Coming to Your Table this week

We're in the home stretch for 2008, which brings up the last run of Christmas recipes. We've got some new twists on traditional side dishes, as well as quick, sweet treats that can be made easily.

For your last-minute Christmas gifts, we've got a review of The Hot Item for 2007, the panini press. (Editorial comment: I've got a Cuisinart one, and I'll get on a tear and use it three times a week, minimum, for everything from sandwiches to fish and chicken.)

Finally, we've got an ode to Emeril Lagasse's departure from prime time on Food Network.