Blog Posts by Epicurious.com

Wine lovers talk about how a wine should tell a story, that it must communicate terroir. By drinking a glass of vino, according to this theory, the consumer should be able to learn something about the geography, soil, climate, and therefore the flavors, foods, and even history of a culture. For those of us who can't quite intuit these things from a mere sip, there are wine books, magazines, and websites (and, of course, the tasting-note cheat-sheets on the back labels). Now Francis Ford Coppola, the movie maven with the megawineries, is combining the grape juice and educational supplement in one package. They're called "Encyclopedia Wines." And they're weird lookin'.

My first thought is that these bottles show a startling resemblance to the design of the stories in the Epicurious "Around the World in 80 Dishes" series. Both the wines and the articles/videos highlight a region using the postage stamp metaphor. Both employ handwritten-like fonts, too, as exemplified by the "80

Fancy store-bought presents are great-don't get us wrong-but if you want to make loved ones feel really cared-for, nothing's better than a tasty homemade treat, carefully prepared and packaged in pretty wrapping. The recipes below run the gamut from an elaborate loaf of panettone-an all-day labor of love-to a simple limoncillo, which is just vodka, lemons, sugar, and time. Check out the slideshow to see packing ideas for each dish, and see below for tips on making and transporting edible gifts.

Recipe tips:

• Supersize Your Selections

Always make twice as many items as you think are necessary. This way, if you need a last-minute hostess gift or you discover you've left someone important off your list (this happens even to Oscar winners), you'll be covered.

• Be Prepared for Jams

Traffic and unexpected holdups are more the rule than the exception at this time of year. Just in case Santa's sleigh stalls

For food lovers, there's nothing more essential to Hanukkah celebrations than latkes. We begin craving them the minute December dawns, and when the holiday finally arrives, we happily down several (or a dozen) straight from the pan.

But why confine potato pancakes to this time of year? They're just as delicious in other seasons. To that end, here are five recipes-a crisp, golden classic and four creative variations-that will easily make the transition from Festival of Light to year-round festivities. They incorporate a far-flung range of influences, and would be at home on menus from India to New England to the Southwest. Try them as hors d'oeuvres or side dishes during the holidays and beyond.

Four keys to successful pancakes:

• Speed Things Up

Once you peel and grate the potatoes, work as quickly as possible to prevent discoloration - after a few minutes, they'll start to oxidize and turn brown.

• Dry It Out

Squeeze all the liquid you can from the

Poor fruitcake. Every year, it's laughed at and abused-hurled into the air, used as a doorstop, tossed in the garbage. Yet every year it makes its sad appearance, wrapped hopefully in its traditional bow. Today, more people make jokes about fruitcake than have actually tasted it. Some holiday tradition.

It wasn't always this way. Stuffed with fruit and nuts and drenched in alcohol, the fruitcake has been around since at least the 15th century. (Not-must I say it?-the exact same fruitcake.) The Crusaders were said to pack a few slices to sustain them on their travels. Early in the 18th century, "plum cakes" were banned throughout Europe , deemed too sinful to be eaten. In Victorian England, fruitcake was de rigueur at tea parties. Often a symbol of celebration, fruitcake has enjoyed pride of place at weddings, birthdays, and Christmas parties.

In my own family, my aunts and my grandmother never failed to present us on Christmas Day with a giant tin of beautifully

Christmas Recipes and Traditions

• Chile: Pan de Pasqua (Christmas Bread)

In Chile , celebrations get going on Christmas Eve. A midnight mass, called Misa de Gallo or "Mass of the Rooster," marks the beginning of the new day and the

The Essential Cocktail: The Art of Mixing Perfect Drinks ($35)

By Dale DeGroff

What's In It: Dale DeGroff, the man who pretty much taught and/or inspired every serious (living) mixologist, discusses the history and recipes behind 100 classic cocktails and their variations. The book is smartly organized by type of drink (sours, punches, etc.) and features full-page color shots of DeGroff's creations, as well as extensive discussions of barware, glassware, and garnishes. I give it 4 unequivocal forks.

Peterson's Holiday Helper: Festive Pick-Me-Ups, Calm-Me-Downs & Handy Hints to Keep You in Good Spirits ($16.95)

By Valerie Peterson

What's In It: Full of retro-kitschy images (photos, barware, ads), this book is more of a stocking stuffer than a cocktail guide. Still, Peterson manages to include 50 recipes and a helpful index organizing drinks by liquor, theme, and name.I give it 2 forks (4 forks for the festive imagery).

Artisanal Cocktails: Drinks

Three critics share their top value picks-whites, reds, and even sparklers

Cono Sur Viognier 2008 ( Chile )

Average Price: $10
Tastes: A refreshing white with wild field flowers, lime, and apricot.
Ideal Pairing: Light curries

Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 ( Chile )

Average Price: $10
Tastes: A well-structured, elegant, and balanced Cabernet with classic notes of cassis and blackberries.
Ideal Pairing: Steak

Bellingham Shiraz 2005 ( South Africa )

Average Price: $11
Tastes: The dash of Viognier in this wine lifts and brightens its dark berry richness.
Ideal Pairing: Braised beef

Cookoothama Chardonnay 2006 ( Australia )

Average Price: $12
Tastes: A round, warm Chardonnay with ripe apples, butter, vanilla, and melon.
Ideal Pairing:Roast chicken

For more wine picks, check out Natalie's Top 5 Party and Gift Wines or visit her Web site at www.nataliemaclean.com ›

La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux

Celebrate this festive season without getting a jelly belly

Eating well during holiday season is a bit like walking up a down escalator while everyone else is going down the right way-and they're gorging on delicious-looking bonbons at the same time. You're already struggling just to stay on track yourself, and now you have to contend with all those happy faces, most definitely bound for even more treats that you can't have.

The recipes we've gathered here will help you stay the course without missing all the fun. Some are easy weeknight choices, others are dressed-up enough for a special get-together. Of course you can have some of what they're having too, but these great sides, entrées, and (yes!) desserts will help you stay focused-and feel a lot better.

Healthy-Eating Tips:

Small Indulgences

Scarlett O'Hara dutifully ate before going to an important dinner party so she could eat like a bird later (and therefore be considered a real lady). But it would be a