The FIT Challenge is almost over. I think all of us (the contestants) have come a long way. I hope my healthy eating and exercise will become a way of life for me. I know I spend a lot of time reading labels on food. Never used to do that. I've gotten used to eating smaller portions at meals....

Let's get the hard part out of the way. This week, I'm suggesting you eat something most people spend the better part of their adult lives trying to eradicate from their lawns.

Though black-eyed peas have been around forever, they generally don't get a lot of attention. But I think you really ought to give them a second look.

Back during my days at Gourmet magazine, my many duties included teaching cooking classes. I used to tell my students — especially the cooking-impaired ones — that if they made sure to greet dinner party guests with a special homemade drink, they would always win, no matter what else happened that evening.