Blog a la Carte

Today we ran a profile of Sally Kerr-Dineen, author of the It's All Delicious blog, as part of our occasional Culinary Keepsakes series.

We ran two of her recipes in the paper. Read on for a third.

What could beat drinking on the Beaufort waterfront?

The inaugural Beaufort Festiv-ale showcases brews, food and bands Thursday through Sunday (Feb. 26-March 1). For a full schedule and tickets, click here.

We’re in the thick of girl scout cookie season. But if your favorite cookie dealer hasn’t come knocking on your door yet, the Girl Scouts have you covered. Check out this site, which allows you to order cookies online. Scouts will also be out selling boxes locally. Here's their schedule: Walmart: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28, March 1,7 Main Street Harris Teeter: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28 Bluffton Stokes Brown Toyota: 10 a.m.

Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry’s major fundraiser of the year is Cooks & Books, a showcase of Lowcountry chefs and authors Sunday. Click here for the story we ran this week with more details, but the basics are below.

Here's a sneak peak at the menu:

• Alligator Grille — Pan-seared Chilled Scallop served on a Crispy Wonton with Soba Aoli & Wakama Salad
• Red Fish — Cajun Shrimp and Lobster on Challah bread
• Tapas — Porcini Mushroom Ravioli
• Kenny B’s — Shrimp and Grits with Lowcountry Cornbread

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration is almost half over but don't fret. Its premier culinary event is this weekend.

A Taste of Gullah
When: noon to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Menu: Gumbo, conch stew, barbecue, fish, shrimp and grits, and more
Admission: Free but pay for food
Entertainment: Adande African Dance Company and Gullah storyteller Louise Cohen
Click here for info

Long Cove Club Chef Lenny Giarratano hosted a cooking demonstration for members Wednesday night, showcasing his recipes in Golf a la Carte.

In case you missed our story last month, the Golf a la Carte series features dishes from golf course chefs around the country. The first book focused on the Southeast.

Today, we ran a story about the Little Student's Cooking Cafe and Sweet Treats, which offers cooking parties for kids.

In 2005, we ran a profile about owner Andrea Studenc's life as a cook. In it, she gives her favorite recipe - Key Lime Raspberry Trifle.

Wine and Food Fest doesn't get into full swing until March, but the Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association announced the best in show winners from its international competition last week.

Get a chance to taste these wines at the Public Wine and Food Tasting March 14.

The winners:

It's never too early to start thinking about Wine and Food Fest. In fact, several events actually lead up to the March festivities this year.

The first is a kick-off event, "Uncork the Festival," at Aqua Grille & Lounge Wednesday (Feb. 4).

This year is the first year of the combined wine and food festivals. Before, the events were held separately. Now, they've merged into one grand public tasting March 14.

I have never tried raccoon, nor do I have a large desire to, but I was curious if anyone around here has.

If so, comment below and let me know what it tastes like. Three things I learned today from the wire story we ran about people who like to eat raccoon meat.
1. A raccoon carcass goes for $3 to $7 in Missouri.
2. Each carcass will feed about five adults
3. Raccoons are "good eatin.'"

I have never tried raccoon, nor do I have a large desire to, but I was curious if anyone around here has.