What's the country reading today food-wise? Here's a roundup of some of the food-related stories from other newspapers, many of which print their food sections mid-week. And remember, even if you don't actually buy papers these days (or not; this paper is free), it's where most of your content comes from. Surf away. Just remember that spilling your macchiato over your keyboard is a lot more expensive than spilling it across newsprint.

In the Los Angeles Times, Russ Parsons on comfort cookbooks (old, rare, well-used); Maximiliano gets 1 1/2 stars; and new cookbooks demonstrate a new wave of L.A. cooks.

At The New York Times, prosecco growers guard the sparkling wine's pedigree; going meatless in the Midwest; and eating lots of meat with Senator Jon Tester (D-Montana).

Eating locally grown food this time of year takes creativity; and a baker combines career and a love for artisan bread, at the Chicago Sun-Times.

Predicting 2012 restaurant trends, at The Boston Globe.

Chicago Tribune considers, or rather reconsider, the many joys of chicken; and a recipe for PB&J cookies.

U.S. food labeling programs suffer serious legal setbacks; and an appreciation of the winter radish, at The Washington Post.

The Denver Post considers the (new) veggie burger. And Wagyu beef. And the baked potato.

At The Cleveland Plain Dealer, winter soups for, well, winter.

The Modesto Bee reprints a very good LA Times story about the advantages of cooking beans without soaking them first.

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