The fig is an ancient delicacy: The prophet Mohammad once conjectured that it might be descended directly from Paradise. In the Northern Hemisphere, figs only bring their sensual, delicate, sweet-and-tart taste to store shelves (and tree branches) in autumn. Fig season will end soon, and it'll be hard to find these exotic beauties over the winter. Luckily, figs lend themselves incredibly well to preserving. It's easy to make a basic fig jam, rich in flavor and texture, that provides a gourmet alternative to ho-hum jelly.

Each year when October rolls around, my body begins to crave things beyond my control: sweet, roasted pumpkins; warm, baked treats; And crisp, sparkling cider. For years I had dreamed of making my own hard cider, but never had the gumption to just try it already. But no store-ready cider is ever satisfying: they’re too sweet, too syrupy and far too expensive for what they’re worth. Finally, after an early autumn trip to a local apple orchard, I resolved to make my own hard cider. And surprisingly, it was easier than I ever expected it to be.

The days are slowly getting shorter and colder. There’s no better time than the present to start practicing your most warming and wholesome winter meal: chili! Now, when most people think “chili,” thoughts of hearty, meat and bean filled bowls typically come to mind. But a plethora of meat-free, vegetarian and vegan chili recipes exist.

What a name puzzle! Sweet potato or yam? Are they one in the same? Nope. Despite the standard calls to “Pass the yams!” across the Thanksgiving dinner table, most vegetables labeled "yams" in the United States are actually orange-fleshed sweet potatoes—even though we use the terms interchangeably.

So, what’s the root cause of this sweet potato-yam mix up? Find out!

Pistachios sprinkled over cupcakes or pistachio-flavored ice cream may make this nut the trendy dessert ingredient of the moment, but the little, colorful and uniquely tasty pistachio has a larger place at the table than merely fodder for interesting dessert. Nutrient dense and delicious, here are nine reasons a handful of pistachios make for a wonderful snack-time indulgence.

As our own Derek Beres says in his artice, The Vegetarian Wedding Planner, "It never ceases to amaze me that people assume I have limited culinary choices. It's impossible to explain how much variety was introduced into my diet when forgoing meat." How true that most think going vegetarian is painfully limiting. How also true what bologne that is! Vegetarians open themselves up to a world of inventive gastronomy when meat isn't the go-to highlight. In the spirit of vegetable-centric creativity, we're spotlighting some drool-worthy recipes that sprung on the blogoshpere this last week.  

It's time to un-pack your stash of slasher films, creepy Halloween decorations, and start planning what you'll wear to your Halloween party. Thinking of unique Halloween party ideas can feel daunting (it's 2011 - what hasn't been done?!), but with a little preparation and effort, you can pull together an awesome organic menu of Halloween party foods, make fun party decorations, and throw a stellar Halloween party.

If you think that producing a wedding for 200+ people is challenging, consider sitting around a table with your fiance's Jewish mother and Italian father informing them that the entire weekend—from Friday's rehearsal dinner through Sunday's brunch—will be vegetarian. Erica was sticking to one simple rule: We don't serve meat at dinner parties and this event would be no different. Yet, as often happens with weddings, the event was becoming about everybody but the bride and groom. The battle turned Black-Gate-of-Mordor epic.

Embellishing your fresh greens with crisp croutons may not be essential to building a tasty salad, but who doesn’t love that oh-so satisfying crunch?

Store-bought crouton brands tend to lean high on the sodium side and also often contain unnecessary (and unwanted!) additives. Making your own crunchy croutons means you get to choose what ingredients go in them, and it couldn’t be simpler. You don’t have to be a culinary whiz to craft your own croutons... just, you know, your average I-can-turn-on-an-oven home chef.

Here’s a fabulous fall infusion that’s ideal for twilight cocktail hours. Smokey whiskey, infused with sour cherries, fresh ginger and warm cloves, becomes something intoxicating far beyond just the alcoholic kick. Enjoy this autumn sipper alongside a romantic dinner date or night with the girls… or if you prefer, kicking back in Gramma’s rocking chair while the cool rain pitter-patters outside your window. This drink warms you through and through.