We don't spend a lot of time rhapsodizing over winter ingredients. This stands in contrast to late spring, when food writers and bloggers babble poetry over strawberries, or the summertime, when ripe tomatoes come in for a lot of breathless excitement. But winter has its own ingredients — like the rutabaga I can hardly wait to cook, or even the bags of heirloom beans that turn into pantry stars in the colder months. Read on for three more ingredients that are inspiring me to cook this winter — I'd love to hear yours! What's exciting you in the kitchen right now? More

I have a romantic history with chocolate pies. It doesn't matter if it's my grandmother's microwave chocolate pie, chocolate chess pie, chocolate pudding pie, or brownie pie. I never discriminate. However, this satiny, creamy, light-as-a-feather French silk pie may have just nudged itself to my winner's circle. More

Nothing says "Valentine's Day" like those little conversation hearts that say cute things like "Love You" or "Be Mine." They're adorable and colorful and sweet. The only problem is that they're chalky and powdery and taste kind of awful, don't they? I don't know about you, but I'd much rather give my love a cookie. 

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

Poor, unglamorous cabbage. It doesn't get all the cool-kid attention that kale does, even though it's just as dependable during the dark days of winter, and with its mild sweetness and amazing versatility, maybe even easier to love. These 10 recipes are a reminder of how adaptable and tasty cabbage can be, whether served shredded in an addictive peanut-dressed slaw, stuffed into sausage sandwiches or simmered quickly with yogurt in an Indian-style curry. More

Here are the reasons that you, a grown adult of sound mind and body, should go sledding: it's good clean fun that doesn't cost a dime, there's no one to stop you from going on the steep path, and you get to bring a flask. Also, that dinner that you slow-cooked earlier in the day is going to taste amazing when you and your buds tromp in from the snow. Yup, sledding party: it needs to happen. More

Kids know how to party! Check out these festive celebrations from the Apartment Therapy Family channel, which posts kids' parties every day. We'll be bringing you a roundup of these inspiring parties every week.

• Adella's Princess Party
• Callum's Magical Mystery Tour
• Beckett's Sasquatch Explorer Party
• Bird's Big Top Circus Party

I was born into a family that loves sweets. In the summer, I crave ice cream or sorbet, and in the winter I often reach for a cup of cocoa in the evening. But those packets of store-bought hot chocolate are filled with sugar and hydrogenated oils and making your own is so very simple. Making your own healthier version? Just as easy. More

Conversation hearts may be the unofficial candy of Valentine's Day, but there are certainly tastier treats out there to share with loved ones. I have never been a fan of the flavor and texture of conversation hearts, but I do love the look and the opportunity to convey an affectionate message. Here are five fun and delicious plays on the conversation heart to give to family and friends next month. More

Nine times out of ten, when you see fennel salad on a restaurant menu, it is simply shaved with lemon, olive oil and Parmesan cheese — a classic, foolproof combination to be sure, but if I'm going to pay $9 for a side salad, it had better not be something I can make perfectly well at home on a Wednesday night. So when I spotted an unusual fennel salad with roasted tomatoes, pistachios and cream on the menu of Seattle's The Walrus and the Carpenter, I knew I had to order it. And once I tasted it, I knew I had to make a version of my own. More