Watch while you eat: Gather for some family meals in front of the TV

Today we're throwing guilt out the window and suggesting that you celebrate something you do but think you shouldn't. - 11/05/2009

Let us list your Thanksgiving takeouts

Is your restaurant or market offering takeout meals for Thanksgiving? - 11/05/2009

Good Stuff

Good stuff: Ice cream, yogurt freebies and nuts

Enjoy a variety of combinations of regular ice cream flavors with vanilla soft serve, side by side. Baskin-Robbins' double-header ice cream cone is designed to hold a swirl of soft serve and a scoop of regular ice cream in a single cone It's available for only $2.22. - 11/05/2009

Canned foods can compete nutritionally

Historically, canned foods have been considered the poor relative of the culinary world and have an even worse reputation nutritionally speaking. But times have changed. - 11/05/2009

Taste Panel

Apple butter spread has a brown-spice kick

Apple butter, a thick, dark brown preserve made out of slowly cooked apples, sugar, spices and cider, has become very popular. In fact, über chef Thomas Keller, owner of Per Se restaurant in Manhattan, has a recipe for the butter in his new cookbook "Ad Hoc at Home." - 11/05/2009

First lady- approved kid snacks

Washington-- First lady Michelle Obama wants to make sure children have healthy choices when they get the munchies. - 11/05/2009

Mark Bittman: The Minimalist

Lovin' Brussels sprouts

Like many members of the cabbage family, Brussels sprouts are at their sweetest and best when grown in cool weather. In fact, they're as good a symbol of midfall as exists, and in recent years they've made the happy transition to trendy: We see them cooked in stock, roasted until really browned, halved and sauteed ... and now shredded. - 11/05/2009

Kate Lawson: Simply the Best

Punch guacamole up a notch

Now that the Halloween decorations have been spirited away, we can move on to the really scary concept of holiday entertaining. - 11/05/2009

Kate Lawson: Simply the Best

Candy Bar Brownies are a Halloween treat

I know that trick-or-treating is for kids, but that doesn't mean adults don't have a major sweet tooth, too. - 10/30/2009

Creepy cocktails: Create some monster mixes this Halloween

Whether your costume is scary, funny, political or just plain off-the-wall, you won't have to fear going thirsty, especially if you're hosting or attending a Halloween party. - 10/29/2009

• Share your Halloween photos in the ReaderPix gallery
• More Halloween recipes

Colorful sauteed potatoes offer an alternative to hash browns

Potatoes O'Brien are said to originate in New York City at a restaurant called Jacks in the early 1900s. Some say the story is the cook wanted a spicier version of hash browns, but no one knows for sure. - 10/29/2009

The Minimalist

Light, simple tart just takes a skillet

In my ongoing quest to make baking easier, I thought I might try making a flourless, crustless tart that was more than a custard and not a cake, either. I had an idea for a mostly stovetop dish that resembled a tart, a kind of dessert frittata that was as simple to make as an omelet, but rich, chewy and sweet. - 10/29/2009

Whole spices provide best flavor and value

When fat is cut from recipes, flavor can follow. That's when spices become the key to making lighter foods taste great. And if you want to get the most out of your spices, it's best to follow a few simple tips. - 10/29/2009

Buffets 101: Always grab a clean plate and keep kids under control

Buffets can be fun, but there's a proper way to navigate them. Here are some etiquette tips from Toby Amidor of "Eating Well" on foodnetwork.com. - 10/29/2009