Pomegranates may have been around for thousands of years, but it wasn't until a few years ago that the fruit took off with the launch of pomegranate drinks such as POM Wonderful. Suddenly, the ubernutritious specimen became the world's hottest fruit. Its tart, brambly flavor began appearing in everything from cocktails to salad dressing. When I heard POM had developed a coffee drink, I had to find out what the hype was about. Did this beverage have pomegranate juice mixed in with its coffee? As it turns out, POMx Iced Coffee contains pomegranate extract for its antioxidant benefits, but no actual pomegranate juice. The 10-ounce drink, which is currently only available on the East Coast, comes in two flavors, café au lait and chocolate, and costs $2.99. The drink contains Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee, fat-free milk, and organic cane sugar. To find out my impressions of the drink, read more

When PartySugar posts her nachos for the week every Thursday, I ogle her pictures with envy. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and I begged her to let me make a version of my own. I decided to try making nachos that are both savory and sweet, an element that I enjoyed in a grilled cheese sandwich a few weeks ago. There aren't many ingredients in this recipe, but each adds something to the flavor profile of the nachos: The brie melts perfectly; the gorgonzola provides sharpness; the apples are crispy and refreshing and cut through the heaviness of the cheese; the potato chips are wonderfully spiced and incredibly crunchy; the honey adds a lingering sweetness that can't help but make me smile.

I loved making these nachos and can't wait to do it again. The best part is how easy it was. For the recipe, read more

For the bash I'm throwing in honor of New York Fashion Week, I'll be serving everyone rounds of this drink, the Manhattan. Not only is it a classic cocktail, but it's sleek, urban, and distinctly New York. The best thing about this bar classic? It's just as easy to make in a large batch as it is to prepare just one.

For those of my guests who aren't sipping spirits, I'll have sparkling cranberry juice on hand to pour, so they can look (and feel) just as glamorous as the rest. To stir up this fashionable drink, read more

Possible first-lady-to-be Michelle Obama is scheduled to make an appearance on Food Network's Paula's Party. On the primetime television series, Southern belle Paula Deen speaks with Obama about the first meal — seafood gumbo complete with lobster, shrimp, and mussels — she cooked for Barack.

After the conversation Deen invites Obama into her kitchen where she teaches her how to make fried shrimp and Creole french fries. The episode airs on Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. My tivo is already set; I'm excited to see how Michelle moves in the kitchen.

How about you? Will you watch?

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Let me introduce you to my favorite new wine label: JAQK (which cleverly stands for Jack, Ace, Queen, King) cellars. Passionate about play and wine, the brains behind the yet-to-be-released label believe that a great bottle of wine can enhance the playful atmosphere between friends and family.

Last week I had the chance to sit down with Joel Templin (the founder) and Bernard la Borie (the president) to taste a couple of the label's wines. For a sneak peek of the fun company's wines, made by acclaimed winemaker Craig Maclean, and to see a bunch of images from the tasting, read more

If fried mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce is one of your favorite bar foods, you're going to love this recipe! Smoked mozzarella is breaded and pan-fried in a shallow pool of oil.

A fresh tomato-basil mixture replaces the marinara sauce. Served atop a bed of arugula, this salad is a healthier version of the guilty pleasure classic.

To enjoy it this evening, get the recipe and read more