As you all know, I have a problem with pie crusts. I'm terrible with them, they're my baking Achilles' heel. Yet, I absolutely adore them. So when I found this pie on MyRecipes.com, I was over the moon. This springtime pie has a crushed-graham-cracker crust and is filled with a mixture of strawberries splashed with balsamic vinegar. There's no crust to mess up and the filling sounds amazing. If it sounds delectable to you, get the recipe when you read more

During the week I normally drink a glass or two of wine with dinner. When I'm in the mood for white, I simply purchase whatever bottle is cold and on sale. That's how I ended up with this bottle of Robert Pepi's 2006 Sauvignon Blanc. The crisp, refreshing flavor of this wine is incredibly delightful. It has a lovely citrus aroma with a smooth texture and slightly sweet finish. It's a perfect Monday through Thursday white that would pair well with spicy pizza, fresh pasta, or fried seafood. At only $11 a bottle, it's too affordable not to try.

We were recently sent a copy of Around My Mother's Table: Stories and Recipes Celebrating Lives Lost to Breast Cancer ($16.95 with some proceeds going to breast cancer initiatives), and thought it might make a great Mother's Day gift. It's a sentimental, if not bitter-sweet book that's been created with lots of love.

Editor and compiler Lisa Burton embarked on the project after losing her own mother to breast cancer. Her journey results in a book mixed with 39 stories and recipes from other daughters and sons who've lost their mothers. Unlike other books like this, it really does seem like a celebration, and if you walk away with a message, it will be to cherish the moment.

If the book seems like a macabre choice, then think of it as an excuse to hang out more often. Order a copy and share it with your mom. Then get together and make the recipes, or write down your own family heirlooms. Something tells me mom won't say no to spending more time with her loved ones.

I love the tiny sandwiches, scones, and petit fours served at afternoon tea, but rarely do I make dainty crustless sandwiches at home. So for today's 'Wich of the Week, I used the Kentucky Derby as an excuse to make some teatime treats. These ladylike sandwiches are filled with Benedictine cheese, a creamy cucumber-and-scallion spread that's native to Louisville and often served on Derby Day.

The Benedictine is a twist on the usual cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, which is by far one of my favorite teatime combos. These sandwiches benefit from the added kick of scallions; in fact, they were so flavorful that no one even complained about the low-fat cream cheese. The only somewhat odd ingredient is green food coloring, but since that's the tradition, I went with it, and it gave the spread a nice pastel hue. To see how I made them, including a step-by-step photo gallery, read more

• Meet the next generation of farmers who are taking over farmers' markets. — Los Angeles Times
• This Mother's Day delight mom with whole-grain breakfast dishes. — San Francisco Chronicle
• Wine's pleasures: do they exist or are they all in your head? — The New York Times
• Don't judge a chef by his reality TV show: Gordon Ramsay gets real. — Chicago Tribune
• Use herbs to jazz up ordinary dishes. — Sacramento Bee
• Now you can safely send a birthday cake to your loved one at war overseas. — Boston Globe
• Traci Des Jardins' teaches kids to love good food. — Press Democrat

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Was last night's episode of Hell's Kitchen both the worst and best so far? The farmers' market challenge felt like I was watching Top Chef but the crazed teenage birthday party felt like I was watching My Super Sweet Sixteen. Did you watch? What did you think of the episode?

To discuss the boy's win, the overbearing mother, Matty's behavior, and everything in between, read more

Every year for her birthday, DearSugar's best friend makes her the same carrot cake. Thirty will be no different, Dear is already looking forward to this moist, delicious cake! Her best friend makes it with raisins and a thick layer of cream cheese frosting.

To take a look at the recipe she will be using, read more

There's something really fun about having a pillow shaped like a huge hambone. This is thinking of the folks behind Sweet Meats, an online pillow creator and retailer. Their sweet meats are available in several different types — including hambone, porky chop, and racka ribs — and they even sell instructions on how to make your own. Personally I'm a big fan of the t-shirt. What meat lover wouldn't want a cute pink tee with the words "Meat is Sweet" ($14.99) emblazoned on it?

This year I saw their booth at Maker Faire, and while it wasn't the first time I'd seen them, I wanted to make sure you got to see them too.

So tell me, would you bring sweet meat into your home?