Q: Could you recommend some British cookbooks and cooking blogs? I am an ex-pat and find some ingredients different here (flour for example). Thanks.

Sent by Marcia

Q: I live in Boston and my boyfriend lives in New York. I'll be visiting him for Valentine's Day and I'd like to bring some kind of special baked good since his kitchen is... sparse, to put it kindly. No flour, no sugar, no baking pans, nothing. 

Q: We're throwing a cocktail party to introduce my boyfriend to my parents, friends, and extended family in two weeks. I'd like to make a cocktail that speaks to my experience working on a cruise ship for the past seven months. I am hoping your readers may have some great ideas for a tropical whiskey drink!

Q: I have been trying to make tender pork chops and despite everything I try- they come out hard and tough? How do you guarantee a tenders, soft moist pork chop? I have a convection oven.

Sent by Heidi

Q: Can you suggest some simple and delicious recipes to celebrate Chinese New Year? I'm not Chinese, but I love Chinese food and I want to get some insight on the traditional food for this holiday.

Sent by Ana

Q: Recently, I've been fermenting my own fruit vinegars: apple, pineapple and habanero, blueberry. They taste wonderful splashed on a salad or over a piece of fish. However, I'm looking for more ways to highlight the unique taste of these vinegars. How can I use them as more than a background note? 

Q: I'm planning to host a Les Misérables themed Oscar party for several of my friends. I have a ton of ideas about decor, but I am stumped for food. Any ideas?

Sent by Rachel

Q: My husband and I went to the Saltgrass Steak House in San Antonio, TX, in May. Their side dish of scampi rice was incredible. Does anyone have a recipe?

Sent by Gigi More

Q: I am taking a trip to Florida with my extended family, and as the trip coincides with the Super Bowl, we were planning a little family party. One of my sister-in-laws is essentially an egg-eating, no-soy vegan. What would be some good soy-free, vegan appetizers and mains for a Super Bowl party? More

Q: I have a quart of heavy whipping cream that I need to use up. Any ideas on what to make besides, you know, whipped cream?

Sent by Kathy More