The number of deaths linked to cantaloupes contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria has risen to 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

At least 109 cases of listeria have been reported in 24 states, the agency said. That's nine more cases and four more states than it reported Tuesday. The number of deaths has risen by three.

Health officials have said the number of cases could continue to grow, citing reporting lags and the fact the disease can develop slowly in some people, taking up to two months.

Read the full story: "Death toll from tainted cantaloupes rises to 21"

5@5 is a daily, food-related list from chefs, writers, political pundits, musicians, actors, and all manner of opinionated people from around the globe.

Got some free time and a hacksaw this weekend?

Take your nose-to-tail eating a step further, and try a hand at butchering your own meat with Andrew Wiseheart from Contigo Austin.

If you're up to the challenge but still feeling squeamish, just remember these wise words by Denver chef Frank Bonnano:

"...You sure as hell should see how that animal came before you. Visit a slaughterhouse, talk to a hunter, get to know your butcher. As a chef, it will improve your knowledge. As a human being, it will enrich your understanding."

Butchering Primer on Half Hog: Andrew Wiseheart
FULL POST

Sink your teeth into today's top stories from around the globe.

• 30 minutes or less? Sheer child's play! Behold the pizza vending machine that makes a pie in 90 seconds. - NY Daily News

• Move over gefilte fish, there's a new catch in town: Moroccan fish balls. - Wall Street Journal

• Are some food products more masculine than others? A look at "Mansauce" and other gender-identified fare. - Globe & Mail

• So, y'know that dining deal you got off one of those bajillion discount sites? Here's how to tell it's not worth it. - Food & Wine

• The "Cake Boss" bakes a delicious tribute to Steve Jobs. - TMZ

While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday.

Froth of the morning to ya - October 7 is National Frappé Day!

While it may sound like your favorite drink that you can't live without when the 10 a.m. slump rolls around, frappé is an entirely different beverage! This brainchild of Greek coffee culture is all the rage across the Atlantic, so why not jump on the bandwagon?
FULL POST

Pssst! Got a sec to chat?

We are utterly thrilled when readers want to hang out and talk – whether it's amongst themselves or in response to pieces we've posted. We want Eatocracy to be a cozy, spirited online home for those who find their way here.

Consider the daily Coffee Klatsch post as your VIP lounge – the primary comments thread for readers who'd like to chat about topics not related to the articles we're running. That way, everyone knows where to find each other, and each post's comments section remains on topic.
FULL POST