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 on Wednesday. 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.

At the L.A. Times, editor Russ Parsons suggests gifts for foodies; so does restaurant critic S. Irene Virbila.

In The N.Y. Times winter drinks issue, Pete Wells explores the resurgence of rum; and Harold McGee discusses the process of cold distillation.

Chicago Tribune lists 11 great gift-giving wines and holds a holiday cookie contest.

The Boston Globe starts a column about how to turn one supper dish into a second one, and checks in with cookbook author and TV chef Lidia Bastianich.

The News Tribune (Tacoma, WA) considers the advantages of your holiday dinner in a box.

At the Providence Journal, a look at the list of new restaurants opening around Rhode Island.

60 years of Swap Shop, the Chicago Sun-Times' recipe exchange column.

The Denver Post lists their best cookbooks of 2009, and sits down for

a Q & A with Julie & Julia blogger Julie Powell.

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