Ever since Fab's party on Saturday night, I can't stop thinking about French macaroons! They are the perfect dessert because —like cupcakes — they come in a ton of different flavors. They are also small, incredibly cute, and colorful. I've added French macaroons to my list of cookies to bake for the holidays, but instead of doing the classic almond variety, I'm planning on making these peanut-chocolate macaroons. To get the recipe for this scrumptiously, pretty cookie, read more

I absolutely love figs. I also happen to love candy. Knowing that, it should come as no surprise: I am crazy for these Caffarel Fig and Chestnut Candies. — Candyblog

A while back, I found out that some of my Irish relatives were early cultivators of the California wine industry. They founded Concannon Vineyard in the Livermore valley in 1883. Knowing that I wouldn't get out to Livermore to sample the wine, I totally forgot about my heritage as a vitner.

Last Thursday, while at a wine tasting, I took a sip of a smooth, earthy Cab-Sav blend and had to do a double take. The wine was from my family winery, Concannon! The wine has a dark, ruby color, rich finish, and dark fruit flavors. It would be lovely paired with a holiday roast beef or pork with an herb crust.

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Attention Metromint fans, the Soma Beverage Company — makers of Metromint — are recalling all bottles of Metromint flavors Peppermint, Spearmint, Orangemint, and Lemonmint that have a best before stamp of 2008/12/21 and were produced at its California facility (letters KSA located in the lower right-hand corner).

Why the recall? Turns out the bottles may be contaminated with Bacillus cereus, a type of food poisoning. If you've got your mitts on a recalled bottle return it to the place where you purchased it, and don't drink it as it could cause a wide range of symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.

Uh oh, sounds like someone's got a PR nightmare on their hands. The water is normally pretty refreshing; it's bottled water with a splash of minty freshness. The company is pretty young and is still building a fan base. I hope this recall doesn't set them back too far.

If you're concerned and would like to speak with someone, Soma Beverage can be contacted at 415-979-0781, ext. 101.

• Bay Area caterers offer their top tips and delicious recipes to help you throw glamorous and welcoming holiday parties. — San Francisco Chronicle
• In a world of snack menus and small plates, is the entree headed for extinction? — New York Times



• Looking for more gift ideas? Here are 16 Midwestern artisan faves. — Chicago Tribune
• Originally banned in 1912, absinthe is finally back. — Boston Globe
• Lots of great books hit the shelves this year; here are 16 books worth checking out. — Washington Post
• Celebrate Christmas Texas-style with The Pastry Queen's holiday cookbook. — Houston Chronicle
• Old-fashioned treats and cookies get a few modern upgrades. — The Oregonian
• Looking for another holiday cookie? Try these rum-filled thumbprints. — Sacramento Bee

When planning a holiday cocktail party, don't forget the desserts! Since some guests are bound to have a sweet tooth, set up a small buffet of sweet treats when you set up the savory appetizers. Guests can nibble on cheese and chocolate. Fill bowls with Christmas M&M's or Hershey's kisses.

Don't serve a cake or pie because slicing and plating it is more work for you. Instead, offer one-bite sweets that guests can help themselves to. Mini black bottom cheesecakes are decadent and delicious. The raspberry jam adds a punch of festive color. Homemade chocolate truffles are easily prepared in advance. For the recipes to these delectable desserts, please read more

Here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry for food. You have to cook up something scrumptious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse/child/friend, but the ingredients you have on hand are limited.

You have fresh crab meat, sliced sourdough, and green onions. Using these products, along with whatever you currently have on hand in your cupboard and refrigerator, what would you make?

To see what I would whip up, read more