Food & Drink

Cost-Effective Abundance

The holidays are a time of enjoying family and celebrating abundance. But if you find yourself in a tight spot financially, the cost of the Christmas meal can make your holidays feel a bit less plentiful. With a little planning and creativity, the holiday dinner doesn't have to leave you strapped for cash. Here are some ideas for a delicious, healthy dinner that costs less, reduces waste and leaves your family healthier.

If You Like Piña Coladas . . .

I have had a can of frozen piña colada mix hanging out in my freezer for months. I'm tired of looking at it. I need to do something with it. I know, I know, the obvious choice would be to get some rum and little paper umbrellas and make drinks. But it's the holidays. I'm in the mood for hot chocolate, spiced rum cider or mulled wine, not a cold, fruity drink.

Cookin' Up Some Christmas Gifts

Over the past few years, I've realized that most of the adults I know, including myself, have way too much stuff. Nobody really needs another coffee mug, picture frame or cute item to put on the shelf. The shelves are all full.

Edible Gifts

While I prefer to make "food" gifts, I don't always have time. I have finally accepted the fact that it's perfectly OK to let other people do the work for me. Here are a few suggestions for edible gifts that only require the time it takes to drive to the appropriate store.

We're Having That Again?

While I know many folks are able to deftly hide last night's dinner in some sort of casserole, I never learned the skillful art of food camouflage. The Man knows. It's like my husband has some kind of internal detector that magically alerts him to the mere hint of food being "recycled" in any way.

Food Fight: Desserts of Vicksburg

Before the 19th century and the mechanization of the sugar industry, desserts were consumed mainly by privileged aristocrats or as a rare holiday treat. Thank goodness for technology, or I think I would have to had led the revolt to fight for equal sweets consumption. Every culture has a dessert unique to its region that celebrates the culinary feats of its people. I set out to find such treats in our neck of the woods.

Don't Panic, It's Just a Big Bird

Take a deep breath and step away from the turkey. Now exhale slowly, and let's take stock of the situation. You have been awarded/punished/tested with the job of preparing the holiday bird.

Vegetarians Cry Fowl at Thanksgiving

So many events in our lives revolve around food. Thanksgiving turkey, mincemeat pies at Christmas, Easter ham—all these are lauded traditions. So what's a vegetarian to do amidst all that carnivorous delight?

Local Guide to a Worry-Free Turkey Day

Oh, the joy of Thanksgiving! As we prepare to give thanks and share time with family and friends, food will take center stage. Although many will spend hours in the kitchen to make everything from scratch, there are ways to enlist a little help.

The Skinny on Stuffing

Every Thanksgiving, my house is divided. We take sides over stuffing—or dressing—whatever you prefer to call it.

Cranberry Apple Bake

To my family, it's not fall until Mom cooks the first batch of cranberry apple bake, warming the kitchen and filling the house with the smell of brown sugar.

Tacos y Tapas in Fondren

Babalu Tacos & Tapas is set to open in December in Duling Hall, in the renovated Duling School in Fondren.

Chinese Memories

I never had a chance. My parents were addicted by the time I was born, and by the time I came of age, I was sitting next to them learning the ropes. I am, of course, talking about our love of Chinese food.

Change is Good

I usually talk about the pleasures of meat. I love meaty good meatness. But today, I diverge. Today's recipe is vegetarian. It could even be made vegan by substituting olive oil for the butter.

Beer Magic

Serve up a little bit of magic this Halloween with this throwback to the Irish Shandy, which is beer flavored with carbonated lemonade, ginger beer, ginger ale or citrus flavored soda. In this remake, as you drop the shot into the lager, it changes color right before your eyes. Your friends will be mesmerized.

Ellington