By GAIL CIAMPA, The Providence Journal

The mystery and myths surrounding Red Velvet Cakes are seemingly endless. Do its beginnings trace back to Southern kitchens, or does the credit go to the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, which made it a popular dessert serving in the '20s?

Isn't this the year to master the fluffiest, best-ever mashed potatoes?
"How to Cook a Turkey," from the editors and contributors of Fine Cooking magazine, offers this recipe for fluffy mashed potatoes.

It involves two basic truths and one tangy addition.

1. Russets are the best choice for mashed potatoes because of their high starch content.

Expectations always run high for the Thanksgiving feast.

Some people will want the same kind of dinner they first remember having as a child. But the mavericks will hope for something a little bit different. As big as tradition is for Thanksgiving, most of us can agree it's nice to find a new taste at some point in this epic meal.

The time is just right to take a look at "Chili Madness" by Jane Butel. The days are cold and the dish is a hearty way to warm the body and soul. You might have a recipe on hand. But what if you don't want one with beef? Or you don't want meat at all? Or you want a newfangled version? This is the place to go.

Food, family and wartimes evoke strong memories in people, but we're not always attuned to the fact that those with these vivid memories won't always be around to share them. A Louisiana museum is seeking to capture some before they are forgotten and share them with the whole nation.