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.

Bourbon is delicious. You should drink it ... often even, if that's your prerogative.

But you shouldn't confine the brown spirit to the rocks glass, says chef Lee Ann Whippen - not that we nor she condemn said action.

Whippen is the pitmaster of the aptly-named barbecue restaurant Chicago q.

Five Ways To Use Bourbon In The Kitchen: Lee Ann Whippen
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A meal containing the world's most deadly mushroom is responsible for killing two people and sickening another in Canberra, Australian health officials said Friday.

The meal, which contained death cap mushrooms, was part of a private meal served at a restaurant on New Year's Day, the Australian Health Directorate said.

"The Health Directorate has been advised that the consumption of this food was for a private meal and no food containing the mushrooms was provided to the general public or anyone outside of this small group," the directorate said in a statement.

The restaurant, where the mushrooms were prepared, remains closed.

Read - Deadly mushrooms served as part of meal that kills 2, officials say

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

• Because plastic lids previously defeated the whole purpose of biodegradable coffee cups, someone finally got a clue. - Co.Design

• They may be in a hotel, but these are not - we repeat, are not - "hotel restaurants." - Wall Street Journal

• Make your own 'Nilla wafers ... because you can. - Serious Eats Sweets

• It's a bird! It's a plane! It's an online tool that monitors what you eat! It's the SuperTracker! - NPR

• Martha Carlson wants you to have maple syrup in 2100. - The Atlantic

Kate Krader (@kkrader on Twitter) is Food & Wine's restaurant editor. When she tells us where to find our culinary heart's desire, we listen up.

Now that we’re a week into the New Year, it’s time to stop talking about a 2012 diet. That moment is gone. Instead of giving up foods, wouldn’t it be great to bring some new things into your life: squirrel, fish bones, black water. Here’s a few things you should start eating immediately to be on the cutting edge of the food world.

Chocolate-Covered Sprouts
Last year, Frito-Lay began putting natural foods in their snacks. (Brief round of applause for them.) Now comes junk food that’s having even more of an identity crisis. Lulu Chocolate’s Smoked Sea Salt Almond raw Organic Chocolate Bar (that’s a mouthful) is made with sprouted almonds—sprouts being a super cool health foods these days. Is that better than Shiloh Farms Dark Chocolate Covered Sprouted Almonds? There’s only one way to find out.
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Don't be confused, Las Vegas.

You did not wake up in a fraternity house. You are not still in college.

Those celluloid-ball-throwing, beer-chugging patrons invading the Flamingo Hotel and Casino are not trying to scare you. They are probably just members of Seek and Destroy - Wednesday night's winners of the annual World Series of Beer Pong.

Matt White and Ross Hampton came out on top after 22 games to take home the $50,000 prize, money that the recent Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville graduates will certainly be able to use.

Read the full story - "Beer pong skills reap $50,000 for top duo"

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

Today's celebration is short and sweet - January 6 is National Shortbread Day!

Buttery, crumbly shortbread is a sweet treat indeed for a cold winter's day. Dunk a bit of that in your morning coffee to induce some instant bliss.

Shortbread is a type of leavened cookie simply made with flour, sugar and butter. (Hey, there's nothing wrong with simple if it tastes amazing!)

It's usually cut into points, oblong fingers or baked into individual rounds, all for excellent dipping and munching purposes. You can make your own scrumptious shortbread or wait for the Girl Scout Trefoils to come around.
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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.
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