From Scratch

The mere thought of “practicing” for a diet sounds crazy, but when I decided to try this diet I knew I’d need a practice day or two to try to sort it out. All we have to go by, until someone writes the inevitable book and gets rich, is the study methodology - 1,240 calories per […]

One of comedy’s most brilliant voices was silenced this week when George Carlin died. When he appeared on In the Actors’ Studio and host James Lipton asked at the end what he would like to hear G-d say when he got to heaven, Carlin thought for a bit then replied, “Now we’re going to have […]

The scope of the salmonella outbreak blamed on tomatoes has increased, with more than 800 confirmed cases in 36 states and the District of Columbia, while federal health officials now say tomatoes might not be the source, but they remain the primary suspect.
The Associated Press reports officials are looking into whether another ingredient, which they […]

I love trying new products and while I never hesitate to have a laugh over those I think are overpriced, useless or in the realm of more money than common sense, I’m also happy to share products that do what they promise and give me my money’s worth. That’s what we have today.
First up is […]

This easy, one-layer cake defies the usual techniques and I wouldn’t have noticed the recipe if I hadn’t spotted a pet peeve: expresso for espresso. That the word appeared on a box of Domino powdered (icing) sugar only increased my irritation. Domino is our top sugar producer and they should know better. Of course, they […]

I know they’re much higher in other countries, but when I see gas prices go up almost daily, one word comes to mind. Apparently, Daryl Cagle of Cagle Cartoons and MSNBC.com thinks of that same word.

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There’s an old saying: Eat like a king at breakfast, a prince at lunch and a pauper at dinner. New research finds that can be a good way to lose weight and keep it off.
A small study divided 96 obese women into two groups. Those who had big breakfasts, with lots of carbs and proteins, […]

Even though John McCain has given us flip-flop whiplash recently as he tries (wisely, I believe) to distance himself from some of George Bush’s policies and even though I support Barack Obama, a major flip-flop is exactly that. And this one’s a doozy.
Obama, with an unbelievably efficient and effective fund-raising campaign, especially online and from small […]

This spice rub is the companion recipe to Pineapple Salsa and can be used when grilling chicken, turkey or pork indoors or out. It’s a keeper for me, for a couple reasons.
Sure, we can buy spice rubs but like taco seasoning mixes, they tend to have more sodium than anyone needs when eating sensibily. Like all […]

This is a perfect, refreshing accompaniment to grilled poultry or pork. Its tropical flavors are welcome in hot weather and complement chicken, turkey or pork that’s been prepared with its companion recipe, a Caribbean spice rub. Both recipes are fine on their own but together, they are more.
I found this at Fine Cooking, in one of the […]

Federal health officials say the number of confirmed cases of tomato-related salmonella now stands at 383, and Dr. Robert Tauxe of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says, “We do not think the outbreak is over.”
Two states, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, have reported their first cases. The outbreak has now sickened people in 30 states […]

Cereal giant Kellogg has instituted de facto price hikes for five popular cereals by making the boxes smaller without changing their prices. The new boxes began shipping this month.
A spokeswoman says the boxes were reduced by an average of 2.4 ounces for 14 items sold under the Apple Jacks, Cocoa Krispies, Corn Pops, Froot Loops […]

I’m normal! At the very least, I’m not alone. Certain things in recipes make me put them down or turn the page, never to make them. They’re my recipe deal breakers and I hope you’ll share yours.
A week and a half ago Kim Severson wrote about this in The New York Times, a fun piece […]

Two cartoons this week. Often I choose whichever one I’ve seen a few days earlier but still remember, either for the art, the cleverness or simply because it made me laugh. Sometimes I choose one that makes me say, “Ooh, perfect,” in terms of the subject. I had both situations this week, so take your pick […]

NBC News confirms reports that Tim Russert has died. He was 58.
He collapsed and apparently suffered a heart attack at NBC News in Washington, where he was the bureau chief and long-time host of Meet the Press. The network hasn’t made available further details. [Update: NBC now says he collapsed and “was striken.”]
Just today, he spoke […]