Earlier this week, I gave you guys a recipe for a cookie full of Snickers candies, which is what I dreamt of every time folks would mention snickerdoodles. Well, a few of you wrote in to ask exactly what a snickerdoodle was. Simply put, a snickerdoodle is a type of soft sugar cookie, dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They're usually a little crunchy on top, and soft and chewy in the middle.

Some folks think the name comes from the corruption of the German word schneckennudeln — a type of cinnamon-dusted sweet roll — but no one is really sure. No matter where its name comes from, it's definitely a cookie worth trying, and one to keep in your cookie repertoire. For a classic recipe, read more

On Wednesday night, FabSugar invited me to attend a fashion party at the San Francisco Guess store. While Fab was busy talking with Brittany Snow, I was out scouting drinks and chatting with the bartender. Instead of an open bar with wine and beer, one simple specialty cocktail was poured. At first glance, I thought the drink was the classic mojito. However, I soon realized it was a refreshing variation with vodka instead of rum, lemon juice, lime juice, and a splash of Sprite. This drink was crowd pleasing, smooth and light. To mix it up for yourself, just read more

To encourage you to host more dinner parties, I'm starting a new series where I plan an impromptu dinner party and take you along for the ride! If you love to cook and get an itch to entertain, call up your friends and invite them to dinner tonight. With my tips, recipes, and ideas, you will find that a fabulous party can happen without hours and hours of planning.

1. Start by choosing a location and menu. We decided to make a big green salad and two pizzas: One Greek style vegetarian and another Spanish style meat.
2. Create a grocery list. Shop for ingredients. Keep it hassle free. We picked up pizza dough from the neighborhood pizzeria.
3. Create a game plan and delegate tasks. I was in charge of the pizza sauce and dough. Sasha was in charge of pouring wine and making the salad, Erica was in charge of setting the table and inviting friends, and my sister was in charge of music and mood lighting.
4. Remember an impromptu party is not supposed to be stressful, it's supposed to be fun!!

To take a look at the recipes, pictures, and a video from the dinner, read more

Although he was the first person to get booted off of this year's "Top Chef," Clay's cajun white cheddar dip sounds like a winner. I don't know about you, but I've printed the recipe and will be enjoying this while I watch some weekend football! — Bravo's Football Foodies

I was invited to happy hour yesterday afternoon. According to the email, it was a meet and mingle event. Only the gal who was introducing and organizing everyone ended up bailing! Not showing up to a party you are hosting is NOT okay, and should be considered a major party foul. If you schedule an event and something comes up, be sure to notify all of your guests or designate the hostess duties to a friend. What do you guys think? Is canceling at the last minute better than being a hostess flake?

Source

With all the news about how antioxidants are great for your health, it should come as no surprise that the folks at Clinique have taken it one step further. Now, instead of just consuming your antioxidants, you can soothe your skin with it too. If you're wondering why we're talking about moisturizers here on Yum, then wonder no more. To celebrate the launch of its new Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer, Clinque asked customers to submit their tastiest recipe using at least one natural antioxidant. The winner — Marie Sheppard of Chicago — created a beautiful dish of grilled salmon and strawberry ginger salsa. To get the recipe and rescue your dinner, read more

• Have a cooking pet peeve? Here's a list of simple kitchen problems and their solutions. — iVillage
• The Blue Hill at Stone Barns restaurant has an amazing organic garden and farm. Be sure to check out these photos. — CasaSugar
• Lab ware, such as test tubes, flask and cylinders are becoming trendy in the kitchen. — Serious Eats



• Is this a photo of the Virgin Mary appearing as a hard-boiled egg? — Slashfood
• Have you heard of "adult milk?" It's good for stress, but bad for your finances. — FitSugar
• Believe it or not, former boxer Evander Holyfield is launching his own table top fat-draining grill. — Amazon's al Dente
• Are those superfoods really super? — Culinate
• Looks like Alton Brown hates on other foodie reality tv shows. And is it just me, or is he sounding more like Anthony Bourdain these days? — Chow

Some Fridays, I arrive home exhausted from a hectic and busy week. I'm not afraid to admit that on these days, I receive a lot of help from the grocery store. Tonight's meal consists of only three easy ingredients and makes for a filling, effortless meal. Flavor ground beef with marinara sauce, and top the whole thing with shoe string French fries. It's a deconstructed version of the classic shepherd's pie, but without all the chopping and stirring. Get the recipe now, read more