Planning a family reunion can be a daunting task – from figuring out the best location to plotting activities that work for everyone, whether they’re ages 2, 22, or 82.
 
And then there’s mealtime.
 
Inevitably there’s a mixture of food likes and dislikes, paired with an allergy or two, or more. At least that’s how it goes in my family, which now tops more than 20 at family gatherings.
 

Ironic, really – it took traveling to Toronto to discover an American original.
 

Hungry? I've got a book (and a recipe!) for you. I recently was sent, for review, an Irish cookbook, entitled The New Irish Table: Recipes from Ireland's Top Chefs. Now, our wandering educators will know how much we LOVE Ireland, but if you're new: WE LOVE IRELAND. There's something magical about that island - the land, views, friendly people, deep culture, music, and, of course, great food.

Do you love Japanese food, but feel intimidated by the great attention to detail that Japanese cooks do? Never fear – I am a quick cook who loves easy meals.

When I was young, I discovered the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. Glorious, wonderful, read-yearly books that have influenced thousands, nay, millions of people worldwide.

Golden crisp on the outside with a chewy texture inside, just-fried donuts bear little resemblance to the bland varieties you’re likely to find at the grocers: Simply put, the homemade version is better.
 
Much better.
 
Donuts seem to have an unwarranted mystique of being difficult to make at home – perhaps because the dough can be a bit finicky. Or it may be because the final step involves a lengthy dip in a vat of bubbling oil.