One of the best things about this time of year is the abundance of gorgeous and delicious winter squash. Unlike their summer counterparts, winter squash have thick, hard skin and seeds; the flesh is firm and requires cooking. Some varieties are available year round, but winter squash are best now through winter. When purchasing squash, look for heavy pieces with blemish free skin and deep colored rinds. Winter squash doesn't need to be refrigerated; store in a cool, dark spot for up to a month. When using a recipe that calls for a certain type of winter squash, be sure to refer to the following glossary. To take a look at it, read more

There's no doubt about it, peanut butter and bananas just go well together — and if you don't agree, just play along. When I saw this recipe for peanut butter and banana cookies, I couldn't believe that I'd never heard of it before. It seemed like such a no brainer, that I knew I'd have to highlight as part of our National Cookie Month coverage. If the idea of a bit of banana filling sandwiched between two delectable peanut butter cookies has you drooling, then get the recipe, just read more

If you have a picky foodie family, then compromise — such as this three-zone pizza — is a skill you should master. — Gastrokid

This Halloween, frighten your guests with a fantastic cocktail called the Vampire Kiss Martini. It's a twist on a classic champagne cocktail that will definitely put your guests in a festive mood. Garnished with wax teeth or — if you're feeling a little less kitschy — blood orange slices, this drink will definitely delight. To get the simple recipe, read more

I used to have this fabulous plastic orange Halloween candy bowl. It was a little cheesy with jack-o-lanterns, ghosts, and bats along the rim of the bowl. Normally I stay away from things that can only be used once a year, but I loved this bowl, it's part of what made Halloween special. Sadly, after one too many Halloween parties, the bowl vanished. Can you help me find a new Halloween candy bowl? It should be large enough to fit several bags of candy. Don't be afraid to look for spooky extras or classic Halloween symbols. Think fun and festive!

Bookmark the bowls in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Halloween Candy Bowl. I hope you discover some fabulous bowls!

Geeksugar has written a helpful explanation of how to bookmark.

Don't know where to start looking? Here's a list of my favorite online stores to get you started, read more

Carved pumpkins make great decorations for a Halloween party. While I could carve classic jack-o-lantern faces, or use a crazy template to make something artistic, this year I'm doing something different: geometric pumpkins! Here's how you can do it:

1. Purchase 8-10 pumpkins of the same size. Instead of cutting the top off of the pumpkin, hollow out through the bottom.
2. Create a geometric pattern on the pumpkins, repeating the same shape all over. Circles, squares, and triangles are fun; you could use a small saw, melon ball scooper, cookie cutter and hammer, sharp edged metal pipe, or electric drill to make the design.
3. Place each pumpkin over a lit candle or small light.
4. Arrange pumpkins festively around your room, walkway, or front porch.

Don't be afraid to take this technique and make it yours. For example you could try it on small pumpkins for a gorgeous Thanksgiving centerpiece!

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Leftover fish is one of those dishes that just doesn't re-heat well. It becomes overcooked, rubbery and the smell lingers for far too long. Yet, if you have any of last night's Lemon Butter Baked Salmon left, it would be a shame to just toss it out. This is why I've hunted down the perfect recipe. A lemony lentil salad that will work perfectly with the rest of the salmon. To check out the recipe read more