The former mayor's marinade
Now leading a much simpler life than when she was mayor of Tampa, Sandy Freedman wanted to collect some favorite recipes and give them to her children. That idea led to a published cookbook.

What's your favorite holiday food?
Though Christmas comes just once a year, the memories of Mom's chestnut dressing or Grandpa's famous plum pudding last forever.

Food File
Special events and food tastings

Too busy to cook?
Follow these hints to put a simple, nutritious meal on the family dinner table tonight, tomorrow and the next night, too.

dish
deconstructing: Italian cold cuts

Pinellas to Go: Where hearty, handmade goodies fly off the shelves
A visit to the German Baker Boy store brings a new appreciation for stollen, a tradition in German homes during the holiday season.

Tried and True: Try baked pears for an elegant dessert
For 30 years, Linda Hope of Land O'Lakes has been making Poires au Gratin (Pears Baked with Wine and Macaroons), a simple but elegant dessert she found in Julia Child's 1968 The French Chef Cookbook.

Ask the Dietitian: Protein sources for vegetarians
Question: We've been wanting to become vegetarians for many years but have never taken the step. We would like to know what food would give us the protein we need after giving up meat. We want to continue to eat chicken and fish. We hear beans are a good substitute, but unfortunately we don't like them. -- Barbie and Raymond, via e-mail