
Guess Whether the Grape's Red or White!
Not so long ago, well-known grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon were the only varietals that could be found in wine stores and cellars across the country. Not today: from Viognier to Fumé Blanc, grocery stores have been flooded with lesser-known grape varieties that are slowly yet surely rising to prominence.
Since many of you seemed to score high marks on my first grape quiz, I thought I'd test you with another round. I'll start by testing you on the most elemental classification: whether these up-and-coming varieties are red or white grapes. Is your best guess really that educated? You'll know when you keep reading.
Take the QuizFast & Easy Dinner: Grape-Stuffed Meatballs With Flatbread
Treat your family tonight to a creative meal that is satisfying in texture and flavor. The flatbread is crunchy, the soft meatballs are filled with a juicy grape in the center, and the cheese is creamy.
Honey provides a sweet counterpart to the peppery arugula. With so many different elements, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleasing success. Check out the recipe when you read more
Summer Fruit Salad: Simple to Make, Easy to Enjoy
Now that Summer's officially started, head to the picnic grounds and fire up the grill for some succulent pork burgers. If you've already got burger patties to transport, opt for an easy-to-pack fruit salad for dessert.
This versatile, naturally sweet salad makes the most of Summer's beloved fruits. The addition of refreshing mint lends a cooling, clean finish to the salad. I tossed together blackberries, green grapes, and peaches — but use whatever fruits you have on hand for a delightful end to any meal. See the 10-minute recipe when you read more
Fast & Easy Dinner: Goat Cheese Pizza
Although it's not necessarily a classic pairing, goat cheese and grapes make one delicious odd couple. I first fell in love with the duo as a topping for crostini and tonight I'm excited to experiment with the creamy cheese and burst-in-your-mouth fruit as a pizza topping. Store-bought dough means this meal comes together in under a half an hour.
For a dinner that is healthy and satisfying, serve with simple greens. Look at the uncomplicated recipe when you read more
Which Spring Fruits Continue to Ripen Once Picked?

Recently, Party and I partook in Edible Pursuit, a food trivia event produced by Edible San Francisco. While there, we tackled a surprisingly difficult question about which fruits ripen on the vine.
Since Spring means the onset of some of our favorite fresh fruits, we thought we would test you to see if you can tell us which seasonal fruits continue to ripen after they've been picked.
Are you ready to begin? Let's go!
Take the QuizFast & Easy Dinner: Poached Egg Salad
After the overindulgence of Christmas, give your body a break and eat a salad for dinner. This hearty vegetarian recipe features greens topped with crusty bread and an oozing poached egg.
Sautéed leeks and red grapes are tossed with cider vinegar to make a tangy dressing. To check out the recipe, read more
Rustic Italian Salad Makes an Impressive Lunch
During the holidays, it seems I just go from one rich, multi-course family meal to another, so the day after Thanksgiving, I wanted a light but satisfying lunch that would impress even the harshest of family critics.
This salad was just the thing. The pears, grapes and dried cherries added a natural sweetness to the salad that contrasted well with the aged balsamic vinegar and pecorino cheese. The pine nuts added a buttery flavor, and the prosciutto a crispy texture. To make this for your family — mine went nuts over it! — read more
Noteworthy Nibbles — Oct. 21-27, 2008
This week's events have left me curious: Exactly what activities does one partake in at a Pig Stein? Or a Yambilee? If you have attended these in the past, I'd love to know. Will anyone be at the James Beard Foundation's Taste America in Las Vegas?
If you know something we've left out, please leave a message in the comments below!
- Las Vegas, NV: Rising Stars Las Vegas — Oct. 21
- Torrance, CA: Oktoberfest at Alpine Village — Oct. 21-26
- San Francisco, CA: Joy of Sake San Francisco — Oct. 23
- Atlanta, GA: Celebrity Chef Tour Atlanta — Oct. 23
- Portland, ME: Harvest on the Harbor — Oct. 23-25
- Mountain View, AR: Arkansas Bean Fest — Oct. 23-25
- Kohler, WI: Kohler Food & Wine Experience — Oct. 23-26
- Opelousas, LA: Louisiana Yambilee — Oct. 23-26
- Las Vegas, NV: The James Beard Foundation's Taste America Las Vegas — Oct. 24-26
To see the rest, read more
Killer App: Grape Goat Cheese Crostini
I have a weakness for crostini. I simply can't get enough of the thin, crisp toasts with savory toppings. Since I jump at the chance to try a new variation, I recently made this easy, vegetarian crostini recipe. The ingredients are ordinary — baguette, grapes, and goat cheese — but the results are divinely delicious. The superb balance between the crunchy bread, juicy grapes, and creamy goat cheese is rich and luxurious. This dish proves that simple food can be incredibly satisfying — especially if served with a glass of bubbly on the side! To learn how to make this killer appetizer, read more