Food Magazines Retool For Current Economy

Some longtime food magazines are trying to make sure they don't go the way of several home magazines which have recently shut down in the midst of a poor housing market and struggling economy.

Magazines such as Gourmet (founded in 1941) and Bon Appetit (founded 1956), which have seen ad pages shrink in recent months, are focusing less on eating out and expensive ingredients, and more on affordable home cooking.

The last couple issues of Gourmet -- one of my favorite "food reads" -- have featured simple food such as homemade rolls and a sandwich on its covers.

These magazines have always offered a certain element of escapism, compared to more practical magazines like EVERYDAY FOOD or TASTE OF HOME, and one might think that escapism is something readers could use right now. However, an increased emphasis on elegant but affordable recipes is appreciated as well. The sandwich on the March cover is so beautiful it made me start wondering about the possible merits of owning a panini grill...