Jazz up your tabletop Dinnerware collector and cooking teacher Ross Sveback has developed a line of placesettings and more called the Heirloom Entertaining Collection. Among the more eye-catching patterns is faux bois, or false wood. Plates, cups, teapots and tureens all are painted to resemble wood grain and knotholes. Sveback, of Afton, tracked down English transferware, or ceramics on which a pattern can be transferred using an 18th century English technique. Sveback said it takes 12 people to finish each piece of pottery, yet prices seem competitive. Still, a whole tabletop of "wooden" china? Not really. Sveback recommends mixing and matching with your current dinnerware, or using this as a jumping-off point for a new look. To see more, visit his blog/website, www.kon-tent.com.
Oy, what a contest The 5th Annual Man-O-Manischewitz Cook-Off is seeking family-friendly recipes that use the new Manischewitz All-Natural broths. The contest encourages home chefs to think about preparing traditional Jewish foods in the same way people enjoy preparing Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese and other ethnic cuisines. Finalists will compete live in New York City for the $25,000 grand prize. Legendary chef Jacques Pépin will be head judge. Deadline is Dec. 31. For complete contest details, visit www.manischewitz.com.
Double-duty centerpiece It's the season for seasonal molds, whether you use them for cakes, cornbread or cranberry sauce. Williams-Sonoma's new offering is a cornucopia Bundt pan with grapes, gourds and corn cobs spilling from a harvest basket. (Does that count as eating fruits and vegetables?) It's $34 exclusively at www.williams-sonoma.com. At the NordicWare site, you'll find the classic 3-D molds for turkey- and pumpkin-shaped creations, along with molds for maple leaves and pumpkin loaves. To order, visit www.nordicware.com.
Here's your chance Andrew Zimmern is willing to share some bizarre food with you at a fundraiser Oct. 28 at the Walker Art Center. Cultural Jambalaya, which uses international photography to promote global understanding, presents its "Destination Next" event in honor of its new award-winning DVD, "Windows & Mirrors." "Bizarre Foods" personality Zimmern will host a pre-event program discussing eating practices from around the world, from rotted meat to bugs, with samples for the adventurous. Zimmern's program is $100 per person, which includes admission to the Cultural Jamabalaya event, for which tickets are $50. To order tickets, visit at www.culturaljam.org.
KIM ODE
