• The trick to making homemade cranberry jelly that stands upright just like the store-bought kind is cooking it for a longer period of time. New York Times

• Celebrity butcher (yes, it's a thing) Tom Mylan suggests dropping the highbrow shtick this Thanksgiving, and sticking to the classics like mashed potatoes and gravy, boxed stuffing, and sweet potato casserole. Gilt Taste

• The New York Public Library is launching an exhibition that showcases Thanksgiving related pictures, videos, and audio submissions from New Yorkers. New York Public Library

• You can never prep too early for Thanksgiving. Make the cranberry sauce today, cornbread tomorrow, and sides on Wednesday, and all you'll have to do on Thursday is pop in the turkey and relax with your loved ones. Food 52

• A hint of black pepper and rosemary gives fluffy dinner rolls an unexpected, flavorful twist. Confections of a Foodie Bride

• Braised brussels sprouts tossed in a simple balsamic and red wine reduction is an easy one-pot side dish for a day of busy cooking. Depanneur

• Kabocha ravioli with a toasted hazelnut cream sauce is one of those brilliant main dishes that's appealing to any of the friends at your table, vegetarian or carnivorous. Spoon Fork Bacon

• Sweet potato pie is even better when miniature cinnamon buns are baked right into the crust. Taste for Adventure

• Stuff browned leftover turkey, salsa, and queso fresco into fresh cornmeal areapas for a zesty Mexican spin on classic American cuisine. My Bueno Cookbook

Photo: Various Gourds 2 by Prima Civitas Foundation