If you enjoy sipping a cup of warm sake at the end of a chilly day, you will probably love taruzake, a seasonal sake with the spicy, earthy flavor of Japanese cedar. Whether you buy it bottled or make your own ersatz version at home, this unusual drink is particularly comforting during winter. More

My boyfriend and I recently shared a date night at a kitschy fondue restaurant, complete with life-size pirate ship, watery moat, and live alligators. It seemed like a fun way to ring in the cold weather. Leave it to me to order a milkshake in the middle of winter...

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Here's a simple holiday table decoration scheme that caught my eye this week. It really couldn't be any simpler: Herb sprigs, glass champagne flutes. More

What is it about a holiday party that begs for a big, beautiful bowl of punch in the middle of the festivities? From sparkling blood orange punch to a Guinness-and-rum concoction inspired by warm gingerbread, these 10 punch recipes will keep you merry and bright throughout the holiday season. More

Brrrr. It looks like it's going to be an early winter this year. Here's a delicious drink , a classic, that is meant to be sipped while bundled up in an old plaid blanket or sitting in front of a fire. Whip up a batch to keep in your refrigerator for those chilled-to-the bone evenings or pack it into pretty little jars to give, along with a bottle of rum, as a holiday gift. More

The holiday table: For some of us, it's just there to hold the food and the wineglasses; throw a tablecloth on and call it a day. Others of us look forward to decking the table out with food and pretty decorations! Where do you fall? How are you setting your Thanksgiving table, and do you enjoy it? Or does it stress you out? More

We love this time of year! Everything is shiny and new. It feels like anything is possible, from mastering that tricky croissant recipe to finally updating our spice cupboard. We have lots of projects planned for the coming year and we can’t wait to dive in. What are your “cooking resolutions” for 2011? More

Pictured above: A Trio of Cheese Balls, Three Bubbly Champagne Cocktails
& Cranberry Margarita

Happy New Year from all of us! We hope you had a festive New Year's Eve, and that you have a lovely New Year's weekend. It is such a pleasure to talk about food and cooking with all of you, our readers. We will wrap up our year-end review on Sunday, and we'll be back bright and early Monday morning to kick off a whole new year of posts. Have a lovely weekend! More

Going to a New Year's fête? Taking the requisite bottle of Champagne? And perhaps something nice to share? May we offer a suggestion? (Last question, promise.)

With festive, globe-like appearance, these cheese balls could practically be hung like luminous ornaments on a tree. But they're much better consumed. And because they're so soft and spreadable, they make somewhat easier party food than that awkward wedge of cheese that you struggle to maneuver delicately onto a cracker. From a seed-encrusted goat cheese ball with caramelized shallots and cucumber, to a blue cheese option with homemade candied nuts, to a punchy English cheddar ball spiked with olives, dijon, lemon, and dill, there's something here for everyone. More

New Year's is here, and it’s time for some bubbly to ring in 2011. Instead of pouring straight Champagne, let guests get creative with a bubbly bar – sparkling wine, fruit mixers, and pretty garnishes for festive cocktails. More