.000001%* of the population will be paid actual cash money to step foot into the on deck circle at Yankee Stadium. Still, that doesn't stop hordes of fans from TiVoing Inside Baseball, poring over box scores and suiting up in team regalia on game day. For some of us, food holds an equally compelling balance of gut-level devotion and wonkish stat-based compulsion. A reservation at elBulli is akin to scoring home team dugout seats for the seventh game of the World Series. Food fans -- here's your program.

It's said that 2,000,000 requests a year come in for just 8000 seats at Ferran Adrià's Spanish temple of molecular gastronomy. The closest many of us will come is grazing through this brand new 528 page play-by-play, A Day at elBulli An insight into the the ideas, methods and creativity of Ferran Adrià. It's not so much the common parlance's "food porn" as it is a post-millennial culinary junkie's process orgy, documenting each staff motion and motivation, every microgram of alginate and liquid nitrogen, and fetishistically breaking down quantity and custom and customer/server semiotics.

The proverbial sausage has never been so obsessively, graphically made for public consumption, and rarely has it been so deliciously presented. There are pleasing pictures and recipes, to be sure (Hazelnut praline air, anyone? Perhaps some Garrapi-nitro pine nuts?), but sans easy access to an Isomalt-R-Us, it's a fever-dream cookbook. It is, however, a deeply heartening food-ifesto.

Ah, the celebration that comes with a national election. The debate/return parties, the shared moments of victory and/or regrouping, the solitary, teeth-gnashing sessions spent on the couch in front of CNN. All go better with a drink, preferably something American-made--no Heineken, no Sapporo, no Hennessy, no Stoli. No, indeed, because it is the time to crack open a bottle of Jim Beam. What could be more patriotic than that? Actually, something can: An Operation Homefront bottle of Jim Beam. Operation Homefront is an organization that aids and supports military personnel and their families stateside. Disagree though people may on other issues, I think this is something we can all get behind. Even without the booze.

Unlike the Absolut New Orleans charity bottle, Operation Homefront Beam has no special flavor or, really, anything to differentiate it from regular Beam beasides the stars n' stripes on the bottle. Also, while the Jim Beam company has made six-digit donations to Operation Homefront, they do not receive a percentage of bottle sales, so one is deprived of the rare opportunity of insisting that you're downing that 12th bourbon sour for our brave men and women in uniform. Still, for their support of this fine charity (and perhaps after that 13th bourbon, you could write a check too), the good folk at Jim Beam deserve a round of applause. Or perhaps just a clink of the glasses.

It's pink, it sparkles, and it comes in a fancy bottle. It's Nuvo!

Nuvo is the world's first sparkling liqueur, made with vodka and French sparkling wine. None of that, in theory, would make it pink. But, it's pink. Magic! (additives!)

It is definitely best enjoyed very cold, and is meant to be served in champagne flutes over ice.

The flavor and aroma are delicate; you can definitely taste the wines used (very fruity). There is a strength to it, though. The best way I can find to describe it is to say it tastes like sparkling white zinfandel with a ridiculously high alcohol content...and frankly, it's not bad!

Nuvo, in it's signature bottle, makes a great gift and looks chic when served at parties. Its classy pink color makes it feel just a little bit more special than champagne or any of your usual liqueurs. Add more vodka to it to make a sparkling pink cosmopolitan! We approve.

Getting together for dinner and a movie can be one of the most prosaic (Domino's and Blockbuster) of gatherings. But it can become something significantly more special if the food and the visuals connect.

When I was a broke, just-outta-high school teen, my roommates and I would host Godfather parties, for which we'd make a lot of pasta, get some jugs of cheap wine and follow the rule of shouting "Godfather!" then clinking and drinking every time someone got whacked.

There was a "cases of champagne and little black dresses" Breakfast at Tiffany's birthday party, but the master of the art was my great friend Mr. Diva, who threw annual, movie-themed award show parties, paying homage to Picnic (fried chicken) or Blue Velvet (cherry pie and PBR).

I've never had an Angel's Sangria, but this Sinner's version sounds pretty good. Normally, Sangria is made by macerating fresh fruit in brandy and sugar, and mixing with wine and club soda, ginger ale, or juice. The Sinner's Sangria cuts the macerating step: the extra alcohol is already in the port, after all. So (pardon the pun) it's sinfully easy and sinfully potent. This recipe is from Sandeman Founders Reserve Port from Portugal.

