This past weekend I found myself standing by the punch bowl at a neighbor's party. I didn't know too many folks there, so I found comfort in the shimmering peach-colored liquid. I knew it was a spiked punch, but it didn't taste too strong, so I downed more than a few glasses. A little bit later, and just a tad lot tipsy, I finally asked what was in the punch. My neighbor told me that it was his version of "Baptist Punch" and that it contained cranberry, pineapple, and orange juice. Knowing that all of those ingredients were not the ones that got me tipsy, I asked what else was in it and he said: Everclear.

Everclear is a type of grain alcohol that contains around 95 percent alcohol — most liquors contain around 40 percent — although it is sold in a 75.5 percent blend as well . . . I should also mention that the 95 percent mix is illegal to purchase in many US states, including here in California. It's also worth noting that Everclear is difficult to detect as it's relatively flavorless and doesn't smell very strong. My neighbor, who had it specially imported from another state, made sure to mention that Everclear's nondetectable characteristics was the other reason the concoction was called "Baptist Punch." This way no one knows that you've been drinking.

To get the recipe for both a nonalcoholic and alcoholic version of Baptist Punch, read more

Chocolate fudge is my mom's all-time favorite holiday sweet. She's not much of a cook, so we usually make it together. It's an excellent dessert to make with loved ones because the final result is decadently rewarding. There are a million fudge recipes out there, but I prefer one that highlights the pure chocolate flavor by omitting walnuts.

I've found two recipes, one that is simple and another that takes a little more time, equipment, and expertise. Whichever you choose, whip up a batch soon. Fudge is delicious on a holiday dessert buffet and divine wrapped in cellophane and presented as a homemade gift. For the recipes, read more

Wired magazine cofounder Louis Rossetto is taking on a new project and this time there are no flashy bells, whistles, or technological advancements. This time it's all about chocolate. His new company, Tcho, is currently testing limited-edition beta bars — aka version .10 — at $4 a bar (you must be able to pick them up in person from the company's headquarters in San Francisco). — Tcho

I was checking out the Yum Market when I realized I suddenly had an urge for a nice, dry martini. It was only 10:30 a.m., so I couldn't figure out why I wanted a drink so badly. That is until I realized the Yum Market was full of martini-inspired items! There was this fun Martini Lamp that TeamSugar member moderngirl found. There was also a martini-printed pillow that gardengirl74 discovered. For more martini inspiration and drink accessories, scroll through the list below.

To learn how to bookmark your own items, read GeekSugar's guide.

Foie gras is definitely a controversial subject, some folks love the way it tastes and don't care about how it's produced, while others won't go near it because of how it's produced. There are even those who love it, but feel too guilty to eat it.

We could get into a big debate over whether or not foie gras is cruel — sidenote: did anyone see Anthony Bourdain's Holiday Special segment about it? — but for the time being, I thought I'd just tell you about an alternative. UK supermarket Waitrose has created a product called Faux Gras — they even have the term trademarked — that is a blend of goose liver and goose or duck fat. It costs significantly less than the real thing and comes close to the real thing. David Stone, a buyer for Waitrose, said:

"We are confident we have come up with the holy grail of the gastronomic world - a pate with the richness of traditional foie gras, but without any of the guilt."

What do you think of this? Would you try it? And for those of you that are curious about it, but don't live in the UK, Gourmet has a recipe for Chicken Faux Gras.

Source

Although the Ugly Sweater party starts at 8 p.m., it's important to offer guests a few snacks to nibble on throughout the night. The last thing you want is a drunken guest raiding your fridge or pantry. To avoid this sloppy situation, set out a variety of small appetizers that require virtually no work throughout the night.

A vegetarian garlic, eggplant, and tomato spread is delicious on crusty bread. A homemade chex-style party mix is an excellent absorber of alcohol. Since this is a tacky-chic party, make three different kinds of cheese balls. Serve with an assortment of crackers and flatbreads. If desired, supplement the menu with store bought goods like olives, dips, and vegetables.

For the recipes, read more