Most people know that red wine pairs amazingly with dark chocolate. However, the folks at Trentadue Winery have taken the amazing combo one step further. Their Chocolate Amore ($25) combines red wine with chocolate and is really the best of both worlds. Trentadue uses the traditional port-making technique but stops fermentation in order to trap more sugar. Once the wine is done aging, the winery adds a bit of chocolate extract to enhance the flavor. It's rich and decadent and goes well over vanilla ice cream. But be warned: It's not meant to be guzzled by the glass — I think you'd end up in a dessert coma — but is meant to be enjoyed sparingly.

So tell me, are you interested in trying this wine? Have you ever had a chocolate-infused wine before?

Couscous is a staple common to North African cuisine. Instead of serving it as a savory part of my dinner menu, I decided to use it to make a sweet dessert. Most people have had rice or bread pudding, but the majority of my guests have yet to experience couscous pudding.

This variation is made with fluffy whipped cream, sautéed bananas, and fresh pineapple. This type of dessert is ideal for a dinner party because it can be made well in advance. To take a look at the recipe, read more

If there were any doubts about my intense love for sandwiches, this post should put them to rest, because I consumed this Monte Cristo at Canter's Deli in Los Angeles a mere three hours after eating an enormous French Dip at Philippe's. Hey, I was only in town for a few days, and there were many iconic sandwiches to be consumed!

Like the French Dip, the Monte Cristo was invented in Southern California. Traditionally, a Monte Cristo is made with bread dipped in egg — essentially, French toast — and filled with ham, turkey, and swiss cheese. The sweet, salty delight is then topped with powdered sugar and strawberry preserves. For more history and a recipe for the Monte Cristo, read more

• At-home jam making gets a hip but homey makeover. — San Francisco Chronicle
• J.R. Simplot, the billionaire who made his fortune selling frozen french fries, has died at age 99. — Los Angeles Times
• For movie night, pair gourmet popcorn with low-priced wine. — Dallas Morning News
• The miracle fruit rewires your palette to make food taste different! — New York Times
• It's easier than you think to make your own crackers. — Los Angeles Times
• How three families are coping with the rising cost of food. — Boston Globe
• Southern cooking meets south of the border, deliciously. — Atlanta Journal Constitution
• Chefs celebrate Summer by reinventing the iconic Chicago hot dog. —Chicago Tribune
• Learn the secrets to grilling the perfect pizza. — Washington Post
• Cool off this Summer with these iced tea-inspired cocktails. — Arizona Republic

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Over the long weekend I finally got around to experimenting with my new popsicle mold. The final result was perfect for the hot Summer months and a coffee lover's dream, a coffee popsicle! I used Vietnamese-style coffee — a simple concoction of sweetened condensed milk and strong coffee, traditionally served over ice — as my inspiration. These frozen delights were cool, refreshing, and oh so delicious. Packed with a caffeine punch, these popsicles are super simple to make. The hardest part is waiting for them to freeze!

This popsicle recipe can easily be altered to suit any coffee taste so feel free to add vanilla, mocha, or chocolate. To learn how to freeze your favorite coffee beverage, please read more

Now that there are fewer contestants, Hell's Kitchen has finally begun to take itself seriously. However, for me it's a little too late. I'm sick of the dramatic antics and every episode feels the same — the steak is raw, the pasta is bland, and Jen acts like a self-centered brat. Timing, communication, and innovation were key elements of last night's show. To chat about it, read more

Linguine with clams is one of my all-time favorite meals. While sometimes I indulge in a creamy, cheesy version, I actually prefer a lighter variation like this one that lets the flavor of the shellfish shine. The simple sauce — a combination of shallots, garlic, artichoke hearts, and jarred tomato sauce — comes together in less than 15 minutes. Basil and parsley add fresh fragrance to this luscious pasta. To check out the recipe — another winner from MyRecipes.com! — read more

While many of us celebrated Memorial Day on Monday, the people of Gloucestershire, England, celebrated a different annual occasion, their infamous Cheese Rolling tournament. In this crazed and unique sporting event, men and women chase an eight-pound cheese wheel down a steep hill. The person who grabs the rolling cheese — which can reach up to 70mph! — before it crosses the finish line wins. The prize for winning the race? The handmade Gloucester cheese wheel. While the race may be all fun and games, each year numerous people are injured as they slip down the hill. To watch a video of this year's cheese rolling, read more