Turkey

Yesterday the dreary weather in San Francisco had me craving a crispy melted sandwich. Instead of a classic grilled cheese, I wanted to incorporate thin slices of peppered deli-turkey. However, I couldn't decide what else should go on the sandwich, so I asked you for help on Facebook and Twitter.

Your suggestions were inspiring! Provolone, bacon, tomato, red onion, and avocado. Sautéed onions, swiss, and bacon. Brie, avocado, and green apple. Artichokes, cheese, and tomato chutney. While they all sounded scrumptious, in the end, I went with caramelized shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and three types of cheese.

The resulting sandwich was amazing. It came together quickly and was incredibly satisfying. To check out the recipe, which is totally adaptable (use whatever ingredients you want/have on hand to make your own ultimate turkey melt!), keep reading.

OK, stylists, put your thinking caps on, because we've got a Fab reader in need of some serious style advice. This week I'm asking you to rise to the challenge and come up with an amazing travel look for a Fab reader who's headed to Turkey. Our girl will be hitting the sites and touring for most of the trip, so let's keep things comfy and functional. Sound doable? Can't wait to see all of your fabulous looks!

There are no rules, only utter creativity. Remember to create your spread in ShopStyle, then post it in the Fab Stylist group — here are detailed instructions.

While you may have heard that tryptophan, an amino acid popularly found in turkey, will make you tired after eating your annual Thanksgiving meal, the truth is that it's found in plenty of common foods and is likely not the cause of your lethargic behavior. In fact, the amount of tryptophan found in turkey is about the same as other poultry, and nearly the same amount as pork. Tryptophan is also found in fish, eggs, even rice. So, before you crash on the couch and blame the tryptophan, here are a few suggestions of what's really making you sleepy after your meal.

• Wine Not to overstate the obvious, but holidays generally call for celebration, and celebration often calls for wine. The alcohol alone would make you sleepy; pair it with a whole lot of food and you have a recipe for a nap.
• Sheer volume of food I don't know about you, but my Thanksgiving meal requires at least one trip back to the buffet line . . . if not more. Consuming all of that food means your body is using its energy to digest, not keep you awake. If you must try everything, try eating smaller portions of each thing to help stay awake.
• Carbohydrates Rolls, potatoes, and stuffing are Thanksgiving faves, but all of the carb-loaded comfort food can leave you feeling lethargic, too.
• Tiredness If you helped prepare the meal, you probably woke up early and spent most of the day on your feet. Then, after sitting down to a large, comfortable meal, your body relaxes and feels tired. That much action in the kitchen is bound to tire even the most seasoned Thanksgiving cook.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and if you've all of a sudden realized that you're in charge of planning, cooking, and hosting a dinner, don't freak out. I've got your back — and an incredibly easy menu that can be put together in just about two hours. For the appetizers, take some help from the store. Pick up your favorite cheese, crackers, dried fruit, and nuts. Use these items to throw together an uncomplicated yet stunning cheese display. When it comes to the main course, the simpler the better. Serve turkey breast roasted with lemon and thyme, mashed sweet potato paprika puree, and a hearty, healthy portion of braised kale.

Thanksgiving isn't about the quantity of food, it's about the quality of conversation you have while enjoying the meal. Want more fast Thanksgiving recipes? Here's 10 awesome and uncomplicated dishes.To savor the menu described here with loved ones, get the recipes after the break

Everyone's heard the age-old adage that turkey contains chemicals that make you sleepy. But is that really the explanation for why one feels inclined to fall into a deep slumber after Thanksgiving dinner?

Not really. Turkey does contain tryptophan, an amino acid that's been known to convert to a sleep-regulating transmitter, serotonin. But tryptophan's also in virtually every other animal product, and few eaters consume enough turkey for any true effect to be realized.

The real culprit at Thanksgiving supper is the glut of carbohydrate-heavy foods like stuffing, yams, mashed potatoes, and pie, which trigger insulin production and block energy. This "food coma" — along with what's possibly too many glasses of wine — is really to blame.

Got a burning question? Join the Burning Question group in the YumSugar Community! It's your place to post the most pressing questions about the culinary world.