Q: We're having Thanksgiving with relatives, one of whom cannot have any fats due to a severe bout with pancreatitis. I want to make sure she can enjoy some homemade foods. Do you have any suggestions for sides that include substitutes for all butters and oils?

Sent by Sarah More

Q: I'm hosting an election party next week. What are some fun themed appetizer or snack ideas?

Sent by Lauren More

Q: I'm hosting a meeting for our beer homebrew club this Thursday and looking to serve some small easy finger foods that pair well with multiple kinds of beer. Any suggestions?

Sent by Courtney More

Q: I am having a dinner party and serving homemade pizza. I am having a hard time coming up with a good dessert to serve, as I feel like a pie, cake, or bar might be too heavy to have after some hearty pizza. Any suggestions for a light, delicious, fall dessert?

Sent by Caitlin More

Q: I recently bought Grace Young's Stir-Frying to the Sky's Edge and have been making delicious stir-fries for dinner several times a week. I'd like to share my newfound skills with dinner guests, but most of the recipes serve 3 to 4 as "part of a multi-course meal." More

Q: Football season marks the beginning of potluck season at my family's boat club. The club graciously hosts Sunday football parties and in return asks that everyone brings something to share. But there is only so much cheese and crackers, taco dip, crock pot beans, and chips and dip a person can eat! More

Q: My daughter is turning two next month and we've decided to host a pancake brunch. We'll have maple syrup, of course, and probably some fruit, but what else should we serve as toppings? Any ideas for something a little adventurous? More

Q: We've decided to do "signature cocktails" at our wedding along with beer and wine. Here's our criteria: 1. uncomplicated but not dead simple, 2. not too strong, and 3. not cloyingly sweet or girly or tacky — a crowd-pleaser without being overdone. Any ideas?

Sent by Kristin More

Q: I am having a wine and cheese party this Friday for my birthday and told guests to bring either their favorite wine or cheese. I know people will contribute, but now the question is how much should I buy myself? What do you think?

Sent by Katherine More

Q: My mom's group expressed interest in food-related gatherings. As I attended culinary school last year, and live across the street from an SF Bay Area market, it seems natural to host a gathering for the group. One thought was to style the outing after European market tours... More