Warm, comforting, and another way to enjoy
gourmet chocolate. What could be better?
Photo by Elton Lin.

Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and a grind of fresh nutmeg to the banana purée; then divide the mixture evenly between the mugs.

Pour the hot chocolate over it and stir well.

You can garnish with a side of banana chips; or for kids, marshmallows and graham crackers.

We’re not saying this is a health drink, but it combines potassium and antioxidants and it sure is a mood elevator.

• Check out 25 ways to glamorize your hot chocolate.
• Read about our favorite Gourmet Cocoas & Hot Chocolates.

Fine cheese is a living food that breathes and ages. Most cheese should not be kept in plastic wrap, which essentially suffocates the cheese, allows moisture to condense on the inside of the wrap and hastens spoilage. Stores may wrap cheese in plastic for efficiency, but their inventory turns over quickly.

The one exception to the plastic wrap rule is dry, aged cheese like Parmesan, where the cheese’s moisture is largely evaporated. Wrap all other cheeses in waxed paper or butcher paper, both of which are protective but porous.

Never buy more cheese than you plan to consume over the next few days: Enjoy cheese at its peak flavor.

• Check out our Gourmet Cheese Section to explore the wonderful world of cheese.

I’m a living, breathing food—don’t plastic-wrap me! Fresh chévre topped with pepper from Cypress Grove Chevre.

Convert your old Filofax or Week-At-A-Glance to a kitchen diary.

It also will remind you not to serve the same thing to the same people next time!

We retrofitted our old Filofax to include sections for events, menus and guest lists; ideas for future events and pockets for clipped recipes and tips.

• Check out some of our ideas for delicious and special foods you can serve to guests in our Entertaining Guide.