Stories for Wednesday, August 20, 2008.

Magical muffins

The blueberry muffin is a rich, indigo-spotted symbol of summer. The Northwest's blueberry and huckleberry seasons provide many glories – the blueberry pancake, the huckleberry milkshake – yet nothing quite surpasses the blueberry muffin and its interchangeable cousin, the huckleberry muffin. It may be the finest use to which a blueberry or huckleberry can be put, with the exception of popped in the mouth straight off the bush.

Ancient art of pickling

Looking for fame, strength and beauty? Try pickles.The practice of pickling foods is ancient. Archeologists say there is evidence that the Mesopotamians pickled in 2400 B.C., according to research from the New York Food Museum.

A chance to get your fill of pie

It's the perfect season for pie.The only problem is deciding what to put inside. Will it be those juicy, perfectly ripe peaches that are arriving at local markets or sweet, tart huckleberries?

Books for Cooks

"Slurp" by Nina Dreyer Hensley, Jim Hensley and Paul Lowe (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $16.99, 176 pages)

She's truly a stand-up woman

Christina Applegate is taking the long view of her battle with breast cancer.

No need to fight about food

Dear Carolyn: I am about to marry a man with a wonderful, smart, kind 13-year-old daughter. She is a strict vegan because her mother became one in the last year. Although it's presented to her as a "choice" by her mother, it's not much of one. The mother doesn't allow any nonvegan foods.

Horoscope

Aries (March 21-April 19) ••••• Finally, you feel more like the powerhouse that you are. You discover how many options you really have. With renewed vision, you might have an easier time deciding which way to go.

Hints from Heloise

Dear Heloise: When my market was out of strawberry whipped cream cheese, I bought regular whipped cream cheese, mixed in 2 tablespoons of strawberry jam and enjoyed it. – C. Archer, Anaheim, Calif.

Culinary Calendar

Perfect Lemonade Cooking Demo - Learn to make the perfect lemonade. Please RSVP. Wednesday. 1 p.m., The Kitchen Engine, 621 W. Mallon Ave., Suite 416. Free. (509) 328-3335.

Turn to 'Slurp' when planning your next bash

When's the party?"Slurp" will have you making excuses to have one. In fact, page 3 supplies 10 good reasons for a cocktail party in case you're short of ideas of your own.

Season right for huckleberry jam

I recently looked up a Dorothy Dean recipe for a reader that might come in handy for others this time of year.

Lunchables Wrapz get OK from children, and adults

Oscar Mayer may be on to something with the new Lunchables Wrapz.For the first time, the little ready-made lunches scored almost as well with our adult tasters as the kids at our annual back-to-school tasting panel. Each year, we invite our tasting panel volunteers to bring a young guest to the meeting.

Farmers' markets

Washington

Airway Heights Farmers' Market – Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 13100 Fourth Ave., near Curves. (509) 979-1051.

Olympic champs relax with 'Gala'

Tonight's must-see
Olympics, 8 p.m. to midnight, NBC. Now for some fun. The gymnastics medals have been handed out; the winners can relax and give a "Champions Gala."

13th season of 'Race' premieres Sept. 28

An ex-NFL player and his estranged wife and a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and her actor brother are among the 11 teams competing for the $1 million grand prize on the next "The Amazing Race."

births

Holy Family Hospital
SARAH LYNN HOWARD - To Ashley Howard of Spokane. She weighed 5 lb. 9 oz. and was 19 3/4 inches long (Aug. 15).

"Opportunity knocks only once." – Anonymous

The best match of the Junior European tournament last year was the one between France and Norway. It packed more fine plays, or opportunities for them, into 20 deals than almost any other match I've seen.

Soap opera seeks war vet for role

An open casting call for "All My Children" is far from business as usual: The soap opera is seeking an Iraq war veteran to play an injured veteran.

William Johnson graduates from Air Force Academy

William Johnson recently graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, with a degree in Engineering Mechanics. He graduated from University High School in 2004 and is the son of Michael and Connie Johnson of Spokane Valley.

Housewarming you envision not a party

Dear Miss Manners: I recently purchased a condo for the first time. All of my friends are either renting or still living with their parents. Many of them have been supportive of and excited for me. They all cannot wait until I have a housewarming party.

movies

In Spokane
BRIDESHEAD REVISITED - River Park Square: 2:45, 7:05, 9:50.