Food FYI: Senate passes farm bill

FARM BILL WATCH

The Senate passes the nearly $1-trillion farm bill that incrementally changes legislation that helps shape the U.S. diet and environmental policy on 922 acres of land. It faces cloudier prospects in the House of Representatives. [San Francisco Chronicle]

WINE DOWN UNDER

A sneak peek at the upcoming 2011-2012 vintage in New Zealand and Australia, where most growers made less wine, but of higher quality. [Wine Spectator]

SOFT-SHELL SEASON  

How to cook soft-shell crabs. [Food Republic]

HISTORY OF THE FORK

Knives and spoons are ancient, but forks are a more recent addition to the dining table. [Slate] 

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-- Betty Hallock

Photo credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images