When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, pies are as traditional as turkey and cranberry sauce. But while many cooks step up to the challenge of roasting the Big Bird, they often shy away from baking pies.

KENNEWICK -- This is it for Thanksgiving.

In charge of the Big Bird for the first time? Not enough space in the oven for everything on your holiday menu?

Weekly recipes for November 18, 2009

Planning your Thanksgiving menu?

Weekly recipes for November 11, 2009

KENNEWICK — My how time flies when you're writing about wine.

November is National Peanut Butter Lovers Month, a time for peanut butter lovers to indulge in their favorite food and try new recipes.

Set the bubbles free at the sparkling wine seminar on Thursday at Washington State University Tri-Cities in Richland.

Weekly recipes for November 4, 2009

Food in brief for Wednesday, November 4.

WALLA WALLA — Yellow Hawk Cellar is a Walla Walla winery with a difference.

Halloween used to be associated with ghosts and goblins, but nowadays it's all about tricks and treats.

Everyone loves cupcakes -- guys, gals, senior citizens and, of course, kids of any age. "And if they're filled that's even better," said Milli Banks-Boggan, owner of Cupcakes Bakery and Deli in Kennewick.

Cupcakes -- those beautiful mini cakes -- have long captured the love of Americans young and old.

ZILLAH -- Pull out your favorite Halloween costume and head for the hills, Rattlesnake Hills that is.

Weekly recipes for October 28, 2009

WEST RICHLAND — All things Riesling drives West Richland's Pacific Rim Winery.

Whether you like spooky pumpkins or funny ones, prefer them painted rather than carved -- they all have a chance to win at the 14th annual Pumpkin Contest at the Pasco Farmers Market on Oct. 31.

Weekly recipes for October 21, 2009

Some visitors to Washington wine country who represent more than $400 million in annual wine buying power recently were treated to the state's Syrahs.

Planning a trip to Oregon? Why not include a few culinary stops too. After all, everyone has to eat.

Weekly recipes for October 14, 2009

PASCO — Gordon Brothers Family Vineyard east of Pasco is a quintessential family operation.

Many cooks hear words of praise after a good meal, but how many are handed a check for $10,000 for their efforts? That's what happened recently to two Washington state winners.

People may speak different languages but there's one that may be universal to all lovers of Coca-Cola. It's the "ahh" sound you make after that first sip on a hot day or the "phsst" sound of the bubbles being released.

Food in brief for Wednesday, October 7.

Weekly recipes for October 7, 2009

GOLDENDALE — A rich red Zinfandel and a crisp, fruity rosé of Sangiovese highlighted a tasting last week of Maryhill wines under $20.

Is there a bright yellow and royal blue tin of Old Bay seasoning sitting on your kitchen shelves? Chances are there is -- even if it's years old.

Have a recipe that gets its special flavor from a French's mustard, French Fried Onions or Worcestershire sauce? Does it have eight ingredients or less (with the exception of salt, pepper and water)?

Weekly recipes for September 30, 2009

Food in brief for Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Fall is a beautiful time in the Mid-Columbia, so don't miss out on opportunities to get out and enjoy the fine wines produced in the region, watch the grape harvest and chat with winemakers and winery owners.

Tonight, when you're making dinner, consider this: Is what you're throwing together worth $25,000?

ELLENSBURG -- Discover some great wines for under $10, how to match cheese and wine and which are the latest up and coming wine regions at a series of wine classes through the World Wine Program at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

Food in brief for Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Weekly recipes for September 23, 2009

ZILLAH -- Silver Lake Winery near Zillah is a beautiful, bucolic spot to visit not only for the scenery, but also for its well-made and inexpensive wines.

BANDON, Ore. -- Oregon is enjoying a boom in cranberry production at a time when other states are seeing a drop.

Whether you dream of whipping up the perfect meal, have always wanted to discover the chocolatier inside you, or wish you could drop it all and run away to make wine, this may be your chance.

KENNEWICK -- The two top recipes in the "Flayvors of Washington" recipe contest by Columbia Crest Winery with Chef Bobby Flay featured a favorite veggie of Mid-Columbians -- Walla Walla Sweet Onions.

PENDLETON -- Everyone knows it takes a village to raise a child and that you can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

PASCO — The first winery tasting room I ever visited was in 1976 when I drove out to Preston's winery.

KENNEWICK -- Visit any farmers market, any produce stand and you'll discover the selection and quality of the fruits and vegetables grown in the Mid-Columbia is outstanding, especially now.

At FancyFastFood.com, dashboard dining gets a serious -- and seriously upscale -- makeover.

NEW YORK -- Sheila Lukins, a store owner and cookbook author who helped change how America eats, has died.

RICHLAND -- If you're in Richland the next seven days drop by The Emerald of Siam and wish owner Ravadi Quinn a bon voyage.

Washington Wine Month at the state liquor stores arrived a month later this year, but it's worth the wait.

As school bells start ringing again, parents should consider doing some homework of their own on nutritious lunches to pack for their children. Since kids often want to eat the same types of food every day for lunch, it's up to parents to take the lead and put new ideas on the table.