Food news

Helpful harvest

The signs said "closed" at most Green Bluff farms, but the parking lots were filled with cars and buses as almost 400 volunteers descended for the final pick of the season.

Holiday entertaining assistance is on the way

When cold weather meets a stubborn economy it's time for a party at home. A bevy of new books on entertaining offers tips, techniques and recipes for elegant meals, glamorous tables, and fetching cocktails. Many of the ideas are worthy of the holidays that lurk just around the corner.

Faith community to discuss food issues

"How can we ensure that no one goes hungry while also ensuring a safe, beautiful earth for our grandchildren?"

Yoplait Smoothies are 'cool snack'

If you've got a blender, you've run out of excuses for missing that morning serving of fruit.Yoplait has combined the yogurt and fruit for two smoothies in a handy new freezer package. Add milk and whip it up in the blender. Each smoothie has one full serving of fruit.

Recipe site adds to its repertoire

Hundreds of recipes from the world's top chefs and cookbook authors will soon be available on the food site Epicurious.com.

Drizzle pesto over peaches for a quick, easy treat

This variation on the classic prosciutto and melon platter is an easy way to add bright, fresh flavors to a dinner or holiday gathering. The pesto can be prepared an hour or so ahead, but if you refrigerate it, let it warm to room temperature (and mix it well) before serving. And if you're pressed for time, steal this serving idea but use purchased pesto.

Food processor makes fried shrimp toasts easy

No takeout needed for this easy and unexpected party food straight off the Asian buffet menu. The food processor does the bulk of the work, keeping these fast to prepare (the shrimp mixture can be made early, and the bread can be sliced well before it's needed).

Save money with home-made dip

Vegetable platters from the supermarket can make entertaining easy, but not cheap. A store-bought platter with dip can set you back as much as $1 or more per person. But vegetables aren't that expensive, which means you're paying a lot for convenience.

Culinary calendar

Winemaker's Dinner - Enjoy a five course meal paired with various red and white wines from Mercer Estates. Thursday, 6 p.m., 315 Martinis and Tapas, Greenbriar Inn, 315 Wallace St., Coeur d'Alene. Reservations required. $60. (208) 667-9660.

reunions

New listings
USS Gurke (DD-783) – April 8-11 in Washington, D.C. Contact Thomas Stephenson at 2030 Lockwood Drive, San Jose, CA 95132; (408) 263-2836; dd783_reunion@ tstephenson.com; or www.ussgurke.org.

A sharing experience

Expansion of Chaps will bring sweet delights

Wineries celebrating with special events

farmers markets

Culinary calendar

Stock up, store favorite market items

Several Washington wines make Best Buy list

Gone with the gluten

Slimy and scary goodies are Halloween favorites

'Taste of Tuscany' brings Italian cuisine to the Palouse

Farmers Markets

Smartfood sweet snacks less than satisfying

Bartenders compete at art benefit mixer

It's better to share

Greenbriar offers variety of classes

Ale House brings pub atmosphere to former Fugazzi, Cavallino site

Main ingredient: A pioneer spirit

'Urban farmer' coming to area

Davenport's Lemon Drop Martini hits the spot

Culinary calendar

Farmers markets