Bring a little Mardi Gras spirit into your kitchen this weekend by mixing up a classic hurricane cocktail. Created at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans, this drink is potent, yet incredibly tasty — almost like fruit punch.

Made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and passion fruit nectar, it's a tropical breath of fresh air, especially delicious in the dead of Winter.

Although the ingredient list is a little long, this refreshingly fruity drink is worth the effort. Traditionally, it's served in a glass that's shaped like a hurricane lamp, but any large glass will do. To get the recipe, read more

Last night's episode of Hell's Kitchen was very interesting. Ironically, it was both one of the most disgusting challenges and one of the most glamorous episodes. I can't imagine being the losing team — their punishment was so revolting that I felt sick watching them — and I envied the winners, who took an extravagant trip to Santa Ynez wine country via private jet. To read my opinions of the episode (spoilers ahead!), and share your thoughts, read more

For every cilantro lover who basks in the bright, citrusy flavor of the herb, there's an equal and opposite voice that denounces its soapy, overly floral scent and taste. So why is cilantro (and not, parsley, oregano, or sage) so polarizing? At least one scientist believes that preference for cilantro may be a genetic trait.

Behavioral neurologist Charles J. Wysocki studied identical and fraternal twins' preferences for the herb and found that while more than 80 percent of the identical twins gave similar ratings on the "pleasantness" of cilantro, only 42 percent of the fraternal twins had like assessments. He also believes that disgust for cilantro comes from its odor, rather than its taste.

Wysocki cautioned that he hasn't run enough analysis of data to come to a firm conclusion, but this finding could explain a lot of things. After all, the Internet is rampant with anticilantro communities, from websites like I Hate Cilantro to opposition groups on Facebook, and even Julia Child wouldn't touch cilantro. What do you think of Wysocki's biological theory?

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Last year's Oscars was all about golden opulence and red accents, but this weekend the Governors Ball is looking East for inspiration. You can too, when you create the look for an Oscars viewing party. Start by running a red-carpet-like runner down the middle of your table. Serve the popcorn in a big white bowl and let guests help themselves by filling movie popcorn bags. Place the gourmet hot dogs on a pretty floral-printed plate. Metallic river stones and matching candles provide a zen, glowing atmosphere. Place champagne buckets around the room and serve the sparkling wine and cocktail in stemless champagne flutes. Throw plush pillows on the couch and arrange orchids in oversize tubular vases.

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Jump-start your weekend with a healthy, heart-friendly dinner. In this uncomplicated recipe, pork is complemented by peppery greens.

A simple honey, red wine vinegar, and mustard glaze coats the pork, giving it a subtle sweetness and intense juiciness. Unlike some other pork recipes, no marinating is necessary.

Pair with a glass of fruity, light red wine. For the recipe, read more

• Double stuffed baked potatoes are comforting and delicious. — Cooking With Amy
• Ten dishes to make when you are cooking alone. — Chow
• Time has come up with a list of the world's best food blogs. Did your favorite make the cut? — Time
• Food Network is now showing full episodes online. — The Kitchn
• Next Fall the Council of Fashion Designers of America plans to release a cookbook. — Eat Me Daily
• Take this fun quiz to find out how much you know about food reality TV. — Time Out New York
• Eating more soy could help save the planet. — The Epi-Log
• Pepsi and Mountain Dew "Throwbacks" will be made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. — Serious Eats

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