The weekend before Thanksgiving, my father and I were watching Food Network together. We were multitasking, computers in our laps, as we browsed online recipes searching for the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer recipe.Suddenly we were captivated by a dish — a hot artichoke and fresh crab mixture — that Tyler Florence was making on the television. It was his ultimate party appetizer: artichoke crab dip with Parmesan cheese and crostini. Salivating, my father and I decided immediately we would make that dip.

We made the right decision, it's insanely delicious and was gone in a matter of minutes. Since then, I've made this dip three times! It's cheesy, gooey, and absolutely divine. Don't be afraid of the crab, this dip is not fishy. If it sounds like something you might enjoy, check out the recipe and read more

Earlier we asked your thoughts on the Best of 2008, and that included your favorite grocery store of the year. Although prices went through the roof on everything from beef to dairy, you chose Trader Joe's as your number-one pick. For the second year in a row, it was the clear winner, taking 39 percent of the vote. We must be on the same wavelength because Trader Joe's is Yum's supermarket fave, too. We love TJ's because it offers a variety of unique, all-natural food choices without breaking the bank. It's got a frozen-food selection, cheese offering, and wine section. We wish every grocer could offer the same value for the quality. In fact, we love the store so much that we experimented with a cookbook that exclusively calls for items from Trader Joe's. What are your reasons for preferring TJ's?

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First Lady Laura Bush can host opulent diplomat dinners, but can she still stir the pots? As the first lady and her husband, President George W. Bush, get ready to move out of the White House next month, they're looking forward to returning to the humdrum of everyday life. For her, this means getting back into the kitchen. "I haven't cooked in 14 years," she told Fox News Channel's On the Record. Perhaps the first lady could use a refresher course on how to peel shrimp or some simple tips on one of the most basic cooking skills: scrambling eggs. "He can't even remember what it was like, and neither can I," she admits. "This will be interesting."

What advice do you have for First Lady Laura Bush as she attempts to polish her rusty cooking skills?

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If you are traveling with food this holiday season (I'm bringing a potato gratin to my uncle's house for Christmas dinner), place it on the floor in your car. While you may think it's safer to hold the food in your lap, it's actually easier to set the food carefully below the seat. It's less likely to spill and won't go flying after a sudden stop or wide turn. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Next secure a spot on the ground between your feet and drive safely!

Got a great tip for transporting food? Please share with us below.

Rugelach is a traditional Jewish pastry made with a cream cheese dough. It's the perfect sweet finish to a latke happy hour Hanukkah party. The entire menu is finger food including the dessert! These cookies can be made in advance, so get started on the baking the day before the event. As a favor give everyone a small bag of chocolate gelt. To look at the classic rugelach recipe, read more

Spicy wasabi peas can kick up your party-food spread, and this popular snack can do the same for a thick piece of salmon. The sinus-clearing punch of horseradish mellows out when the peas are ground up and used as a coating on roasted fish. Zest of lime and shredded cabbage make for a pretty plate, while another pea — sugar snap — offers even more crunch with a touch of sweetness.

I've made this dish several times, and it's always far more satisfying than it is a challenge. See how simple it is to make when you read more