Ideas & Tips — Food & Drinks

As the holiday season approaches, you'll likely be shopping for wine to bring to gatherings or serve to your guests. Wine can be a good addition to any meal, but it can be confusing to keep track of the different varieties and which foods they should be paired with. Here's a quick guide to consult before you head to the store: Merlot: Known for its drinkability and well-rounded, fruity flavor, Merlot pairs well with almost any dish, but especially with red meats like beef and lamb. Look for notes of blackberry, black cherry and plum. Cabernet Sauvignon: Merlot's sassier cousin, Cabernet Sauvignon...

Labor Day may have come and gone, but don't get too depressed — we still have a few more weeks before summer is officially over. In the meantime, cook up some healthy and delicious meals making good use of plentiful late-season produce. Before you know it, we'll be making the hearty fall stews and casseroles that are perfect for fall but, for now, enjoy the bounty of tomatoes and summer squash.   Corn soup: Cooking Light tells us that corn is at its peak from May through September, so now is a great time to cook with fresh ears from your local farmers...

When the weather warms up, it's time to ditch those hot soups and heavy casseroles and whip up a delicious and light summer salad! Here are some components of an exceptional salad: Color: Making sure your salad has lots of color will make it nutritionally diverse and attractive! Food and recipe site Serious Eats recommends avocado and mango for pops of color. You can also add red, orange or yellow bell peppers, carrots, radishes or any other favorite veggies!  Crunch: Some crunch will add extra dimension and interest, keeping your salad from being bland and boring! Many fresh fruits and vegetables,...

Whether you love to cook Asian cuisine or prefer to order take-out, elevate your favorite Chinese, Japanese or Thai meal to the next level with elegant Eastern-inspired table settings. Here are some tips for party-ready Asian dining:  Asian color palette: HGTV recommends using a focused color palette to reinforce your chosen theme. Red and gold shades evoke a vibrant, celebratory mood, while muted blues and greens can elicit a more serene aesthetic.  Centerpieces: For a simple and inexpensive centerpiece, artfully group stones together in the middle of your table. Alternatively, take Better Homes & Garden's advice and create a minimal...

How do you throw a pizza party for grown-ups? Make it gourmet! Fun and unique, this is one dinner soiree that your guests will be talking about for weeks. Here are our ingredients for making you the host with the most:  Antipasto: Lifestyle magazine Southern Living recommends starting your meal with a prettily prepared antipasto platter. Your cured meats, bruschetta, veggies and gourmet cheese will look particularly distinguished arranged on a brushed stainless steel serving plates.  Cheese: Be sure to buy mozzarella — the classic pizza cheese. Asiago, Parmesan and/or Romano are also delicious. Ricotta, goat, blue, Brie and Manchego cheese work...