"clam chowder" news and stories

• When it comes to chowder, you need the right clams. And for the right clams, Bostonians depend on this guy.
• If you fork over $20 for a burger, exactly what are you getting? This had better be more than just a prime cut.
• Don't call this classic white, flaky fish, "trash." Hake is good eating, and the best seafood bargain now.
• Want local eggs? How about really, really local eggs? We're talking your backyard and a Rent-a-Coop.

• How do you quench your thirst for good wine when your wallet is near empty? This guide will help you get the biggest vine for your buck.
• The number of U.S. wineries is growing as newbies like Blue Door and Escondido Sunrise get into the business.
• This week's Produce Picks include Washington asparagus and Packham pears from Argentina.
• Hmm ... Can you have clam chowder without clams?
• The Union-Tribune takes a peek at new notable products from spicy chicken sandwiches to low-fat ice cream.
• Recipe: Scrumptious Coffee Cake, Brownie Cookies, an Infamous Wedding Green Sauce, Cranberry Oatmeal Chews, Fire-Roasted Tomatoes and Chicken over Ziti

Each Thursday, we round up a selection of scrumptious links from our friends over at YumSugar. Here's what they've got cooking this week:

With strawberry season upon us, try throwing some in your salsa, salad, cocktails, pies and tarts.

Take your taste buds to the beach with a recipe for Creamy Cape Cod Clam Chowder.

Pack raw burgers for a picnic in an easy tower of foil, meat and parchment paper.

Happy Hour is even happier with Kalimotxo, a surprisingly tasty mixture of Coca-Cola and red wine.

Crostini are endlessly versatile, as this tasty recipe for a "sublimely simple" Parmesan-Blue Cheese Crostini with Green Onions demonstrates.

Do you use cooking oils other than olive oil?

At every major meal event, I have to limit my mother to one "food in a food" -- meaning one dish where the plate/bowl is also edible. It's true that serving food this way can make for a killer presentation, but there's a fine line between killer and overkill, so I try to limit her to one dish. That said, here are some fabulous for serving food inside of food this fall...

1. Fall yams served in orange cups, from Epicurious.

2. Pumpkin souffles inside pumpkins, from Martha Stewart

3. Roasted butternut squash pastina served inside a pumpkin (or inside winter squash, perhaps?) from Food Network

4. Clam chowder in a bread bowl from yumsugar

5. Cappuccino Mousse in chocolate cups from All Recipes

6. Stuffed bell peppers from Simply Recipes (this counts because the recipe just looks so good!)

7. Lemon sorbet in frozen lemon shells from Homemade Ice Cream Desserts

8. Fruit salad served in melon from Fine Living

Have a beautiful serving idea of your own? Please share!

• We had a Boston/NY food showdown, and so does The Boston Globe.
• Make some chocolate goodies for your Valentine's Day honey.
• The Sneaky Chef vs. Deceptively Delicious.
• This chili is made with brisket and has no beans.
• Whoopie pies!
• Restaurant reviews: Kingston Station and Jack-Tar.
• This week's recipes: Lemon-Sugar Crepes, Magic Meatballs, Shrimp Remoulade, Turkey Chili, and Macaroni and Cheese.