One of the most overlooked items on a Thanksgiving table is the bread; often it is nothing more than store-bought rolls. Although I've made buttermilk biscuits in the past, this year I was looking for a bread item that can be made in advance. I was thrilled to find a creative alternative in this recipe for savory madeleine.
The batter is basically a cornbread, but as the madeleines cook the shell side bakes to a delightful crispness that enhances the texture of the bread. I seasoned each of the madeleines with different ingredients using sage, Gruyére cheese and kalamata olives. Other great flavor options are jalapeno, rosemary, or sun-dried tomato. The possibilities are endless — you could even season them to complement each course of the meal. To try this delectable alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving rolls or biscuits, read more

This age-old claim is both fact as well as fiction. Turkey does contain tryptophan, an amino acid that often converts to serotonin, a sleep-regulating neurotransmitter. But in order to truly experience the side effects of tryptophan, one would need to eat copious amounts of turkey on an empty stomach.

Tryptophan can be found to some degree in red meat, eggs, fish, poultry — virtually every animal product. And in reality, few people eat solely turkey at a Thanksgiving meal. Most of us also eat massive quantities of sides, such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and yams. These carbohydrate-heavy foods trigger the pancreas to produce insulin, which blocks energy. Combine this "food-coma" effect with a few too many glasses of wine and football on the couch, and you're in for quite a sleepy night, turkey or no turkey.

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Earlier this month, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the opening of the world's first all-organic bar. So when I learned of Loft Liqueurs, the first USDA certified organic liqueur, I had to find out what all the hype was about.

Created by two best friends and San Francisco hospitality veterans to save people from "the bright neon color of your average apple martini," the limoncello-inspired spirits are at the forefront of sustainability and eco-consciousness. In addition to being made with all-natural ingredients, the kosher-certified liqueur is sweetened primarily with agave nectar. The company supports small farms and biodynamic agricultural practices when possible, and uses recycled cases, biodegradable inks, and bamboo-based paper.

I tried four flavors — lavender, spicy ginger, tangerine, and lemongrass. To hear what I thought of them, read more

Move over, Jared. Subway's got a new guy in town, and his name is Michael Phelps. The mega-medal Olympian continues to score endorsements faster than his swimming records. He's now landed an exclusive fast food deal to represent Subway beginning early next year. As Phelps puts it:

Subway restaurants have always given me the options that I am looking for — whether that's healthy sandwiches before a big meet or the tasty meatball sub that I treat myself with. I was ready to take my Subway fandom to the next level — I really think of Subway as a champion food option.

The exclusive fast food deal has left many industry experts puzzled, considering the swimmer unabashedly campaigned for a relationship with McDonald's during the Summer games. But the announcement isn't the first surprise move by Phelps, who shocked everyone when he declined to appear on the cover of the Wheaties box — as many Olympic champions have done — in favor of endorsing Kellogg's Corn Flakes and Frosted Flakes. Do you think Phelps is an appropriate fit for Subway?

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Take note friends and family: These gifts are perfect for the ultimate party girl. I'm talking about the gal who hardly sleeps, is constantly in the process of planning a fabulous soirée, and considers party-hopping her favorite sport.

This gold crocodile wine caddy lets her transport bubbly in style. A pretty cocktail shaker and embellished martini glasses are ideal for mixing drinks at home. For a special splurge, give her a bottle of Cabo Wabo Uno tequila.

Check out the entire selection of party girl gifts below and head to HolidaySugar for more inspiring gift ideas.

Put your hands together and give a huge congratulations to TeamSugar user pinkoliveblossom! She's the lucky winner of our Ultimate Thanksgiving Giveaway!

Williams-Sonoma is shipping her a turkey and over $700-worth of kitchen tools including a baster, brining bags, thermometer, roast lifters, twine holder, kitchen timer, potato peeler, spatulas, garlic peeler, The New Thanksgiving cookbook, and more.

I hope she enjoys her prize and shares the details of her Thanksgiving celebration with all of us!