When I hear the word appletini, I can't help but cringe and think of a cloying, neon green cocktail. That's why, while at a recent Root Division art auction, when I saw that the specialty cocktail was an appletini, I avoided it. However, when I heard the appletini was a creation of one of San Francisco's best bartenders, H. Joseph Ehrmann, I knew I had to give it a try. Made with fresh apple cider and vodka infused with tea, this appletini is nothing like its processed counterpart. It tasted like fall in a glass with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

It takes time to infuse the vodka and apple cider, but the process is worth it, especially if you make a large batch and serve it for Thanksgiving. Don't let Fall pass without making this refreshing, not-too-sweet cocktail, so get the recipe now and read more

Shopping for an epicurean grandpa who's more well-traveled than you? Fret not. If he's been tasting his way around the globe, chances are, he's open to eating anything.

If he's enjoyed traveling to Japan, present him with this matcha green tea set. Remind him of his trip to Scotland last year with Spey smoked salmon. Or send him an assortment of exotic imports: It's the closest you can get to giving him the world.

For more gift ideas, browse the selection below. Check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

Here at YumSugar we are very excited about Thanksgiving. We're giving away a turkey and providing you with tons of recipes, tips, and party ideas. We've gone one step further and come up with the ultimate Thanksgiving Planner! Thanksgiving is only 13 short days away and if you haven't begun planning I suggest you get a head start by downloading our planner. We take you through the steps to create a delicious, memorable, stress-free dinner. To get the planner (I already printed mine!), read more

This dinner is just what you're looking for if you want something that's tasteful but not time consuming or fussy. Pair lightly skillet-fried sole with an almond sauce and a lemon-artichoke pasta, and you've got the perfect meal for a casual Friday night.

If you can't locate Petrale or Dover sole, try another mild-flavored flat whitefish, such as flounder, sand dabs, turbot, or halibut. Learn how to make it when you read more

• Ever wonder what Top Chef Gail Simmons cooks at home? Here's 10 of her favorite recipes. — Food and Wine
• Foodies show off their food tattoos. — Chow
• Six supermarket turkeys are put to the test. — Epicurious
• How to handle annoying party guests. — Lemondrop
• Which roasting pan is the best for holiday cooking? — The Kitchn
• Beautiful inspiration for a modern Thanksgiving dinner. — Hostess With the Mostess
• Get the official Top Chef Team Rainbow shirt. — Serious Eats

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Yesterday I spoke with Lauren, the first contestant to pack up her knives on the fifth season of Top Chef. The confident, young pastry chef was emotional when she spoke of her deployed husband and opinionated as she discussed the difference between the food and film industries. To find out what she had to say about Padma, read more

Use a combination of white, bronze, and gold to create a rich looking Thanksgiving table. Cover the table with an embroidered runner and mirrored place mats. On each setting, place a white plate and a gold napkin. Paint mini pumpkins with bronze paint, tie a pretty ribbon to the stem, and attach to a hand-written place card. Goblet-style wine glasses work for both white and red wine. A branch-like candelabra looks stunning on a nearby banquet. Copper votives glow with candles at the table. Lush, white bouquets add a touch of refined elegance.

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The shellfish known as the oyster has long been thought to have aphrodisiac properties, but now researchers at Louisiana State University have come up with yet another reason to eat them: they may help prevent and treat cancer.

Oysters contain fat compounds called ceramides, which researchers found can restrict the growth of breast-cancer cells as well as prevent the formation of blood vessels, which inhibits cancer from spreading. In a seven-day study, cancer growth decreased by 57 percent.

In case you're wondering, both raw and cooked oysters apply. The only exception would be the use of fat-reducing grills, because ceramide is found in oil, which is lost when using a tilted grill. Does this finding make you want to eat more oysters?

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