Resolutions are hard to keep, but I'm trying really hard to stick to my "bake something new every week" one. It almost didn't happen this week, but somehow I mustered up the energy (okay actually, I sobered up, we had a work happy hour and let's just say I drank a bit more than I should have...) and whipped up some muffins last night. Why muffins? Well a few weeks ago reader Phasekitty asked me if I knew of a good versatile muffin recipe and I wanted to help her out. I had a few that I'd tried before, but since this resolution is about baking new things, I went out on a muffin hunt.

A few years ago, while at some weird discount store, I picked up a copy of The All New Good Housekeeping Cook Book for a bargain $3.99. It's not an amazing book, but it does have some rather quick and super easy to make meals. So I figured, why not give their basic muffin recipe a try? It looked straightforward, versatile (perfect for berries, chocolate chips, etc.), and more importantly, easy enough to make at 9:45pm while slightly buzzed...

To see how my muffins turned out (pictures and recipe), read more

PopSugar and BuzzSugar have been doing an awesome job covering the celebrity gossip and movie premiere action at the Sundance Film Festival...but what about the parties? Sure Pop fills us in on who was seen where and when but I want to know about the fiesta details! What did the stars eat? How were the rooms decorated?

I've put together a gallery of images taken from several parties throughout the last 8 days of Sundance. The food is chic and delectable, the decorations surprisingly minimal - most of the events were without themes (unless it was for a movie in which case the theme was derived from the movie), hosted in restaurants, and the atmosphere swanky winter chic. To see the pics of the parties attended by Samuel L. Jackson, Cuba Gooding Jr, and Eddie Murphy at Park City's Claim Jumper and Harry O's, read more

Yesterday the folks at Absolut sent us a bottle of their new Absolut (Pears), and I'd like to think that I'm not easily bribed, but how could we NOT try it? We figured pre-happy hour cocktails would be a nice treat for the office, so we whipped up something called The Devil PEARS Prada (the recipe arrived with the bottle) and called it an early night.

Let me just say right now, at first I was a little skeptical. However, an initial shot proved to be smooth and was exactly what we expected (pear flavored vodka). It was also a bit artificial smelling (like Jolly Rancher candy) and I was worried that it would be too sweet. However, mixed in this ratio, it was really quite mellow. And the wildest part was that it gave the drink a nice pear taste, without the alcohol-y aftertaste. Translation: you are going to get drunk on accident.
To check out the recipe for The Devil PEARS Prada, read more

Every now and then I like to let my competitive streak run wild by participating in a contest. As long as you remember that the contest is in good fun, there is nothing to lose and only things to gain. This week I was thinking about entering a centerpiece of the month contest. The centerpiece can be anything: a single flower, a pile of rocks in a jar, a row of candles, a bowl of lemons or floating flower petals. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this challenge and I don't know where to begin. I need you to assist me by heading off to market in search of centerpiece ideas. Save your centerpieces in the Yum Market with the tag of Centerpiece. I can't wait to see your super suggestions!

Don't know much about the Yum Market? Take a quick glance at geeksugar's how to save on TeamSugar.

Hey guys, thanks for all of your yummy chocolate finds. As always, I was crazy torn between the finds. I really love these cute chocolate mice (perfect for kids), but in the end, crispet1's Beef Tenderloin in Chocolate Sauce looked way too tasty. I can just imagine all the juices from the beef blending together with the richness of the chocolate. I love hints of chocolate in my savory dishes, it's so delicious! Thanks for all the recipes everyone, there were definitely quite a few on the list to try!

This week's secret ingredient is Parmesan Cheese.
I'm positive that you guys will be able to come up with some magnificent creations, so don't let me down! Post your best parmesan cheese recipe in the Secret Ingredient group by Thursday. I'll pick the most delicious sounding recipe and share it here next week! Happy cooking and go wild, I can't wait to see your great ideas!

Hey everyone! So I'm a few years behind, but I finally got myself a MySpace account! So next time you're on MySpace, be sure to add me as your friend!

My dad recently found out that he has high cholesterol. He likes to ignore this fact and pretend that he doesn't run a greater risk for heart problems, but me and my mom care about him too much to let it go un-noticed. According to the doctor, my father should cut back on white starches: potatoes, white rice, white pastas, white bread, etc. and eat more vegetables, wheat, and whole grains. This is difficult for dad because he has always been a meat and potato sort of guy, so I've been searching for recipes that are hearty and tasty without all of the starch. I found this recipe for a steak that is served over a crisp green salad and garnished with Parmesan cheese that is sure to please both dad (the steak) and the doctor (the salad). I looked up the name of this dish, tagliata, and in Italian it means cut, cutting, trim, or clip...which is exactly what I want to do with my dad's high cholesterol! To make this for your loved ones, read more

Our fabulous Sugar video producer finally awoke from his cured meat and cheese induced coma and has created this great video overview of the 2007 Winter Fancy Food Show. Warning: you might want to put on a bib, there are some drool-worthy scenes ahead!