Last week, while at my parents house, I was watching an old episode of Everyday Italian when my mom turned to me and said, "Let's make that cocktail!" With its vibrant color it looked amazing, so we sent my dad to the store to pick up the ingredients. The recipe calls for maraschino liqueur, a spirit that's pretty difficult to find.

The next best substitute, according to the alcohol specialist at G&G Market, is kirschwasser. Although it didn't have the bright orange hue, the cocktail was spectacular: not too sweet with a hint of fizz.

Limoncello is an unexpected flavor that makes the drink tart. The recipe makes enough for six cocktails, so it's perfect for entertaining. To look at Giada's recipe, read more

Last month, we reviewed the "test" edition of Food Network's eponymous magazine, and we didn't think it broke new ground. But apparently its publisher does: Hearst Corporation has decided to give the magazine the official go-ahead. Said Hearst VP Alec Casey:

We have had a great initial response to the first test issue, and feel confident that this magazine will resonate with consumers. At Hearst, we are always looking at how we can introduce new products that fill a need in the marketplace, and we think Food Network Magazine fits that bill.

Another test issue is planned for January 2009 and will be followed by the first official issue in June/July 2009. The issues are scheduled to hit newsstands every other month, but eventually the glossy plans to transition into becoming a monthly.

Have you picked up a copy of the magazine at the newsstand yet? What do you think of Hearst's plans for a massive rollout?

Can't wait for Thanksgiving? This Tex-Mex-style meal is for you! It uses classic Thanksgiving ingredients to create a lasagna-like dish. Turkey is tossed with stir-fried vegetables, enchilada sauce, and cranberry sauce. The mixture is layered with cheese between corn tortillas before being baked until crisp and gooey. This dish is also a great way to transform leftovers. Feel free to substitute chicken for the turkey, if that's what you have on hand. To look at the recipe, read more

Even on a budget, you can achieve a beautiful and elegant atmosphere for Thanksgiving dinner. Cover the table with a brown cloth. Search for a tablecloth that is on sale, or if you have access to a sewing machine, purchase some cheap fabric and sew a tablecloth. Shimmery paper makes an affordable place mat. Don't purchase new china; instead, use what you have on hand. Plain cotton napkins are environmentally friendly and inexpensive.

For a set of wine glasses, cutlery, and tealight votive holders, look no further than Ikea. It's a great place for large quantities at a low price.

Add an element of nature to the table with homemade place card holders. Write the names on the same paper as the place mats. Cut out and attach to a pinecone or tree spur with a satin ribbon. Avoid going overboard on the flowers; one simple bouquet is enough. Purchase the flowers at your local supermarket (instead of at a floral shop) and arrange yourself. Safeway and Trader Joe's usually have luscious bouquets for under $10.

Source

Casserole has long had a bad rap, but after many years, it appears to be shedding its negative image and staging a comeback.

These hot entrées hit their pinnacle of popularity in the 1960s, when housewives relied on the easy formula to put dinner on the table. Over the years, however, people grew to associate the word casserole with unappetizing mixtures of mystery meats and canned soups, and casseroles went the way of the tape player. Enter the current economic crisis, and casserole dishes have been reappearing everywhere. To see why, read more

• Ten vegetarian dishes perfect for Thanksgiving. — Chow
• Countdown to Thanksgiving with turkey expert Rick Rogers. — Epicurious
• How to roast pumpkin seeds. — Cookthink
• Cook's Illustrated's vodka pie crust gets put to the test. — The Kitchn
• Making biscuits from scratch versus making biscuits from a box. — Serious Eats
• Find out where your favorite Top Chefs like to eat. — Bravo

Source