Food, FUN & FRIENDS In this must-read food issue, three of the country's top young chefs -- think of them as a culinary Mod Squad -- show how to mix food, fun, friends and family in new ways this holiday season. By Michele Hatty

A world-mix dinner party by Marcus Samuelsson, 30, who hails from Ethiopia by way of Sweden, France and Asia. He is the chef-owner at Aquavit in New York and Minneapolis, where he cooks up exotic fare.
Marcus Samuelsson recipes

A last-minute dinner party by Tyler Florence, 29, the energetic host of the Food Network's Food 911.
Tyler Florence recipes

Thanksgiving with a twist by Melissa Kelly, 35. The granddaddy of dinner parties gets an update for the 21st century by the chef-owner of Primo in Rockland, Maine.
Melissa Kelly recipes

This issue supplies everything you'll need -- timelines, tips, grocery lists, amazing recipes and recommended wines. Please help yourself to three fabulous meals.

Also this week:

Interview with Isaac Hayes, the voice of South Park's Chef, covering his culinary past -- and present, as well as his new book!
Isaac Hayes

Spice up your relationship: Hints to make that special dinner a prelude to love.
The seduction of food

Cheese: The new dessert?
Cheese, please

Where on the Web: Finding hard-to-get gourmet foods online. Plus: Playing the online restaurant game: choosing, reserving, and ordering takeout
Where on the Web
Dining à la web

An apple a day: Half a dozen new studies back up the old adage about staying healthy
EatSmart with Jean Carper

Celebs trying their hand at the restaurant biz
Stars and Bars

Wine selections for these meals by Andrea Immer, 33, one of only 10 women in the world to hold the title of Master Sommelier.
Wines

How can vegetarian kids spend Thanksgiving with their turkey-eating families?
RelationTips

The skinny on energy bars by Stephanie Oakes, our new fitness expert!
FitSmart

Photography by BRAD TRENT for USA WEEKEND
Food Photography BRIAN LEATART & RENEE COMET for USA WEEKEND
Food styling by Lisa Cherkasky, Kimberly Huson and Jo Waller