Merced Sun-Star

1 package large macaroni salad, cooked, drained, rinsed in cold water

The Merced County Chamber of Commerce will have its annual Pasta Calamari and Tri-Tip Dinner on April 17 at the Merced County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Please RSVP by Friday.

You may be surprised by foods you'll find at local dollar stores - and what you can make using $1 ingredients.

How was your white wine tasting? Which wine did you enjoy the most? The Riesling, sauvignon blanc or chardonnay? Did you remember to have fun and keep your pinkie finger down? Are you ready to hand in your homework? What's that? The dump bucket tipped over on your homework and then your dog ate it? Well lucky for you, today's assignment, the red wines, will get you back on track. After reading this column, invite two couples over for a tasting. Have them bring the appetizers and three wine glasses each and you provide the wine. Pour the wine ahead of time so the tasters don't know what red wines they are tasting. Taste and discuss each wine, then vote for your favorite.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- You think your food bill is up? Try shopping with Don Hinkle.

1. Put an erasable board on every refrigerator and freezer to keep track of what you have and need to use.

Buhach Pentecost Inc. will have its presentation of the queens dinner and dance on Saturday at 2889 Buhach Road.

We're not here to knock traditional dyed Easter eggs. Kids have loved 'em for generations.

When the State Theatre in Modesto was renovated, something good happened downtown. Small independent restaurants, coffee houses and live music appeared on the scene. Recently the scene has expanded to include a number of wine tasting venues. I spent an afternoon checking out four venues in Modesto and was impressed with the selection of wines, the friendly, knowledgeable servers and the excellent food. Here is what is available.

Setting up a spice cabinet for the first time? Or just ready to spring clean your old one? Here are the herbs and spices the experts say are must-haves for every home cook.

The Catholic Professional and Business Club of Merced will have a luncheon at noon today at St. Patrick's Parish Hall on East Yosemite Avenue.

It's the perennial problem of cooks who make low-salt or salt-free dishes: How do you boost flavor in food?