Just In

The March issue of "Cooking Light" features stories on making and freezing ahead pasta entrees, sublimely simple slow-cooker dinners and how to match beer with food. $3.99.

Here's a different way to satisfy your corned beef fix for St. Patrick's Day: Kroeger & Sons Meats at Findlay Market stuffs corned beef into a tidy sausage link, along with sauerkraut and thousand island dressing to create a "reubenwurst" ($3.79 per pound). The Kroegers have been making their corned beef sausage for years, but last year they began adding the other ingredients and named it after the famous deli sandwich. 651-5543.

Market Scan

Leeks look like giant scallions and are related to both garlic and onions, but have a milder flavor. Buy leeks with crisp, bright green leaves and unblemished bottom white portion. Avoid those with withered or yellow leaves. Refrigerate in plastic bag up to five days. Before using, trim rootlets and leaf ends. Slit leeks lengthwise and wash thoroughly to remove any trapped dirt. Cook whole or use chopped in soups, stews and other dishes.

Sip It

Skullsplitter ($8.25 4-pack): From the far north of Scotland, this incredible strong ale has an amazingly complex character. Malty, with a hint of fresh biscuits, it's dark and smooth and has a finish that lasts forever. One of my cold weather favorites.

Ed Westemeier

Hot Date

Woodford Reserve's Labrot & Graham Distillery near Versailles, Ky., hosts a "Bourbon & Chocolate Sampler" featuring dessert tastings, cooking demonstrations and distillery tours, 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $50. Reservations required: (859) 879-1939. For directions and other information: Web site.