Question: Where can I find grenadine? - Terrie Robbins, Harrison, Tenn.

Answer: Grenadine is a sweet red syrup used mostly in drinks, from the Tequila Sunrise and the Shirley Temple to the Jack Rose and Planter's Punch. While the old-fashioned version is made from pomegranates (aside: both grenadine and pomegranates get their names from the French word for grenade, referring to the pomegranate's shape) and sugar, the most popular versions available today are made from corn syrup and food coloring.

Most of the classic drinks that use grenadine are calling for the old-fashioned version - it adds a rich depth of flavor that's essential to most cocktails. If you can't find pomegranate-based grenadine in your store, try making your own. Look for recipes on foodnetwork.com or elsewhere to learn how.

Q.: Why when making American Macaroni Salad did I soak the onion in water for 5 minutes? - Lisa Kiach, Hayward, Wis.

A.: Onions' characteristic flavor comes about when onions are sliced - slicing breaks the cell walls, creating the sulfurous, somewhat acrid taste we associate with onions. Soaking onions (or garlic or shallots or any other member of the allium family) washes away the sulfur compounds, leading to a mellower, less overwhelming onion taste.

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