By KATHY STEPHENSON, Salt Lake Tribune

In the bottom drawer of her cupboard, Robin Roberson spies a gizmo that's part kitchen tongs, part spatula.

"It seemed like it would be so handy," Roberson thought when she purchased the two-in-one gadget several years ago. But Roberson, who retired as a professor at Utah's Salt Lake Community College, has "never even used it."

Whether you are making Thanksgiving dinner for the first time or the 40th, it's easy to be overwhelmed by all the shopping, chopping and roasting.

But so many parts of the holiday meal can be made ahead, significantly reducing the stress level of the host.

Thanksgiving dinner doesn't happen overnight. Here is a step-by-step plan that spreads most of the work over seven days. Post this plan on the refrigerator and check off things as you finish.

Seven days before:

-- Order fresh turkey (if using).

Six days before:

Simple is best when it comes to enjoying a fresh-picked garden tomato. Who can resist one of these ripe beauties when it's seasoned with salt and pepper or sliced in a sandwich with bacon and lettuce?

When you have a bumper crop of these orbs and you need to go beyond the usual salsas, salads and sandwiches, here are 20 ways to enjoy this fresh summer favorite:

Fortunately, it is possible to feast, and be thankful, on a budget.

Here are eight suggestions for serving a memorable Thanksgiving meal and still have dollars left over.

1. Make it potluck.

Whether a dog gives a friendly yap or an angry snarl, baby can tell how Fido is feeling.
A new study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University found that infants -- some just 6 months old -- could match the sound of a happy bark with a photo of a dog that looked friendly. Conversely, the youngsters paired an angry growl with a photo of a threatening-looking dog.

What should you do when your toilet dies in the line of "doody"?
Have a funeral, of course.
On Friday morning, a hamburger joint in Centerville, Utah will have a "moment of silence" for the potty that was destroyed last week when a patron's handgun fell out of the holster and fired as he was hitching up his pants.

Flip through the television channels and it's clear that America is mad about makeovers. This Thanksgiving, consider new takes on some old side dishes.We asked local culinary figures to help. Each one was assigned a holiday classic -- stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans and cranberry sauce -- and told to give it an update. Here are the results:STUFFING:

It's one sandwich that bursts with many contrasting flavors.The Vietnamese-style hero sandwich -- called banh mi -- is a melding of a crusty baguette, seasoned meats, crisp Asian vegetables and cooling herbs. It's been called "French and Asian fusion at its best" and even "cheesesteak sandwich meets spring rolls."

In addition to new classes, textbooks and homework, the new academic year also signals the return of after-school sports.The long hours away from home for practices and games can create a nutritional challenge for young athletes who need to be fueled and hydrated to perform their best.