So many desserts, so little time!  This week I have wanted every sweet that’s been posted from the Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake to all the desserts made with ricotta and mascarpone.  In turn, I have my own instant boozy dessert — one that works just as well for when I’m hanging solo as it does at the end of a dinner party.  My hard and fast Rum Raisin Ice Cream only calls for three simple ingredients. When combined, I guarantee you they deliver pure culinary bliss.

In my quest for the perfect Passover cocktail to share with you for today's 10-Minute Happy Hour, my first instinct was to phone a friend. Since she converted to Judaism as an adult, I thought she would forgive my ignorance and be able to give me the inside scoop on what a kosher cocktail might look like. Her hard and fast answer was, "We don't really drink cocktails. We just drink wine and champagne."  Hmmm, I thought, that's a start.

Spring officially arrives this week, and what better time for the release of Amy Stewart's delightful new book, The Drunken Botanist. As you're planning your garden, foraging for wild plants, or simply looking for a good cocktail recipe (and cocktail party conversation topics!), you don't want to miss this entertaining and illuminating guide to "the plants that create the world's great drinks." More

Q: I've grown up with an appreciation for good liquor and cocktails, and I would like to stock my bar with more than gin and whiskey. I have weekly dinners and brunches, and would like to give my guests options for drinks and cocktails. Recommendations?

Sent by Dani

Everyone loves to clink a green drink on St. Patrick’s Day. I enjoy color-coded cocktails and party-themed sips as much as the next gal, but it still has to taste good.  To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you could simply add a little green food coloring to your beer — or you could recognize you are no longer a college co-ed and toast the day with this classic green cocktail instead.

Q: I'm pregnant and probably the thing I miss most is my occasional glass of bourbon! I have other beverages so I don't feel too left out, but I really miss that smokey, rich, slightly sweet taste of bourbon. I know nothing will be the same, but I've been trying to think of a beverage or "mocktail" that might give a similar experience. Any ideas?

Sent by Jen

I can get pretty passionate about my gin, so when I saw an article recently noting that British gins were really all you should reach for when mixing a cocktail I was skeptical. What about my beloved St. George's from California? Or how about Oola, distilled right here in Seattle? More

One of my favorite treats on a Friday evening is enjoying a new cocktail at home. Often it's something as simple as a Gin and Tonic, but with the cold nights of February upon us, we've been turning to sipping warming liquors instead. More

Q: Help! I have a bottle of Campari that is gathering dust, and I would like some ideas for incorporating that into more recipes, especially into food. I am exhausted after countless Campari-sodas and Negronis.

Sent by Angela

Did you know you can make your own gin in 36 hours, no (illegal) distilling or bathtub required? The HomeMade Gin Kit comes with all the tools and aromatics you need — just supply a bottle of vodka and you're ready to go. (It would make a great Valentine's Day gift, too!) More