Anne Willan's latest cookbook traces history of recipes and menus

Here we peruse four centuries of gastronomy including the heavily spiced sauces of medieval times, the massive roasts of King Louis XIV and the elegant 18th century chilled desserts.

Finding the tastiest choices for food book gifts

It's that time of year again, when retailers deck their halls, radio stations relentlessly jingle and cookbooks go forth and multiply.

Ask yourself: What would Nathan Myhrvold gift?

Anybody can giftwrap a matching apron and oven mitts. But if you really want to impress the foodie in your life, give the gift of kitchen tech.

Cookbooks are perfect to add to the holiday list

As a food writer and someone who just loves to eat, I’m often asked what the new best cookbooks are. But for that type of recommendation, going beyond the personal, I turn to my New York friends in the cookbook publishing business. Based on their responses, here are my suggestions for some o…

FROM the FARM: Readers fond of Phil Smidt's recipes and memories

Even though last month marked the fifth anniversary since our region's beloved Phil Smidt's restaurant closed, memories of the menu live on with Times readers.

Toasting Julia Child's 100th Birthday: Culinary queen still inspires and instills the spirit of cooking up fun

Joanne Urschel, of Valparaiso, has been busy for months planning a party with her friends. Like so many fans and food enthusiasts from around the world, Urschel wants to raise a glass to honor the favorite kitchen great of the last century — Julia Child.

'From the Farm' celebrates a decade of down-home recipe sharing

When you love your work, 10 years slips by fast.

OFFBEAT: Minnie Pearl recipe request reflects Sunday's folksy fun for column's 10th anniversary

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

2011 Valparaiso High School Iron Chef Contest Winners

Valparaiso High School teacher Debbie Shaffer (left) and students Jeannie Nolan, 18, Clarisse Fletcher, 17, Derek Hill, 18, (behind) and Jacob Hammer, 16 celebrate their win for the 2001 VHS Iron Chef Contest with autographed cookbook presented by Times Columnist Philip Potempa.

Farm Friends

Actress Dawn Wells, who played farm girl Mary Ann Summers on the CBS series "Gilligan's Island," is shown with Times Columnist Philip Potempa in Chicago in this March 2010 photo, swapping copies of their popular cookbooks, as well as sporting one of Wells' custom "Mary Ann" homemade ragdolls.

FROM the FARM: Waitress Rosie's hubby Al, and his love of desserts, will be missed

Phil Potempa's weekly farm recipe column.

FROM the FARM: Farm town's barbershop businesses become cut-throat

Phil Potempa's weekly farm recipe column.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured item. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Prizes not claimed within one week of notification are forfeited.

Foodie Finds

The first reader (excluding Times employees) to call (219) 933-3365 at 10:30 a.m. Thursday will win the featured item. Those having received a Foodie Finds in the past year are ineligible. Prizes not claimed within one week of notification are forfeited. Last week's winner was Jill Taylor of…