Bacon has surpassed cupcakes as the food of the moment: In the past year, we've seen it appear in everything from chocolate to vodka to pork-flavored floss.

Its latest incarnation? Baconnaise, made by J&D's, the brand best known for its Bacon Salt. Since I love both mayo and bacon, as soon as I heard about it, I decided I needed to have it.

On its own, the spread had an incredibly creamy, smoky flavor. When used in place of mayonnaise in my lunchtime BLT, it enhanced the bacon that I couldn't get enough of. I even found myself dipping my potato chips in Baconnaise (a bit too salty, but still delicious), and wondering whether or not it would be kosher to just dip the entire corner of my sandwich into the jar. (For the record, Baconnaise itself is certified kosher.)

The best aspect of Baconnaise is the fact that even people who don't like mayonnaise might love it. Aside from its creamy texture, it really bears no resemblance to mayonnaise. And Baconnaise only includes milk and eggs, which means that for once, vegetarians can take part in bacon, if they so choose.

It's my new favorite thing. I mean, why eat regular mayonnaise ever again, when one can enjoy the savory roundedness of Baconnaise? For those of you who have tried it, did you like it as much as I did?

A caramelized pumpkin trifle is the perfect finish to a foodie Thanksgiving. A seemingly simple dessert, a trifle is really quite complex. Before assembling you have to make the components. In this case, the flavors of classic pumpkin pie are layered to make an exciting new dish. Candied pumpkin, pumpkin bread, and cinnamon pudding come together to create the ultimate dessert. To look at the recipe that allows you to show off your trifle dish, read more

Store-bought rotisserie chicken is one of the tastiest culinary shortcuts around. It's incredibly moist and flavorful, but all you have to do to prepare it is pull the meat off the bird. Since I love leftover sandwiches, I combined my current passion for chutney and bread-and-butter pickles with some excess chicken from a recent dinner.

The mango chutney, salty-sweet pickles, and smoky chicken come together to create a perfectly provocative bite, while the melted swiss and sprouts hold the potentially slippery sandwich in place. It's a ridiculously easy meal you can make in minutes, but the flavors are anything but simple. To get the recipe and step-by-step photos, read more

• Deciphering squash: Which ones make a fluffy pie, and which ones do you put on the mantel? — San Francisco Chronicle
• Things you need to know before you get started making bagels at home. — Los Angeles Times
• Which cuts of meat are the most giving during tough economic times? — Boston Globe
• The perfect wine pairings for Turkey Day can be scored for under $25. — New York Times
• Make popovers foolproof with a few simple tips. — Chicago Tribune
• Food personality Mark Bittman discusses how the food world has changed over the past decade. — Wall Street Journal
• Oolong is the choice variety among tea aficionados, but has been slow to gain a mass-market following. — Washington Post

Source

Don't know what to get the guy who already has every kitchen gadget known to man? Try these high-tech kitchen appliances. They're so cutting edge, chances are he's never seen them.

Dad will definitely impress his friends in the kitchen when he whips out just-carbonated water or controls grilled meat from a yard's length away at the touch of a button.

For more gift ideas, browse the selection below. Check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

It can be easy to associate salads with repetition and zero flavor, but these mixed greens have a completely refreshing point of view. Here, Rachael Ray takes what's thought to be junky ballpark food and turns it into something entirely unexpected. Juicy tomatoes, succulent hot dogs, tart relish, tangy mustard, and pungent onions make for a satiating, hearty salad. For Chicago-style authenticity, opt for Vienna Beef all-beef hot dogs. To get the recipe, read more

This month, Tim Tam, the number one cookie in Australia, will be hitting shelves in America. Arnott's Biscuits, the maker of the Australian hit cookie, is partnering with sister company Pepperidge Farm to stock Tim Tams in America for a limited time. "Pepperidge Farm is thrilled to introduce Tim Tam to American consumers. We're certain Americans will soon understand why this scrumptious cookie is all the rage in Australia," a spokesperson from Pepperidge Farm said in a statement.

All the rage indeed: Since its introduction down under in 1964, the chocolate-covered cookie, which is made of two chocolate biscuits and a chocolate cream filling, has been a bestseller. Roughly 35 million packs — 400 million biscuits — of Tim Tams are sold to Aussies every year.

Two Tim Tam flavors will be available at Target beginning this month: chocolate creme and caramel. The biscuits, which will supposedly only be available through March 2009, are being retailed for $3.99. Have you ever heard of or tried a Tim Tam cookie before? When they debut at Target, will you be picking up a package of the cookies?

Source, Source, and Source

I mentioned last week that I've noticed casseroles making a comeback. What better time to bring them back than during the holidays? If you've got a lot to plan this Thanksgiving, stick with a no-muss, no-fuss recipe that'll be ready in around half an hour. If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, however, we've got just the expert green bean casserole for you, complete with homemade fried leek chips on top. To scope out both recipes, read more

That super-competitive friend from middle school just called and wants to come see you. Are your digs a disaster or drop-in worthy? As we head into party season, here’s how to get ready for those unexpected guests.

Neatness: When you’re cooking, use dishwasher-safe pans and plates so you can keep the kitchen neat. And if you’re heading out, pick up those dirty socks and tidy the bathroom just in case you end up hosting the afterparty.

Nibbles: Stock up on popcorn, nuts, olives, and other emergency snacks, and make sure there’s a variety of drinks in the fridge. To really impress, check out the quick appetizer recipes in Amana’s microwave cookbook.

No worries: Remember, that friend won’t be looking at your kitchen floor. She’ll be looking at your bunny slippers. And you’ve got just enough time to change shoes before she gets here.

Don't forget to take our quiz to find out what kind of appliance you are and you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win a Jot™ Refrigerator from Amana!

Take the Quiz >

For official contest rules, click here.