As Thanksgiving approaches and the weather gets colder, it’s time to enjoy your favorite seasonal flavors. From spiced cider to sweet potato pecan pie, this week’s forecast highlights the flavors of autumn.

Charcuterie and Beer Dinner

Balsan at Elysian Hotel is celebrating the harvest season with a special charcuterie and beer dinner on Monday, November 8 at 7 p.m. Diners will sample a whole suckling pig and pork pie, as well as growlers (64 oz. containers) of Warrenville’s Two Brothers Brewery’s French Country Ale and Cane & Abel beers. For a sweet finish to the night, attendees will enjoy spiced cider and molasses cookies for dessert. To reserve your spot for this $29 dinner, call 312-646-1400.

Thanksgiving Pie Pre-Orders from Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stonea Crab

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab has begun taking pre-orders for its $29.95 holiday pies. Choose from a variety of flavors such as old-fashioned apple pie, pumpkin chiffon or sweet potato pecan. What’s even sweeter is that Joe’s will donate a dollar for each pie purchased until the end of 2010 to The Greater Chicago Food Depository. To reserve your pie, call 312-379-5637.

Turkeys To Go at Smoke Daddy

Instead of babysitting the big bird all day this Thanksgiving, why not pick up an already prepared smoked turkey? Smoke Daddy is offering full smoked turkeys at $4.95 per pound, and each turkey weights about 12 pounds. In addition, you can purchase pulled turkey and cornbread stuffing. To place your order, call 773-773-6656 before November 19. All orders will be available on or before Wednesday, November 24 at Smoke Daddy, 1804 W. Divison St. For more details, visit www.thesmokedaddy.com.

- Samantha Rollins