Just as the holiday madness begins to come around, so do fresh pomegranates. Enjoying these tart, tannic red globes, with their garnet-hued, jewel-like arils, is a festive way to celebrate the end of the year. Want to know more about buying, preparing, and enjoying pomegranates? Then read on.

We know Monday is the most dreaded day of the workweek, but you are about to change all that! How would you like to “Make Over Monday,” while at the same time bring some happiness to others to brighten up their Monday? Oh, and how about winning a prize for your kind efforts? Here’s your chance!

Use your generous imagination, and do some good! Now that could be over tipping the waitress struggling through her Monday or bringing treats to the office for everyone to enjoy. It’s your choice!

Tell us how you plan to make over your Monday in the comments section, and you will be entered for a chance to win your very own Make Over Monday prize pack!

• Animal rights groups are attacking backyard chicken farmers. — Chicago Tribune
• The Times awards Firenze Osteria, Fabio Viviani's new restaurant, zero stars. — Los Angeles Times
• Shake Shack overlord Danny Meyer has global expansion plans for his burger concept. — New York Times
• Take it easy this year with no-headache holiday roasts. — San Francisco Chronicle
• Are tapas-style hotel spots with strong bar programs the restaurants of the future? — Wall Street Journal
• Marcus Samuelsson on cooking for the Obamas. — Boston Globe
• One Palestinian restaurateur claims to have introduced chicken shawarma to the city of Chicago. — Washington Post

Never underestimate the power of the Christmas cookie! They're the perfect dessert around the holidays because they can be made in advance and are easy to enjoy without a plate and silverware. When hosting a holiday happy hour, offer homemade white chocolate cherry cookies and ask guests to bring chocolate truffles. Or if you have time, whip up a batch of your own. To get the choco-cherry chunk cookie recipe, please read more

From bar tools to gourmet snacks, we've presented you with tons of fabulous gift ideas. While we're all about creating delicious edible items, we understand that not everyone has the time or energy to make edible gifts. That's why we've selected our top four suggestions and rounded them up in today's episode of YumTV. Watch it now to learn what they are!

Colin Cowie opened his New York apartment (actually, make that penthouse) to a dozen or so food writers on a recent evening. The goal was to showcase the space, which he designed himself over a two-year period, as well as some of his favorite holiday recipes.

Following a few words of welcome, Colin took us on a tour of his three-level apartment. He took care to point out space-saving devices that work wonders when he's entertaining guests, including a smart set of rolling doors that hid both his serving area and kitchen.

He had a small team on hand to help move appetizers from his Electrolux-outfitted kitchen into his modern dining room, which contained enough nooks and crannies to hide his vast collection of glassware. In his words, he's "the Imelda Marcos of dishes." He prepared a spread of sausage rolls, toasted nuts, brandy cake, and pear cocktails.

To see how Colin does it and check out his recipes, read more

During the Winter, when I hear the word "stew," I automatically envision a slow-cooked and hearty beef or lamb dish. That's why, when I came across this recipe for a Mexican-style fish stew, I got excited.

Filled with frozen corn and canned tomatoes, it's a refreshing break from the stereotypical stew. Not to mention it's ready in under 30 minutes, because the whole one-pot meal is cooked in the microwave! To learn the uncomplicated procedure, please keep reading.