
A friend of mine, who fits the classification of
hipster to a T, also happens to love all things gourmet. Initially, I was at a loss for what to get her, but I quickly discovered that there's an array of niche gift items that converge at the juncture of food, music, and cutting-edge cool. Case in point: I have to get her this
book about underground dining, and because she loves to push the envelope, I know she'll flip for this
shopping bag.

A delicious, filling soup need not simmer on the stove all day, this recipe comes together in less than a half an hour. Smoky bacon, juicy turkey, and fresh spinach combine to make a dish that is balanced and flavorful.
Cocoa and chili powders provide Mexican-style aromas.

Bacon has surpassed cupcakes as the food of the moment: In the past year, we've seen it appear in everything from
chocolate to
vodka to
pork-flavored floss.
Its latest incarnation?
Baconnaise, made by
J&D's, the brand best known for its
Bacon Salt.

One of the most hotly contested races of this most historic of election years was in Colorado's State Senate District 14, between Bob Bacon (D) and Matt Fries (R). Well, the voters have spoken, giving Bacon a clear mandate. Let's hope he reaches across the aisle and joins Fries and fellow party members (with a little cheese thrown in) to create a Bacon-Cheese-Fries coalition.

I love
Ike's Place so much that I could start a
'Wich of the Week spinoff devoted solely to sandwiches from Ike's. I was hesitant to write about my new favorite sandwich place in San Francisco, since the lines are long enough already. But keeping the enormous, palate-entertaining creations to myself wouldn't be in the spirit of sandwich love.

From bacon to egg rolls and sausages to smoked ham, pork is crucial to so many of the things we eat. That's why we're celebrating National Pork Month. To celebrate, take a cue from one of these five ways to prepare succulent, flavorful pork.

Some people may think that having an appliance dedicated solely to bacon-making is absurd, but I am totally enamored with the WowBacon Microwave Bacon Cooker. Even better? Their product descriptions and FAQs page are as mesmerizing to read as shampoo directions.