Are you ready for holiday baking? These cookies—which replicate the flavors and textures of a brownie in a meringue-like cookie that’s miraculously crisp on the outside and gooey in the middle—are undeniably perfect. From Baking with the Cake Boss by Buddy Valastro.

By Deborah Goldstein
The Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries breakup proves, once again, that you can be beautiful, rich, famous—and sadly, unlucky in love. Hollywood brides and grooms might enjoy free everything from publicity-seeking wedding vendors, but a happily-ever-after seems to be the one thing they can’t get comped.

Baking is hard work, and in a professional kitchen, it’s a team effort. Buddy Valastro, author of Baking with the Cake Boss, thinks of himself as a coach who must motivate his employees. Here he shares effective, simple tips to motivate home cooks like us.

By Matt Mogk
Author of Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Zombies
Zombies are more popular than ever. They’re racking in billions at the box office and in the video game store. They can be seen shambling down city streets from L.A. to London.That kind of wild popularity inevitably breeds the classic celebrity crush, but if you’ve considered dating a zombie you might want to think twice.

By Jessica Sims
Author of Beauty Dates the Beast
My book deals with love, or more specifically, people looking for love. While there are a lot of things that are different and unique about my paranormal dating agency Midnight Liaisons, there are some dating tips that are universal and wise—no matter if you have fangs, a tail, or are completely normal.

By Deborah Goldstein
Still haven’t decided on a Halloween costume? There’s no need to resort to a saddo Scream mask! Try one of our 10 favorites for Halloween 2011.

By Amy E. Goodman
Author of Wear This, Toss That!
You probably have an umbrella and maybe even an adorable raincoat. This season make it your prerogative to stop suffering from wet toes and invest in some waterproof rain boots. With these cute, functional booties to choose from, you’ll wonder why you didn’t upgrade sooner.

How many times have you told yourself to take a deep breath and count to 10? It’s not easy to learn patience. Here are some surefire strategies to exercise more self-control (or at very least, acceptance), from Make Yourself Unforgettable: How to Become the Person Everyone Remembers and No One Can Resist, by Dale Carnegie Training.

By Nancy Gideon
Author of Hunter of Shadows
From the haunted halls of Dark Shadow‘s Collinwood to the sexy patrons at Merlotte’s in Bon Temps, I’ve always had an affinity for the tall, dark and deadly type. Vampires, shape-shifters, demons, ghosts and ghoulies: What is it about these terrifying should-never-be-heroes that gets the blood pumping?

By Kristin Sidorov
We all love kicking back with a cold beer at the end of a long day, but who knew just how rewarding (and easy) it could be in so many of our favorite fall recipes? With its unique hoppy flavor and yeasty froth, beer adds a wonderful richness with just a touch of zing to roasts, chilis, and even mac ‘n cheese (talk about comfort food). Go ahead and pour one for the chef!