Just In

        This from the “What Took Them So Long?” Department: Reynolds has introduced non-stick aluminum foil, Reynolds Wrap “Release,” which means you don't have to apply vegetable oil spray to the foil before baking potatoes, chicken, brownies and other sticky foods. Of course, the non-stick foil costs twice as much as the regular, about $2.79 per 35 square feet.

Market Scan

        Although technically a winter squash, spaghetti squash — also called calabash and vegetable spaghetti — is available in late summer. Buy squash that are hard and smooth with even, pale yellow color. Avoid those with bruised or damaged spots. Store uncut spaghetti squash at room temperature for up to three weeks. To prepare, pierce squash several times with small knife or fork. Microwave or bake until shell is tender and easily pierced. Cut and half and scrape out spaghetti-like strands with fork. Toss with butter, cheese or tomato sauce.

Sip It

        Rabbit Ridge Zinfandel Paso Robles 2000 ($15): This fruit-focused wine is robust and jammy from the minute it hits your lips to its finish. Only 1,200 cases were crafted from the Westside area of Paso Robles, one of several zinfandel golden areas inside the Central Coast viticultural area. This zin is good with food, especially pizza, burgers and grilled meats.

— Amy Simmons

Hot Date

        Growers hand off their best fruit, vegetables and other fresh products to chefs for the “From the Garden to the Table” benefit, 6:30 p.m. Monday. Proceeds from the meal benefit Cincinnati Chefs & Growers Collaborative. Tickets are $75 and $125. Reservations: 561-9300.

Help Us

        Tell us if the events of 9-11 changed the way your family (or friends) eat. Do you eat together as a family more often? Do you eat more often at home? Send a card or letter, including your name and daytime phone number, to: Family Meals, Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202, or e-mail cmartin@enquirer.com. Deadline: Sept. 2.

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