Q: I have been meaning to ask this question for quite some time. Personally I cannot stand Dijon mustard, either as a spread or in a cooked recipe. I have given it a chance in recipes but cannot eat them due to the smell and taste. What can I substitute for the mustard?

I feel this ingredient has been forced on cooks, much like the current craze of making everything with hot peppers. Dressings, usually the vinaigrette type, seem to always ask for Dijon. Also, recipes with sauces that go over meat, chicken, fish, etc. Even quiche recipes.

Unfortunately, I do not even consider trying any recipe with Dijon listed as an ingredient. Any other suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.

And kudos to you for saying you do not like cilantro — me too.

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It's a wrap

When people talk about the food culture in Boston, the conversation is typically dominated by discussions of who makes the best chowder, where to get the freshest sushi, or which of the new upscale steakhouses is at the top of the heap. But there is an emerging subculture dedicated to the unique and varied delights of the burrito, that most egalitarian of foods, which provides your protein group, your tortilla group, and your salsa group, usually for less than six bucks.

Around the city, a slew of restaurants are vying for burrito-heads' attention.

Plant-based stevia a sweet stand-in for table sugar?

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Marjorie Milne of Colorado Springs, Colo., swore off sugar 10 years ago, but she still indulges her sweet tooth without regret.

She does it without using saccharine, aspartame or any of those pink, yellow and blue packets of artificial sweeteners. Chemically engineered sugar substitutes aren't her thing.

Instead, she reaches for a plant-based substance called stevia, which is said to be 300 times sweeter than table sugar and has gotten a reputation as the sweetener of choice for people with diabetes and those on low-carb diets.

Saving cash without sacrificing your style

Buying all the best brands? Not so frugal. Picking through your neighbor's trash? Not so fabulous.

With the country's economic health on the line, how can you save money without suffering style? Here are some ideas to live the fabulous life while still being frugal:

Do your own darn toenails. The only people who might look at your feet closely enough to know the difference between a DIY pedicure and a fancy spa treatment won't judge you for it anyway, suggests Megan O. Steintrager, 35, an editor in New York. Use pale colors; a bright red coat might show if it's out of the lines.

Holiday TV shows Dec. 1-15

Mulled Red Wine; and Roasted Garlic Bread. 4280029
12:00 p.m. LIFE Movie: A Very Cool Christmas (04) A whiskery old man instills the Christmas spirit in a teenage girl who feels spending time with her family during the holidays is un-cool. 610549
2:00 p.m. FOOD The Essence of Emeril Christmas Recipes include Emerils Favorite Roast Pheasant, Savory Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding, and Nutty Brussel Sprouts. 7598162
2:00 p.m. LIFE Movie: Christmas on Chestnut Street (06) The profit-hungry owner of a store sets neighbor against neighbor when she kicks off a Christmas light showdown in an attempt to sell extra lights. 640655
4:30 p.m. CW 50 Reba Valentines Day While Rebas plan to avoid a Valentines Day date with her boyfriend backfires, Brock and Van try to outdo each other romantically.

D.C. Mardi Gras puts a mask on ethics codes

Melancon said focusing on the intersection between lobbyists and lawmakers at the Washington Mardi Gras misses the point. He said the common denominator is a connection to Louisiana and the goal is to have fun. Talking business is frowned upon at the Mardi Gras, he said.