Sinner's Sangria

1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Port
1 liter ginger ale
1 orange cut in small slices
1 green apple cut in small cubes
4 oz. fresh squeezed orange juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients into a medium size punch bowl.

White Sangria is lovely in summer (that must be the Angel version), but I love red Sangria in fall and winter. The extra brandy (or Port, in this case), will send nice warm fuzzies down to your toes.

Welcome to my first installment of In Season. Every Tuesday, I'll be showcasing a recipe that uses produce at the peak of flavor. I'm a true believer in utilizing the freshest ingredients to enhance a meal. These recipes may be main courses or just side dishes. Either way, I hope to bring you recipes that showcase each ingredient in a simple, yet unique way.

Today I bring you Deviled Tomatoes: a fresher and more modern take on the classic, Deviled Eggs. More colorful and lighter, these mouthwatering bites are a perfect way to start a brunch or cocktail party. Feel free to substitute the plum tomatoes for small heirloom tomatoes for an eye-catching, vivid display.

Read on for the recipe from the cookbook: Tomatoes & Mozzarella by Hallie Harron and Shelley Sikora.

I was walking on Broadway the other day, and I was nearly side-swiped by a peddling man, swerving in a red buggy. Obviously, it was a cheese delivery man.

Artisanal Premium Cheese recently launched their "Same Day Rickshaw Delivery" service in Manhattan, offering patrons between 34th and 63rd streets a 5pm delivery of an assortment of cheeses. Artisanal paired with Revolution Rickshaws (those lanky bicyclists in Central Park who offer romantic carriage rides) to add a little flavor to the service. Why they specifically choose a 29 block radius for cheese delivery? Well, its considered their "initial kick-off" phase, but I'm hoping for a complete expansion. I'm sure the cheese gets prime-time refrigeratory treatment, and the the site does say "Rickshaw Revolution will start peddling your way", so Ill be patiently waiting in my downtown apartment for the Rickshaw Celebration Collection.

I must admit, I'm fantasizing about owning one of those rickshaws. Can you imagine how popular I would be if my mobile bumper sticker said professional cheese delivery?

Every July 4th, I find myself at a barbecue eating the usual: a hamburger, a hot dog, some potato chips, guacamole, and a few beers. This year, I want to celebrate Independence Day the same way, but with the best condiments, drinks, and chips. Below are 8 delicious foods that are perfect for July 4rth:

1. Chips d'Allauch - What could be more patriotic than honoring the French who helped us fight the war of independence? These French potato chips are the best I have ever tried. They come from Provence and are made from golden yellow Bintje potatoes that are fried in peanut oil. They're only available at Formaggio Kitchen.
2. June Taylor tomato ketchup - The mixture of rich organic tomatoes, spices, and vinegar make this ketchup the ideal accompaniment with your burger, barbecued chicken, and hot dog. You can purchase it from June Taylor online.
   
3. Bar Harbor blueberry Ale - The Atlantic Brewing Company crafts this beer in Bar Harbor, Maine. Enjoy this creamy fruity American ale that has a blueberry aroma.
   
4. Vegeta's cranberry mango salsa: This zesty sweet and spicy salsa is sure to rock your palate this July 4rth! You can purchase it from Amazon.com.
   
5. Peter Luger Steakhouse old-fashioned steak sauce: This classic sauce for chicken and hamburgers is also great over fresh tomatoes.
6. Fentimans Victorian lemonade: I know this is not an American lemonade, but it's so good! This British refreshment is mildly sweet and acidic and will definitely cool you off.
   
7. Grafton three year cheddar: This American cheddar from Grafton, Vermont is great melted on your burger.
   
8. Heritage burgers: Heritage Foods sells grass-fed beef burgers on their website. They're a must try this July 4rth at your barbecue.
   

If you're entertaining this July 4rth, I highly suggest the foods above. What items will you be eating this Independence Day?

Looking to start your kids on tea early?

Mlive.com has some great tips for hosting a tea and garden party for children. From the kid-friendly peanut butter or cheese filling for finger sandwiches, to the cupcake decoration station and the small kid-sized gardening projects, this sounds exactly like something I would have loved as a child.

