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, 2 stars for Pizzeria il Fico; making your own soft pretzels at home (lye? lye); and considering harvest red wines.

At The New York Times, a look at Jacques Pépin on the occasion of his 26th cookbook, Essential Pépin; considering California's great olive oils; and Mimi Sheraton remembers Scandinavian food before it became fashionable.

Clearing space in a cluttered kitchen; and a look at the happy marriage of brown rice and other grains at Chicago Tribune.

A former Top Chef contestant opens a Texas BBQ joint in near Fenway Park in Boston, at The Boston Globe.

The pleasures of homemade mayonnaise; and considering the many facets of brownies, at The Denver Post.

At The Sacramento Bee, a look at the California rice harvest; and restaurant chefs focus on pumpkin dishes.

In The Baltimore Sun, the Jewish Museum of Maryland's 'Chosen Food' examines the complex relationships between culture and cuisine.

Checking out a Brooklyn man's website, WhatTheF-ShouldIMakeForDinner.com.; and considering Paula Deen's latest product: butter-flavored lip balm, at the New York Daily News.

At Chicago Sun-Times, looking at favas as an Egyptian breakfast dish; and considering the practical joys of freezing food.

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