JAN BILTON - GOOD TASTE - © Fairfax NZ News

The latest sweet-tooth favourite in the United States is cake pops. And they're threatening to overtake the ever-popular cupcake. Sold in Starbucks and bakeries, cake pops look like iced, garnished lollipops on sticks.

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

I guess my mother-in-law must have finally forgiven me for marrying her daughter because for my birthday last July she bought me a $50 bottle of beer. I was mightily impressed, I can tell you. And very grateful.

JAN BILTON - GOOD TASTE - © Fairfax NZ News

One of my accomplishments last year was to create delicious ricotta at a local cheese-making class.

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

It wasn't so long ago that Wanaka Beerworks was in a bit of a backwater. I don't mean geographically – although the attractive Central Otago lakeside town isn't exactly on the main road to anywhere – but more in terms of its beers and where the business was heading.

© Fairfax NZ News

The Chinese calendar – based on lunar cycles beginning with the second new moon after the northern hemisphere winter begins – is divided into 12-year cycles with each year representing different animals.

© Fairfax NZ News

REVIEW: It's a good time for me to write about one of my favourite thirst-quenching golden lagers.

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

REVIEW: With 2012 almost here now's the perfect time to review the Kiwi beer scene over the past 12 months.

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

Well, another wonderful summer family holiday is over.

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

REVIEW: When it comes to their contribution to a healthy diet, the world's most popular alcoholic beverages are often viewed very differently.

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

Sitting on my desk is a seriously weighty tome, 1001 Foods You Must Try Before You Die.

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

Entertaining after Christmas is so much more relaxed.

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

This week's recipes are for the bach, the beach or the boat.

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Leafing through the final pre-Christmas mailers, it occurred to me just how much the supermarkets tend to favour wine over beer.

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

If you buy wisely you can create several more delicious meals from the leftovers.

GEOFF GRIGGS -BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

With its abundance of small, independent breweries, the Nelson region can justifiably claim to be the Craft Brewing Capital of New Zealand, but when it comes to the enjoyment of fine beer, nowhere comes close to challenging Wellington.

JAN BILTON - GOOD TASTE - © Fairfax NZ News

My mother's lettuce salads were jokingly referred to as "rabbit food".

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: The decision to ban glasses at next year's Blenheim Blues, Brews & BBQs has upset local brewers and means there will be no Marlborough-brewed beer at next February's festival.

GEOFF GRIGGS - BEER O'CLOCK - © Fairfax NZ News

OPINION: Dale Holland is living what must be every home brewer's dream. Last year one of his beers took the supreme award at New Zealand's largest home brew competition.

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

I love a barbecue for several reasons:

JAN BILTON - © Fairfax NZ News

Christmas comes but once a year.