Cranberry

Although using herbs in cocktails is nothing new — in the Summer, I love incorporating basil into drinks — recently, I've been really into experimenting with rosemary as a flavor enhancer. In this recipe, the woodsy herb adds a hint of earthiness to a vodka-cranberry-based concoction. The original method, which I found on a fun iPhone application, calls for blackberry vodka, but I didn't want to splurge on an entirely new bottle of vodka, so I substituted regular vodka instead. It still tastes delicious: it's potent yet balanced and fruity without being overly sweet. I'm definitely making this recipe again! To give it a try, learn the technique now.

The creative folks at Demeter Fragrance Library are at it again. (Yes, the same ones that brought us a cannabis-inspired cologne and many other unconventional scents.) The latest offering is seasonally appropriate: Virtual Thanksgiving ($36). If you love perfume and pie, you're in for a real treat, as the set includes a trio of gourmand fragrances that seem — seem being the operative word here — almost good enough to eat. It includes Pumpkin Pie, Cranberry, and Golden Delicious Apple scents. Think it's a smart idea, or is this a turkey?

Pumpkin pie may be the traditional finish on Thanksgiving, but it's not my favorite dessert. Doesn't a food-centric holiday deserve something more spectacular than humble old-fashioned pumpkin pie?! Since it's the last thing your guests are going to eat, why not take the time to make a dish that's truly memorable?

This cranberry chocolate cheesecake is sure to stun and impress. It's absolutely amazing. The crust consists of crushed chocolate wafer cookies that are laced with cinnamon, the filling is a classic and incredibly creamy vanilla cheesecake, and the topping is a fruity, tart, and sweet cranberry syrup. If you're a cheesecake lover, this dessert is a must make. Get the make-in-advance recipe after the jump.

Right now it seems as if every chef is looking to the South for inspiration. So why not take a tip from the likes of Alton Brown and John Besh and serve a Thanksgiving meal that oozes with Southern charm? Plan a dinner that highlights simple and delicious cooking. Start with an unfussy roast turkey recipe that's seasoned with lots of salt and pepper and served with a rich turkey gravy.

Keep things uncomplicated and bake an oyster dressing with bacon and hot sauce outside of the bird. It's spicy, bready, and deliciously briny. Whip up a batch of mashed potatoes loaded with sour cream and white cheddar cheese. Finally, round out the menu with a bourbon-cranberry compote. It's the perfect sweet-tart accompaniment to succulent turkey. To be inspired by this collection of curated recipes, keep reading.

Start off your November right by stocking up on some of the season's best, like super-crispy lady apples and a rainbow of delicately fragrant pear varieties. Pomaceous fruits are most gratifying when eaten out of hand, but they also add an element of complexity to Autumn cocktails.

Here, tender anjou pear slices add intrigue to a classic cosmopolitan for an ultrasmooth sip and a mellow yet lingering finish. Serve it to guests at a Fall function, and leave them wondering what makes your cosmo so special. For a recipe that's very right now, keep reading.

If you've got both vegetarians and meat lovers joining you for Thanksgiving, consider serving an almost meatless meal. The only meat dish on the menu is the turkey, but the appetizers and supporting dishes are all veg-friendly. Start with baked brie and toasted walnuts. It's a luxurious way to begin any party and the salty cheese-nut combo will whet guests' palettes.

When you move to the table, serve a sherried kabocha soup with spiced pepitas as the first course. A bay and lemon brined turkey is the main event, while scalloped yukon gold and sweet potato gratin, Brussels sprouts with vinegar-glazed red onions, shiitake mushroom and herb stuffing, and roasted cranberry sauce are the scrumptious sides. To get a look at these savory and seasonal recipes, please keep reading

While I'm a fan of the classic margarita, during November, I like to enjoy its Thanksgiving-themed cousin, the cranberry margarita. It's surprising how much the addition of cranberry juice changes the flavor of the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice cocktail. It's festive and familiar, but potent with a rich autumnal hue. Instead of craving tortilla chips and guacamole, I found myself wanting something elegant and savory. Thus, I paired the cran marg with a warm crab dip. Shake and serve straight up, or pour over ice, like I did. To check out the recipe, which is perfect for a party, read more

Are you sick of the same old, boring Thanksgiving recipes? Then this year, why not shake things up and serve a menu that is bold, flavorful, and eye-catching? Start with fried polenta bites with spicy chorizo. The focal point is a vibrantly colored turkey coated in adobo and red-chile gravy. On the side: cornbread stuffing, chile scalloped sweet potatoes, cranberry citrus compote, and olive oil mashed potatoes with manchego cheese.

While the traditional elements are there, each of these recipes has a slight twist making them oh-so-modern. Use all to host a memorable meal or incorporate one or two into your menu. The recipes, after the jump.