By AMANDA GOLD, San Francisco Chronicle
The fundamental things apply every Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is about tradition. Old habits die hard, and when it comes to cooking the holiday meal, many of us return to what we know, even if that calls for topping sweet potatoes with mini marshmallows or scooping jellied cranberry sauce out of a can.
New barbecue cookbooks sizzle with ideas
We don't need the changing of seasons or the smell of smoldering coals to alert us that barbecue season is near -- the influx of new barbecue books is always the first sign.
With a growing trend toward comfort food and traditional recipes, and the economy pushing cooks back into the kitchen, these tomes are as popular as ever.
Reducing barbecue-grilling carbon footprint
Here are some ways to reduce your carbon footprint when cooking or eating outside this Fourth of July weekend -- or any other time:Grilling green-- Although many prefer the flavor of charcoal grilling, a cleaner-burning electric or propane-gas grill can be better for the environment. Think about the differences before you buy a grill.

