NEW & NOTEWORTHY.

COOKBOOK: ``The Cheese Lover's Cookbook & Guide,'' by Paula Lambert (Simon & Shuster; $35), is filled with an eclectic mix of recipes, from soups and salads to breads and desserts that sound terrific, especially for holiday entertaining and beyond. We can't wait to try some of her appetizers, such as Baked Brie With Mushrooms, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries; Savory Herbed Cheesecake; two versions of Chile Con Queso - an old Texas standby and a gourmet version; Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Pesto Mascarpone Torta; and many more. Lambert, the owner of the Mozzarella Company in Dallas, produces and sells 35 different types of handcrafted cheeses throughout the United States. We've sampled some

of her products during a visit to Texas, and they were wonderful. Order them at [phone] or check them out at www.mozzco.com.

- Natalie Haughton

SWEET BARBIE: Know any little girls who love See's Candies? A good gift might be the See's Barbie Doll. Dressed in a traditional See's black and white uniform, her hair covered by a net, the doll is available at See's Candies shops for $21 each.

Also available is a See's Matchbox Collectibles modeled after a 1937 GMC Mail Truck and decorated with ``Mail a Box of Christmas candies now'' for $21. See's merchandise can also be purchased at [phone] or online at www.sees.com.

- N.H.

NEW

C&H Sugar Company Inc. recently introduced Baker's Sugar, an ultrafine granulated cane sugar, which has until now been used exclusively by professional bakers and chefs, for home cooks. The professional-grade sugar blends quicker and smoother and melts faster than regular, granulated sugar. The fine texture allows baked goods to bake more evenly without lumps or grittiness. It is especially good for meringues, frostings, icings, puddings, candies and pastries - so why not give it a try in your holiday baking. Although it is finer, Baker's Sugar measures the same as regular sugar. Suggested retail price is around $3.50 for a 4.4-pound (nine-cup) bag.

- Natalie Haughton

DINING OUT

Despite sunny days instead of snowy days, holiday season meal events for both children and their parents are just as traditional in Southern California as they are in colder climes.

The annual Christmas Carol Luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel has been a tradition for 53 years. This Dec. 24, it will bring forth the Toy Soldiers brass band, Santa and his elves, carolers, candymakers, mimes and gingerbread fancies along with a four-course meal ($68; children under 10, $38) in the hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Advance reservations necessary: [phone].

Also, from now though Dec. 24 the hotel presents a holiday tea from 2 to 6 p.m. daily in its Sunset Lounge, featuring piano entertainment and a special menu (from $25 per person) of nibbles and sips.

The Jim Gamble Puppets will perform their holiday children's show at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Admiral Risty restaurant, 31250 Palos Verdes Drive West, Rancho Palos Verdes. Admission is free with first-come, first served seating.

The Los Cancioneros Master Chorale returns to Admiral Risty with tableside caroling performances for dinner patrons at 7 p.m. Thursday and Tuesday, and for brunchers at noon Sunday. Reservations needed: [phone].

- Larry Lipson

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo: (1) no caption (``THE CHEESE LOVER'S COOKBOOK & GUIDE'')

(2) no caption (See's Barbie Doll)

(3) no caption (C&H BAKER'S SUGAR)