What makes Thanksgiving such a complicated meal? Family dynamics are tough enough to decode without the added pressure of figuring out a multi-course feast. PopSci is here to help you understand some of the science of Thanksgiving dishes in order to make your meal easier-and more fun-to prepare.

Turn the page below for scientific tricks to making your bird tender yet crispy, your mashed potatoes ultra-fluffy and a pie crust to rival granny's.

And when you're through, make sure to pick up all our high-tech tips for a fantastic feast:

• Brush up on "The Science of Yummy," then learn how to chop an onion without crying, sear a steak to perfection and more with "Kitchen Science 101."
• Whether pro chef or home chef, our guide to the "Kitchen-Counter Lab" will keep you properly equipped.
• Whip up Doctor Delicious's mojito-strawberry salsa using some food-technology magic you can try at home.
• And for more-advanced kitchen chemistry, check out the recipes in "Molecular Gastronomy for the Masses."

Happy cooking!