Burgers and potato salad are traditional fare at Memorial Day picnics, but it's also fun to shake things up every now and again with an unexpected new flavor. And if the recipe for said dish is as easy as it is lip-smacking? So much the better for the cook, who would much rather be relaxing in the sunshine with guests than fretting over complicated details.

BOULDER, Colo. — Ethan Welty is thinking ahead to harvest time as he cycles through tidy Boulder streets pointing out apple, plum and mulberry trees on public and private land.

Barbecue chicken is one of my favorite summertime dishes. I like every part of it — the tomato-based sauce (the spicier the better), the crispy skin, even the bones.

In honor of St. Patrick's Day I have packed four Irish ingredients into one tasty little appetizer — oysters, cabbage, Guinness stout and Colman's Mustard.

Canapes may sound stuffy, but they actually are the ultimate in ease when it comes to party food. Plus, they look great and can be combined in endless ways to suit any taste.

It's easy to understand why Hollywood loves doing business with author Nicholas Sparks. His books are huge best-sellers, and several of the films adapted from his novels - "Message in a Bottle," ''The Notebook," and "Dear John" - have achieved impressive box office grosses. The latest Sparks adaptation, "Safe Haven," will probably continue his winning streak, especially with its Valentine's Day opening pegged to lure female fans. A thriller element that has not been present in earlier Sparks movies is designed to draw reluctant male viewers to see the picture, but they won't respond with the same enthusiasm as his core audience of woozy romantics.

A month from now the East Valley’s biggest bash — the seven-week long Arizona Renaissance Festival — kicks off in Apache Junction. This Friday, you can ignite the jovial flame at “The Bard’s New Yeare” celebration sponsored by Mesa Arts Center in conjunction with Downtown Mesa’s 2nd Friday “Ye Olde Main Street Renaissance Faire.”

Enjoy a romantic evening watching this musical rendition of Jane Austen’s novel, telling the story of a young woman who assumes the role of matchmaker but learns valuable lessons of the heart instead. The show features music by Tony Award-nominated composer Paul Gordon and stars Anneliese van der Pol in the title role. Monday’s performance includes a pre-show champagne and sparkling cider reception.

The littlest kids will likely be fast asleep long before the clock strikes midnight on 2013.

Christmas may be over, but Holidays at the Heard are still going strong.

Once Tuesday’s presents are unwrapped and thoroughly played with — and before the kids are back in school and the relatives back on flights home — why not take a family adventure to a little-seen sanctuary north of the East Valley?

The nice thing about cooking a monster brisket for Hanukkah - aside, of course, from the fact that the meat can be mouth meltingly delicious - is that it is a dish you can mostly ignore as it cooks.

Las Noches de las Luminarias: Bask in the glow of 8,000 flickering luminaria while enjoying live handbell choirs, Dickens Carolers, and cups of warm cider. Food and beverages available for purchase.

There are Christmas lights, and then there are ZooLights. There is just something about these things that everyone is buzzing about. And, according to the man in charge of the annual production, the show is revamped to be bigger than ever before.

You don’t have to drive to northern Arizona for New England-esque fall color worth photographing. A pocket of it exists just 50 miles away, at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior.

The holiday season is upon us. Over the next few weeks, schedules will be filled with shopping, holiday parties, relatives, plenty of food and spirits and obligations. Socializing during the holidays can be stressful and challenging for some people, especially if your friends and family are not as health-conscious as you. The abundance of holiday treats and homemade goodies can be hard to resist. Fortunately, there’s plenty you can do to avoid holiday weight gain.

There are Christmas lights, and then there are ZooLights. There is just something about these things that everyone is buzzing about. And, according to the man in charge of the annual production, the show is revamped to be bigger than ever before.

Insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes and obesity (diabesity) are global epidemics that continue to rise and come with major health consequences. Type 2 diabetes is commonly associated with poor diet and inactivity. However, there is now evidence of autoimmunity in Type 2 diabetes.

If you are going to go to the (admittedly little) trouble of brining your Thanksgiving turkey, be sure to set the bar higher than simply adding moisture. Granted, this is the primary goal of a brine. Soaking the bird in a salty solution prior to roasting, does help plump the meat and keep it moist during cooking.

Perhaps more than any other holiday, Thanksgiving is associated with big family gatherings. But that doesn’t mean you need a house full of in-laws, uncles and cousins to celebrate in a meaningful way.

You don’t have to drive to northern Arizona for New England-esque fall color worth photographing. A pocket of it exists just 50 miles away, at Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior.

Perhaps more than any other holiday, Thanksgiving is associated with big family gatherings. But that doesn't mean you need a house full of in-laws, uncles and cousins to celebrate in a meaningful way.

For this Thanksgiving pie, we decided to see what would happen if we transformed that classic treat of autumn - the caramel apple - into a pie. The result was a crazy good no-bake apple pie.

Brunchies (17 E. Boston St., Chandler [480] 899-5036). Brought to you by the folks behind Serrano’s Mexican restaurants, this downtown spot serves brunch until 2 p.m. daily. The tasty spread includes all the usual suspects — pancakes, eggs, fruit, sausage and home fries — along with a variety of soups, desserts and Mexican breakfast favorites. $