Cooking an entire Thanksgiving meal is quite a hefty task. Not only does it require culinary expertise, but it also involves lots of planning. To help shoulder part of the burden and cut the budget, many people like to throw or attend a potluck Thanksgiving.
Usually the person hosting is in charge of the turkey. They should also assign side dishes — that way you won't end up with seven sweet potato casseroles and no cranberry sauce — and coordinate a cooking schedule.
If you're a guest at a potluck on Thanksgiving, be sure to ask the hostess what you should bring.
Select a side dish that can be made almost entirely in advance and put it together the morning of the big day. Communicate with the hostess and explain that your dish needs a certain amount of time in the oven or microwave. To see my recipe suggestions — like herb-roasted turkey, fennel and potato puree, sausage and apple stuffing, and cranberry ginger relish — for hosting and attending a potluck Thanksgiving, read more
Fennel newbies can sniff it at the market for a hint of the flavor to come. Select sturdy bulbs that are firm and free of blemishes, with vibrant, healthy fronds. Store in a plastic bag in the refrigerator, for use within 3 to 5 days. Before preparing, trim the vegetable of any discolored or tough outer layers. Discover your favorite way to use it when you 
If you're sick and tired of the average steak dinner, consider giving this creative recipe a whirl. The preparation is simple and straightforward grilling, but the combination of ingredients — tri-tip, fennel, lemons, and mozzarella — is out of the ordinary and unexpected. Each element serves a purpose: the hearty, charred steak is juicy, the anise-flavored fennel is crunchy, the soft, melted cheese is creamy, and the tangy, caramelized lemon is sour. It makes for an exciting meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Pour a glass of wine and let the weekend begin! For the recipe please, 
