that has been prebaked and weighted with rice or uncooked beans) at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Yields: dough for one 9-inch pie crust.

Filling

• 1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
• ½ cup real maple syrup (grade B, if possible)
• 3 large eggs, slightly beaten, plus egg mixed with water
  for wash
• 2-3 tablespoons high-quality bourbon
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups pecan pieces
• ¼ cup finely chopped crystalized ginger

In a medium bowl, whisk together first seven ingredients. Brush edges of blind-baked crust with egg wash. Add pecans and crystallized ginger.Mix all ingredients and pour into cooked crust.bBake again for 30 to 40 minutes or until center is just set. Cool at least an hour before slicing.

*Adapted from Allison Kave’s First Prize Pies