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Last year, I cooked my boyfriend penne alla vodka. It's so simple and inexpensive to make, but it doesn't fail to impress. This year, though, we opted for an indoor picnic, including some good, but inexpensive wine, some cheese and prosciutto, grapes or strawberries, bread and chocolate. My biggest splurge was on the chocolate ($16) and the wine ($19.99) but it's still way less expensive than the $300 per couple dinners in Miami, which you have to share with tens of other couples (mango&lime.net has the anatomy of my picnic). What'll make it more casual this year is that my boyfriend is moving to a new house, so the picnic will take place in an empty house filled with boxes. No pressure there, just a laid-back night at home drinking wine and eating with our fingers.

I had gumbo this Thanksgiving too but a traditional seafood gumbo. Using the turkey is a great idea that I may suggest we try next year! Oh, and the potato salad IN the gumbo works better than anyone imagined when told by the hostess that "Cajuns eat it that way."

Typically white but last year we grilled turkey thighs for Thanksgiving and they were to die for. Dark meat is definitely more tasty and juicy.