Columnist Muriel Stevens: Cookbook has recipe for change

Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004 | 8:35 a.m.

Proceeds from a new cookbook for a cause, "Star Palate: Celebrity Cookbook for a Cure," by Tami Agassi and Kathy Casey (Documentary Media, $29.95), will benefit breast and ovarian cancer research.

Tami is a 35-year-old breast cancer survivor and the sister of tennis star Andre Agassi. Their mother is also a breast cancer survivor.

"Star Palate" was released in October -- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It includes recipes from more than 70 top celebs who cook and some who don't. Who can match Joan Rivers' peerless recipe for making toast? For holidays and special occasions, the witty entrepreneur substitutes raisin bread.

There are any number of tempting recipes from notable contributors, including Bill Gates' sister, Libbie Gates Amintrout (Gami's clam chowder), Candice Bergen (salmon burgers), Billy Joel (uptown marinated skirt steak), Harry Connick Jr. (jambalaya) and many more. For information about the cookbook, breast cancer research and more, call Eric Walter at (206) 447-1213 or visit eric.walter@sea.ddb.com.

Terrific book and terrific causes.

Bowdacious Bowdabra: Bowdacious is the word for Bowdabra. Just in case you're still wrapping gifts, a Bowdabra could be helpful.

Bowdabra, a handy dandy maker of bows and "designer crafts," according to Bowdabra inventor Sandy Sandler, is an inexpensive tool ($19.95) found at Michael's craft stores.

A Bowdabra package includes a video, an illustrated pamphlet of techniques for the bow-maker and instructions for the basics. I never did get to the crafty parts, but with little skill just about anyone could master Bowdabra. Making swags might be more challenging, but after some time with the video, the challenge can be met.

For more info visit www.bowdabra.com.

Ring in the New Year with bubbly: If I had my druthers I'd drink only champagne during the holidays and on any other festive occasion. My choices would include Dom Perignon Vintage 1996 (buy it now while there is still some available) as long as it lasts or Veuve Cliquot, vintage or non, although the new Blanc de Blanc would be lovely. Rose champagnes are wonderful, albeit pricey. Cheers!

More bubbly: Vintners are adding bubbles to zinfandel and other modest wines. These sparklers are available for as little as $9 per bottle. The ones I'm talking about are made by the French method, not in bulk. Designated drivers will find that sparkling juices, such as white grape juice, are delicious chilled well and drizzled with a squeeze of lime.

Vacation time: I'm off to San Francisco. Time to check out the new Ferry Building, with its gorgeous flower stalls, Michael Mina restaurant in the Westin St. Francis, and Hubert Keller's Fleur de Lys. If I'm lucky, I'll get to dine at the Slanted Door, a Vietnamese restaurant so hot that I doubt I'll get in. With a no-reservation policy it's a tough ticket, but I'll try.

There's always something new in San Francisco to tempt this traveler -- as long as it's located on the flat parts of the city. Sort of limiting, but the museums and shops don't require mountain climbing, San Francisco style.

Happy holidays everyone.