SMORGASBORD: 'Momofuku' . . . Indispensable, not disposable . . . Half-dipped

'Momofuku'

Let's be real: You're never going to cook from "Momofuku" ($40, Clarkson Potter, 2009)

But this first cookbook from three-time James Beard Award winner David Chang (and Peter Meehan) lays bare the talent and obsession that has propelled the New York chef to superstardom. Its gorgeous photos, sleek, personable narrative and more than 100 recipes will inspire anyone who loves restaurants -- or just bacon.

It often has been observed that Chang combines classical training with an everyman's taste. Which is why his reputation-making pork buns will disappear from the table in 30 seconds, but take all day to make. The recipe for ramen broth from Chang's Momofuku Noodle Bar will require 10 pounds of meat, a dozen steps and roughly half a day. If you've gone this far and need yet another challenge, let Chang show you how to cold-smoke your own meat.

But none of that is the point. The point is to go with Chang on his journey to creating one of the most successful and unusual restaurant empires in the country. Crass, conversational and ribboned with gratuitous language, this memoir/cookbook places Chang across the table from you, leading you chapter-by-chapter through the creation of his East Village outposts Momofuku Noodle Bar, Sam Bar and Ko.

Indispensable, not disposable

Your morning addiction doesn't have to mean a daily contribution to the environment's pain thanks to Copco's Eco-First Reusable Mug. The BPA-free cup looks just like the average to-go glass, sip top and all, but this one boasts enhanced insulation via a double wall, a no-slip sleeve that's built in, and it's dishwasher and microwave safe.

The cup -- with brown or pink detail -- is available for about $8 at bedbathandbeyond.com.

Half-dipped

You know Keebler Fudge Shoppe Deluxe Grahams, little graham crackers with a fudgy coating completely covering the cracker.

They have a new cousin, or maybe it's a half-brother: Half-Dipped Fudge Grahams, which are covered with fudge on only one side, so they have less fat (not half as much because there's fat in the graham cracker, too). In a 27-gram serving of each cookie (that's three Deluxe Grahams or four half-dips), the Deluxe Grahams have 140 calories and 7 grams of fat (including 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 1.5 grams of trans fat), while the half-dips have 120 calories and 4.5 grams of fat (including 3 grams of saturated fat and no trans fat).

-- Herald wire report