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There is a worldwide shortage of hops and beer-makers in Anchorage, Alaska, are feeling the pinch, so expect to find maltier, less hoppy, beers there and at other micro-breweries around the country this year. Also in papers way up North, near the Pole: tips on finding fresh seafood, since this year's catch has also been slow to trickle in. They also have an interesting story from Sacramento about wine-tasters putting their noses to heirloom tomatoes instead of Napa's finest.

In Baltimore, Maryland, there are some good ideas for homemade holiday gifts like Pretzel Snowmen and Cranberry Vinegar. They also have a step-by-step slideshow on How to Assemble a Gift Basket, as well as a feature on dates, desserts from Sherry Yard and Alice Medrich, and soft and chewy molasses treats.

Portland, Oregon, joins the long line of local papers doing cookie contests and roundups in the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas. They focus on old-fashioned treats like Minty Chocolate Crinkles and Apricot Ginger Pinwheel Cookies. Their focus on the past extends into a fascinating piece on the personal recipe books (or receipt journals) kept by Western pioneer women.