Last week I went to an Argentine wine tasting where I tried Colomé's 2008 Torrontés ($10.87). One of Argentina's most popular white grapes, the Torrontés grape was originally from Spain. Generally speaking Torrontés are similar to a Muscat or Gewürtztraminer.

From the Salta region of Argentina, the Bodega Colomé estate is one of the world's highest (over 7,500 feet) vineyards. Their Torrontés is an exceptional white with fruity aromas and a zingy finish. Crisp and clean, this delightful, light white is perfect chilled. It's highly drinkable and would be an excellent start to dinner. Pair with cured meats, cheese, and seafood.

Have you tried a Torrontés or any other wine from Argentina?

Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. While you could ask guests to bring dessert, I think the hostess should take on this sweet task. If you don't do much baking, it's more economical to purchase a ready-made pie dough.

However, if you have ingredients like flour and butter on hand, simply use those to make the pie. The classic recipe from Libby's is delicious and minimal. Ditch the whipped cream topping for a truly budget, fit-friendly dessert. To look at the recipe, read more

I'm surprised how many people share my affinity for pizza topped with Canadian bacon and pineapple. While I will happily devour many, many slices of Hawaiian pizza, it seems like an unlikely popular favorite. But to my delight, the yummy combo endures, so I figured why not turn the pizza toppings into a ridiculously easy sandwich? This Hawaiian pizza sub would be even better with fresh pineapple, but since it's out of season, I bought canned. To make up for it, I made the tomato sauce from scratch, though any premade marinara will do fine. The key is finding a great, soft sub-sandwich roll that will toast nicely without being hard to sink your teeth into. If you like Hawaiian pizza, you will devour these things almost as quickly as it takes to make them — that is, really fast. To get the recipe and step-by-step photos, read more

• During times of economic hardship, familiar American desserts can be a sweet comfort. — San Francisco Chronicle
• What role do tannins play in wine? — Washington Post
• Food review site Yelp has become an online force to be recognized. — New York Times
• Cozy up to those many exotic varieties of Winter squash. — The Oregonian
• For a speedy and inexpensive crowd-pleaser, make dinner Eggplant Parmesan pie. — Boston Globe
• Select white wines to stand up to any chowder. — Chicago Tribune
• A devastating blight wiped out American chestnuts, but now they're making a comeback. — Los Angeles Times
• General Mills has issued a recall of Progresso Hearty Tomato Soup. — Food & Drug Administration

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Yesterday, California passed the most far-reaching farm animal treatment measure to ever be placed on the ballot.

Proposition 2 passed with an estimated 62 percent of the vote in early returns and will affect 20 million farm animals in California, America's largest agricultural state. It requires farmers to give animals space to turn around, spread their wings, stand up, and lie down.

This ballot measure, which was sponsored by the Humane Society of America, goes into effect in 2015 and will entail, among other things, phasing out gestation crates for breeding pigs and veal cages for calves. Opponents, however, fear that the measure will actually bolster the market for cheaper, out-of-state agriculture where farmers aren't under the same regulations.

Did you vote on this measure? How do you feel about this animal rights victory? Do you think it sets an example for other states?

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Regardless of who you voted for, last night was a monumental night in American history. I wasn't feeling so well, so I watched history unfold at home with a beer, although in any other capacity I would've attended PartySugar and LibertySugar's election night bash.

How did you ring in the election? Did you tune in at a sports bar, or throw your own party? What was your election night drink of choice?

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At the Food Network NYC Wine and Food Festival last month, my favorite demonstration was Bobby Flay's. Although it was early October, Flay had Thanksgiving on the mind. He loves the food-centric holiday so much that every year, he wakes up at 5 a.m. and cooks a feast for 40 friends and family members. To find out how Flay makes his Thanksgiving a delicious success, read more

Peppery watercress and seared beef chunks make for an out-of-the-ordinary midweek meal. To save time, quickly marinate the meat while you prepare the rest of the salad. This delicious dinner salad calls for thinly sliced red onion, but you could incorporate other ingredients like mushrooms or bell pepper. Just remember the steak marinade is a mixture of soy sauce and fish sauce, so select vegetables that match the flavors of Asia. To look at the recipe, read more