"bloody marys" news and stories

Everyone has their Christmas morning traditions. When I was a kid, we couldn't open any of our gifts (OK, maybe our stockings) until mom had had her first cup of coffee. I don't really have any traditions or rules like that anymore, because I have my own place now and I go over to my sister's house later in the day and exchange gifts and she usually cooks, but a lot of people have certain things they always eat or drink on Christmas morning, even beyond the coffee you have in the morning or the turkey you have for dinner.

In the December issue of Bon Appetit, Ted Allen gives his menu for a Christmas brunch that could become a new tradition in your home. He starts with a Citrus Fruit Salad. Actually, maybe he starts with the Gazpacho Bloody Marys! Then you can go on to the Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon, Caviar, and Tarragon Creme Fraiche, and maybe some Sticky Bun Bread Pudding.

As readers of our TV Squad blog know, I'm a huge Amy Sedaris fan. She has a new book out that is not only "good," it's fantastic. A cookbook/entertaining book that isn't just all humor. It's a book you can actually use. It has some great idea, recipes (a couple hundred, actually), great pics. A lot of thought went into it. Oh, and it's funny as hell too.

Over at Gourmet magazine, they asked her to give some tips for the perfect Halloween celebration. It includes a discount movie theater dinner party, a meal made to be eaten in the dark (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and corn - you don't have to see it to eat it), her famous cupcakes, and drinks (Bloody Marys and Zombies, of course). She even likes to have her Halloween night guests carve a pumpkin.

Click here to order Amy's book, and check out her tour schedule here.