As much as I love a creamy decadent bowl of ice cream, there is a time and a place for sorbet. There is no milk or cream, making it an awesome dessert for those who are lactose intolerant. This tasty alternative is just as cool and twice as fruity. Made with my favorite stone fruit, the juicy ripe red plum (peaches were my fav last week), it has a decadent, deep color. No ice cream maker is necessary for this treat, but you will need a food processor to blitz everything efficiently. Serve alone or sandwiched between 2 cookies for a satisfying finish to a hot day. You'll see the recipe if you read more

This weekend I had the opportunity to taste a lovely sparkling red wine. Even though I knew it was a sparkling Shiraz, I couldn't help but think it would be light colored, like a rosé. However, when I poured Vixen by Fox Creek Wines into my glass, it was definitely a full-bodied red color. The effervescence caused by the bubbles added just the right bit of fizz, and it definitely rounded out the subtle black cherry flavor. Overall, it was very smooth and fruity, but had just enough bubbly that it ended up dancing on your tongue. Sparkling reds are still uncommon in the US, but are increasing in popularity in Australia and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it becomes commonplace on our shores. Available for $19.99.

This morning I woke up to news of the changing face of children's television programming - or at least children's television commercial programming. A group of 11 food companies - including McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg's - have announced voluntary limits in marketing towards children. This move is seen as a pre-emptive measure so that the Federal Trade Commission - who is holding a hearing on the subject - will not place regulatory rules that may ban all junk food advertising to children. Sort of a "see, we're good guys don't make us stop!" type of thing.

So what does this mean for children's television? Well, the companies have agreed to stop advertising to children under 12 products that do not conform to a set of nutritional standards. However, it's only for children's programming, not family-friendly programming.

For example, while General Mills will no longer be advertising Trix to the 12-and-under crowd, it will continue to peddle Cocoa Puffs, which have one less gram of sugar per serving. And it will be able to continue advertising Trix on television shows and other media that are considered to cater to “families” rather than just children.

To learn more about the self-regulated ban, read more

• Don't miss this awesome interactive salad spinner. Choose from 6 ingredients and voila, you've got a perfect salad recipe. - Washington Post
• All aboard the summer express! Bittman takes on a journey through 101 simple meals ready in ten minutes or less. - New York Times
• It is virtually impossible to pass up an amazing summer fruit tart, especially when it's peach & mascarpone. - San Francisco Chronicle
• What does your favorite ice cream flavor say about you? Apparently I'm loyal and realistic, or colorful and intuitive... - Sacramento Bee
• Red wines provide a wonderfully spicy complement to Chinese ribs. - Chicago Tribune
• This season indulge in Sangria like you've never sipped, such as white peach-Riesling and strawberry sangria. - LA Times
• A traditional English summer pudding becomes a smash hit with the addition of summer berries. - The Oregonian

What I'm about to say is going to sound a little crazy, but you're going to have to just trust me on this one. When I was a little kid, my uncle took me to an ice cream factory that made the most amazing ice cream sandwiches. There was a rich layer of vanilla ice cream sandwiched between two crisp saltine-style crackers. That's right, salty thin crackers. Before you knock it, you must absolutely give it a try - the salt/sweet combo works well, and the texture is perfect. I personally think they taste best when they're firm, but they're pretty good when the ice cream is gooping out of the sides too.

In order to indulge in this taste sensation, all you have to do is pick up a high-quality ice cream (I suggest vanilla, strawberry, or some sort of vanilla/caramel) and plain saltine crackers.

Choose a rectangular-packed ice cream (this way you can remove the packaging and cut into perfect squares) if possible - else scoop ice cream, place between saltines and use a knife to cut off the excess sides. Place into freezer until slightly-firm and serve!

Alternatively, if you plan on making a lot of sandwiches, you could spread ice cream onto baking sheet, place into freezer until firm and cut into perfect sized squares. No matter which route you choose, remember to have fun! Oh and trust me on this one, it's a delicious combo!