When I heard the name of this cocktail, I assumed it would be a devilish drink that was either too spicy or super strong. I was pleasantly surprised when it was neither hot or potent, but rather a delightfully well-balanced, tasty cocktail.

Despite its blushing color, this mix of tequila, Canton, and lemon juice is not a typically girlie, sweet concoction.

Created by one of New York's top mixologists, Jim Meehan, the diablo is simple to make at home. Take the time to chill the glasses before hand, it will make a better drink.

The recipe calls for creme de cassis, but I made mine with Chambord, because that's what was in my liquor cabinet. To check out Jim's Diablo, read more

Although prices of almost everything have soared, good deals do exist. The New York Times scoured the boroughs to see what kind of fare could be had for $1, and earlier this year, New York magazine proclaimed that "beggars can be choosers" when it comes to 99-cent finds. Even in my expensive backyard, the Bay Area, there are deals to come by. My favorite bargain? The 99-cent, foot-long hot dog with all-you-can-eat ketchup, mustard, and sauerkraut at Slots-a-Fun in Las Vegas. I also love the McCormick & Schmick's $2 bar menu, which includes mussels and burgers. I have to say that when it comes to these prices, value does in fact have a taste: delicious.

What about you? What's the best thing you can find at a rock-bottom price?

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Upon arrival at the pumpkin patch, choose a location for your picnic. Look for a large table that is isolated, but easy to access with your cooler and supplies. Pack the salad, drinks, and ice in a large, wheeled cooler. Put the cheese and other nonperishable food in a picnic basket.

Pour the soup into thermoses and place inside the basket. Cover the table with an orange tablecloth and set a bouquet of sunset-colored Gerber daises in the center. Serve the food on brown paper products and the cocktails in clear plastic tumblers. Bring plastic utensils, but remember to recycle when you are finished eating.

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The classic pot roast gets a quick, modern makeover in this delicious recipe. Instead of slow roasting a large piece of meat, petite pieces of beef tenderloin are pan seared.

Then, they're tossed with fleshy sweet potatoes for a rapid roast in the oven. This recipe also uses the last of the season's cherry tomatoes.

A fresh parsley gremolata finishes off this robust dish. To make this meal for your family, read more

When a friend of mine was raving about a tuna salad she'd recently made, I was envisioning old-school mayonnaise and canned tuna. So I got excited when she sent me the recipe and I realized we were dealing with an entirely different type of tuna salad. This version dresses seared fresh tuna in lime, soy, and wasabi powder for a tangy Asian flavor, which gets a creamy boost from diced avocado.The best part? While this recipe sounds fancier and uses more gourmet ingredients than a classic tuna salad, it's just as easy to whip up. I made it one night after work, and the whole process took less than 20 minutes. I don't know what was more jaw-dropping: the simple preparation or the irresistible flavor. The chunky tuna is quite filling, so served over lettuce with some crackers, this is a highly satisfying weeknight dinner. To get the recipe, read more

• The James Beard Foundation is accepting nominations for the 2009 awards and they've announced a new category for food blogs. — Eater SF
• This year make your own Halloween candy bars. — Chow
• Learn how to properly pair beer with food. — Beer Utopia
• Two hundred reasons to eat pizza. — Epi-Log
• Enter the Serious Eats pumpkin-carving contest! — Serious Eats
• Sticky Spiked Double-Apple Cake With a Brown Sugar-Brandy Sauce. Need I say more? — The Kitchn
• Get creative and throw a portrait party. — Hostess With the Mostess

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