SJ-R staff members test new products.

As we give thanks for the good things in our lives, let's appreciate how much wine has improved over the past 20 years and how much good wine is available today. We should do this during Thanksgiving dinner, of course, since wine is the perfect complement to food.

Beer is much more versatile when it comes to matching the many different flavors that will be on the table that day.

The countdown to Thanksgiving dinner is on. For the cook, we’ve compiled a quick reference guide to get you through the big day. Get ready, get set . . . chop, chop!

Although the turkey gets all the attention, the side dishes give character to each family’s Thanksgiving dinner. Some people look forward to the same tried-and-true sides each year, while other families enjoy adding a new dish to the feast.

This week, Anthony Giglio, wine expert and author of Food & Wine's "Wine Guide 2009," offers tips on what types of wine to serve with your meals.

Weekly food rail, with tips on "cooking" wines, an easy pound cake recipe, olive trivia, and more.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. I always enjoy fixing the traditional dinner. I prepared duck one year for my son Bob, who was stationed in California in the Marine Corps. It was a disaster!

Check out these items we think you'll really love in the kitchen.

Wine labeled for “cooking” should be avoided.

Now in season, Valencias are worth their peeling problems. The oranges from the Southwest and Florida offer thin skins that are difficult to remove.

Research has found a significant number of children became more inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive when given a test drink with artificial additives.

Our sauerkraut tradition comes from Pennsylvania Dutch. They produced so much sauerkraut they had to invent a legend behind it. Hence the notion that eating kraut is lucky.

Absorb Ease

Each 64-count pack includes 1 x 7 crescent shapes, 3 1/2-by-3 1/2-inch squares and 1 3/4-by-7-inch strips

$17.35 from www.absorbease.com

It's that time of year again. It's time to start thinking about buying gifts, or what to bring to one of the many holiday parties you're invited to.