It has become something of a tradition for us to talk about salad right now, days before the Thanksgiving holiday. Yes, Thanksgiving is a literal feast of heavy, delicious foods like mashed potatoes swimming in butter (see our luxurious recipe here) and the sweetest flaky pies. But I think that a good salad is also essential. More

Everything I know about cornbread dressing—and Thanksgiving—I learned from my mother, which she in turn learned from her mother. It is a long line of resourceful Southern cooks, and I trust them with this important meal completely. The secret? More

One of the greatest discoveries upon moving to Northern California was the fig tree in the back yard of my apartment building. I could hardly believe the bounty of fruit this tree gave me that first autumn. Since then, I have set about collecting all the ways of using figs that I can possibly can. Love figs? What do you do with them? More

Is it really already time to start thinking about Thanksgiving? Is National Turkey Day truly just next week? Eeek! It is indeed, and if the immediacy of things has caught you off guard as well then hopefully these quick, easy, (and inexpensive) ideas for setting your own beautiful Thanksgiving Day table will give you one less thing to worry about. More

What are the holidays without wheat, dairy, eggs, and refined sugar? Pretty dreary, I imagined — until I came up with this moist, richly flavored gingerbread cake that I will be happily baking for months, if not years, to come. More

Thanksgiving table centerpieces can be as elaborate or as easy as you make them. Personally, I think simple is beautiful, and I'd much prefer a display of leaves and candles over an overwrought gilded craft explosion. If you're of that mindset, too, then these eight table decor ideas should be right down your alley: More

In a week from today, you'll probably be shopped, planned, and (partially) prepped for Thanksgiving. If you want some Thanksgiving-worthy cheese ideas, look no further than the archives of our Cheesemonger columns. From cheese balls to the tastiest homemade cheese crackers. to spreads, accompaniments, and all the best things to serve with a cheese platter, here's your go-to Thanksgiving guide on how to incorporate copious amounts of cheesy goodness into your meal next week. You can thank us later. More

How are your Thanksgiving dinner plans coming along? We've started to compile our recipes and even make some things ahead. Along the way we've also pinpointed a few cooking tools that make this big traditional meal a whole lot easier — in particular tools that you might not keep on hand. Here are 7 things we think are worth having if you're making a Thanksgiving dinner this year. Do you have them all? More

This year Thanksgiving in the country's most famous house will be based around a familiar theme: tradition. Even presidents wants the good ol' standards at Thanksgiving! But beyond the turkey, stuffing, and pies, there are interesting things to be gleaned from history's presidential Thanksgiving menus. More

Holiday baking is now in full swing, with pies, tarts, crisps and cookies popping up on food blogs and in full-page magazine spreads. Gluten-free cooks shouldn't feel discouraged, though: there are plenty of delicious gluten-free dessert options for the holidays! We found gluten-free versions of a few classic Thanksgiving desserts, from Pumpkin Pie to Apple Crisp—and a few even went above and beyond the norm. (A certain Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe comes to mind!) Check out a few gluten-free baking ingredient and tips below, as well as 10 great dessert recipes: More