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No question: Cocktails are an indulgence. But using fresh produce and herbs instead of syrupy mixers can cut calories — and boost flavor. This trend in mixology gave rise to "naked" or "skinny" cocktail options and "spa-tinis" on many bar menus. But it's easy to mix your own versions at home.

It's an ingredient with the power to define a culture. And if, like food writer Monica Bhide, you grew up eating only white rice, it's time to branch out: Green bamboo rice, black "forbidden" rice, red rice and sticky rice are just a few varieties that bring distinct flavors and textures to special preparations.

He's made his list and checked it twice: critic Alan Cheuse recommends the best books to give as gifts in 2011. This year, it's mostly fiction — books that will light up dark winter nights with warm stories, large characters and beautiful language.

Author and illustrator Peter Sis is known for his fantastical children's books, but his latest project is meant for more grown-up imaginations. Adapted from a 12th century Persian poem, The Conference of the Birds tells the story of thousands of birds who together fly off in search of their king.

It's widely eaten in the rest of world, and now goat's popularity is growing in America's increasingly diverse marketplace. Bring goat into your kitchen with these recipes for curry, mole rojo, meatballs and more — or churn up a sweet goat-milk caramel ice cream.

Churn out your own show-stopping sweets — like whoopie pies and Pixy Stix — in little more time than it takes to make cupcakes from a box or pick up something from the store. Having the right recipes on hand is a good first step.

The 83-year-old former poet laureate reflects on how life has changed as he's grown older. "My body causes me trouble when I cross the room, but when I am sitting down writing, I am in my heaven — my old heaven," he says.

For home cooks with enough interest and imagination, the do-it-yourself world is practically limitless. The store-bought stuff just can't match what's made from scratch — from cured salmon to a Nutella-inspired chocolate spread.

Homemade blackberry jam seemed to Northern California food writer Nicole Spiridakis the perfect parting favor for guests of her upcoming wedding. Picking berries and filling 103 jars with their summery essence took time but wasn't hard, she says.

The word "pate" may elicit disgust or salivation depending on the listener's attitude toward liver. Yet not all pate is made from liver. It might be fish or another meat, or vegetables — even cheese. If you're looking for uncommonly rich flavor, though, don't shy away from the innards.