The article mentions having caffeine-free teas for children, and I think this is an excellent idea as well. When having a party for children, it's generally not a good idea to pump the kids full of anything that's going to very suddenly make life stressful for you as the host, and caffeine-free is usually a good policy for kids in general. Fruit or mint-flavored tisanes (herbal teas) would be an obvious choice for refreshing flavors that won't be too far outside a younger child's typical flavor palette

I also think that for kids, painting their own personalized tea cups at a place like Color Me Mine (most of you probably have a similar "paint your own pottery" studio in your local area) would make a tea party a lot of extra fun. Most kids love an art project, and then they can all drink their tea while showing off their one-of-a-kind painted tea cups. Keep in mind that the pottery takes time to complete after being painted, so remember to plan two separate afternoons: one for painting and one for drinking tea out the finished artwork.

Burgoo who?

Burgoo is a traditional Kentucky stew of multiple meats (at least three) and a bounty of veggies simmered down for hours until they break down to a uniform consistency. The standard sentiment is that if you can still make out an okra pod or slice of carrot, keep cooking 'cause it ain't burgoo yet -- but as the dish is usually made in such massive quantities (we're talking GALLONS), most regular utensils will just sink down into the mire.

So - what's a burgoo chef to do? Well, many Kentucky restaurants rely on 2x4 studs, and folks at community cookouts and church festivals often use rakes to stir the stuff while perched above on chairs as they tend giant pots set over open wood fires. The flavor and texture are said to be reminiscent of mulligan stew, and my North Carolina born husband swears it's a kissing cousin to Brunswick stew, but the guests at our yearly Kentucky Derby soiree have taken to calling it "The Liquid Meat." That is, when their mouths aren't crammed full of the 'goo.

Ice molds available for $8 from Calliope serve a dual function. Not only do you get a cool guitar shaped ice cube to keep your drink cold, but also the handle of the guitar can be used as drink stirrer. Rock on!!

I think it would be fun to make guitar-shaped popsicles with these molds. I do wish, however, that more than three came in a package. I'd like a big party pack for a summer party with all of the guitar handles in different colors. That way, they could serve as a way to identify your drink.

[via Mix Mingle Glow]

Summer's nearly here, and you know what that means: Potlucks.

Everyone needs at least one dish they can nail at a moment's notice. A dish everyone will love, from vegans to carnivores. Something that's cheap, easy, quick, yet delicious. Something that dresses to impress. Something that even bad home cooks can manage.

I got your sure thing right here. Vegetable couscous. It's a simple recipe, but one that's certain to please. I pulled it out of Jeanne Lemlin's mighty Quick Vegetarian Pleasures.

Well, Memorial Day is on Monday, as I'm sure you're aware. That means that it's grilling season, and a lot of people will be having a cookout. As Inventor Spot points out, this can lead to a lot of awkward plate and cup balancing, not to mention spills.

However, the problem may be solved with two beverage holding gadgets. Mobile Grape has this necklace style holder that holds any kind of glass with a stem. The other product, BevNeck, is the same concept for cans, bottles, and stemless glasses.

While the BevNeck and Mobile Grape don't solve all table-less dining problems, they seem like they could be a big help. Maybe keeping a few of these around for summer cookouts would be a good idea.

Spoilers! Tivo-users beware!

So there's been some speculation lately, some whispers around the blogosphere regarding a certain Bravo television show. I've heard the rumor that Top Chef's going downhill, that it's dated. I've read comments accusing the show of being bland, even boring. Well, I'll put it out there loud and clear: Top Chef is still hot hot hot.

For years, I've been itching to throw or go to a murder mystery party, or one of those dinner mystery theater events. They've been around forever, even back in the days when the directions would be played on one of those foldable records. But have you heard of a mystery tea party? While searching for something else entirely unrelated, I came across Maxine's Mystery Tea Parties.

Basically, instead of some evening party with cocktails, you solve your mystery over some tasty tea. You can buy the scenarios, which include story and script, nametags, tips, and more, in a downloadable or snail mail format, and they include mysteries like "Who Killed the Darling Duke of Darjeeling?," "The Decadent Housewives of Hysteria Lane," and "The Bodacious Babes of Buzzard Bend."

Have any of you ever bought or participated in one of these? Or made your own mystery tea party? I don't know why I never thought of it, but now I'm wondering if I should scheme up one of my own.