FROM the FARM: Early reader Christmas gift with recipe request

Reader Diane Merrick of Munster was very happy on Monday to get some recipe help.

Taste of Home searches for Mrs. Holiday

Do you have what it takes to be a holiday ambassador?

Times Columnist Philip Potempa and Parents with Family Dog

Times Columnist Philip Potempa,shown with family farm dog Laddie, and his parents Chester (with a homemade birdhouse) and Peggy (with her favorite pickled beets), will greet guests at the 2011 Times and Taste of Home Cooking School.

Fall Harvest Jams, Jellies and Pickles with Homemade Birdhouses

From homemade birdhouses to kitchen canning like jams, jellies and pickles, sharing recipes and favorite tips are part of prizes and bounty of fall harvest fun at the 2011 Times and Taste of Home Cooking School.

Times Columnist Philip Potempa in 1977 for First Day of School

Times Columnist Philip Potempa (right) is shown in this August 1977 photo with older sister Pam and older brother David on "the first day of school."

Times Columnist Philip Potempa's Older Brother and Sister School Photos

The first day of school in September 1965 included a photo before stepping on the bus for Tom and Carol, the older brother and sister of Times Columnist Philip Potempa.

Can you name this Cajun Cook from PBS fame?

PBS created a range of popular food personalities long before the Food Network and reality television. Even before Emeril Lagasse was proclaiming the great food landscape of New Orleans and Louisiana, this man pictured was already spreading it around the word and the recipes. Can you name him?

OFFBEAT: Here's your chance to win Times Taste of Home Cooking Show tickets

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

FROM THE FARM: South Holland reader helps with delicious Black Walnut Cake recipe

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

FROM THE FARM: Fall brings annual Taste of Home show

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Culinary expert whips up a Taste of Home

Dana Elliot holds up one of the cookbook she used Tuesday during the Taste of Home Cooking School at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.

Culinary expert whips up a Taste of Home

Culinary expert Dana Elliott prepares an item from a cookbook being followed by those in the crowd Tuesday during the Taste of Home Cooking School at the Star Plaza Theatre.

Culinary expert whips up a Taste of Home

Culinary expert Dana Elliott prepares a stock Tuesday night during the Taste of Home Cooking School sponsored by The Times Media Co. and Taste of Home magazine at the Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.