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I'm in college and my housemates and I are going to do a Thanksgiving dinner next thursday, mainly because it'll be the last night we're all in town, as well as the fact that one of them is getting their wisdom teeth removed the day before actual Thanksgiving--what a shame! I make a delicious ginger ale-brined turkey, but one of my housemates doesn't eat meat, so I'll be making the grilled pumpkin ravioli with brown butter and sage sauce.

use spelt flour for the flour, zucchini or beets, applesauce or bananas for egg component. I've made a wheat-free, sugar free, dairy free, vegan chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache. I'll have to look for my recipe....

I've always wanted a little cafe that would make quiches and pies and soups and sandwiches that would be connected to the art gallery I have next door so patrons can walk around and eat or sit in the cafe with a hot latte. That, or a vegan/raw restaurant.

Something that will really keep you committed, but isn't food related, is marathon training. I'm currently training to run 2 marathons this year, and it has been a TOTAL lifesaver. It's hard to start up, but is completely and utterly self rewarding. Otherwise, tamales and canning sound like a great idea. Making croissants (someone already mentioned that too) takes a bit of time but is awesome. You can also try and learn how to make macarons (not macaroons) which are hard to master. Reorganize your spices, make pies for your neighbors, start a food business on Etsy. Good luck on whatever endeavor you choose!

@ Michelle Humes: Greek Goddess Yogurt (Hermes) is totally the best, and Ihavetoagreewithyouomg.

I do. Then you also have a handle to eat it with!

@ NYCEater-- there's a mix of bringing enough for everyone, and enough for ourselves.

I guess also, the e-vites never state that we're supposed to bring such things, but we show up, and everyone's gotten all of this done and we end up looking like douche bags and subsequently, kind of makes the host/ess look like one too. Our biggest concern was we don't seem to have the know-how on how to function at cookouts, and just didn't know what was normal. Prior to this year, I had never been invited to cookouts where we were expected to bring things (I mean, I usually bring at least a side at all times anyways).

I first wash my hands in soapy hot water, because the way I make lemonade requires a lot of handling.

I get 5-10 lemons (depending on how much lemonade I want to yield) wash those, and cut them in half--around the equator.

I hand squeeze 2/3rds of lemons. Once every last drop of juice comes out, I use my hands to pluck out any pieces of meat in the fruit. With the other 1/3rd of the lemons, I simply pluck out all of the little pieces of fruit. Then, I take lots of sugar, and macerate it with the lemon/lemon juice. Finally, I'll add lots of crushed ice, and a some ice water. It's the best lemonade if you love pulp as much as I do! When I have time, I'll even add some zest!

who won?!

this is probably nothing new to all of you, but I recently moved to Seattle (from the smallest town in Missouri, aka Misery) and discovered pho. Oh my, oh my soooooooooo goooooood.

Stuffed mushrooms, roasted brussels sprouts, and spinach artichoke dip! Friends and family also love my chili and dahl.

I passed out candy this year, (full sized candy bars!), for the first time because I usually go out trick or treating, and I'm twenty. I love trick or treating! To me, it's not about the candy, it's about the experience. Heck, I passed out candy to 40-50 year old parents tonight. I don't think it's ever too old to have a little fun. I'm pretty short so I've only experienced being told that I was too old once.

This is my all time favorite dish. I only get the chance to have it maybe once every 5 or more years. I would literally sell my car right now for a plate of it!