Throughout my day, I stumble across things that would be cool to have (like this Bacon Butter Dish - $39.95). However, every now and again I find one that I really want. No, make that NEED to have. This time it's the BLT Ring from the folks at The Grateful Palate. This amazing bit of sterling silver jewelry is made from five individual stackable rings: two bread rings, a bacon ring, a tomato ring and a lettuce ring. Unfortunately (for me), it is only available in ring size 6 and 7 ($150).
An engagement party is often thrown to announce the forthcoming marriage of a couple, and in my case, the arrival of Wedding Season on the Sugar Network.
An engagement party is often thrown to announce the forthcoming marriage of a couple, and in my case, the arrival of Wedding Season on the Sugar Network. The creative juices are flowing and I'm pulling out all of the stops for the most fabulous party yet: a dessert party. The elegant invites set the tone for an extravagant menu full of sweet treats: chocolate brownie cupcakes, salty almond chocolate bark, creamy mini cheesecakes, and tart strawberry shortcakes. Sounds like a pretty complete menu, right? Wrong! What about those people who don't like desserts (I know, hard to believe, but they do exist!)? What will the hostess with the mostess serve them? A simple (seriously this involves no baking or cooking) cheese and fruit platter. To see how to arrange one, read more
It's no secret, I love (make that LUUURRVE) aprons. This apron is made from one dishtowel, granted it's not going to fit me, but how darn cute is it? - I Have To Say via Craft
I need to get my hands on one of these. The Periodic Table of Desserts is going to look great in my kitchen. - Serious Eats
For those of you vegans who have been pining for the Easter candy, pine no more. Here's a list of vegan approved Easter treats. - Sugar Savvy
One of my former co-workers used to spoil us with homemade tamales all the time. I've always been intimidated to try making my own, but after seeing this post for beautiful, traditional handmade tamales, I think I am going to have to just give it a try. - Delicious Days
Need a big oven? Why not try a school bus? - Slashfood
A little while back I talked about a delicious non-alcoholic drink that combines equal parts lemonade and iced tea for a refreshing cocktail called an Arnold Palmer (it's named after a golfer).
A little while back I talked about a delicious non-alcoholic drink that combines equal parts lemonade and iced tea for a refreshing cocktail called an Arnold Palmer (it's named after a golfer). Well my sister is a huge fan of this drink and this weekend when we were out on the town (the town being New York City of course) we tasted a wonderfully blended spiked Arnold Palmer. It was your standard combination of lemonade and iced tea only diluted with vodka and flavored with muddled mint. It was fabulous somewhere between a mojito and a long island iced tea. Blown away, I wondered why had I never thought of this before?! To experiment with this cocktail, read more
The next group I want to highlight in our Better Know a Group series is Lite'n it Up. Lite'n it Up was started by our own FitSugar and is a place to put your healthy recipes and fat-cutting tips. In Lite'n it Up, you'll find original healthy concoctions or "cleaned up" old favorites (like these Lightened Up PB Cookies). So if you're trying to watch what you eat, but still want to experience some great tasting food, then join Lite'n it Up and see what's cooking!
I'm planning an engagement party to kickoff Wedding Season, so fill your heads (and hearts) with fabulous ideas and tips (homemade invitations, anyone?) on how to host your own.
I'm planning an engagement party to kickoff Wedding Season, so fill your heads (and hearts) with fabulous ideas and tips (homemade invitations, anyone?) on how to host your own. Mine will be an after dinner dessert party with champagne and a to die for dessert buffet. Taking help from your local bakery is an easy way to round out a menu of homemade mini baked goods. Store bought cookies and tiny candies can fill silver platters and sparkling bowls. Since an engagement party should really be all about the couple, be sure to include their favorite desserts (and don't forget something chocolate for all of those chocoholics!). In my case, Julie loves cheesecake and Scott is mad for strawberry shortcake so those two dishes must be on the menu, for the recipes read more
I never saw the article, but according to the New York Post, it seems like Jake Gyllenhaal offended some fans in February's GQ magazine. The actor-slash-foodie was quoted as saying, "I actually love to go to a farm and get fresh milk or watch a pig get slaughtered." His reps aren't denying the quote and now some fans are horrified and furious. I guess being ignorant about your food is the real way to win fans.
Too bad for Jake, because I doubt his pal Mario will let him get away with food ignorance. Yep you read that right, Mario, as in Mario Batali. In fact, he, his sister Maggie (and their mom Naomi), have appeared on two episodes of Molto Mario (both in 2003). I caught the gnocchi one the other day (thanks to missjq for letting me know when it was on) and I found the dessert episode online. Our lovely video producer took my favorite two bits and turned them into a short clip for you, but the full version is after the jump:
To watch the entire episode (22 minutes),read more
Spaghetti carbonara could be my all time favorite pasta dish. It's light and creamy to taste and quick and easy to make. Crisp pancetta, dry white wine, gooey eggs, and melted Parmesan cling to the pasta for a meal that is sheer perfection. The recipe is so simply uncomplicated that even the most elementary of cooks can be successful. Once you have mastered the basic equation don't hesitate to get creative and tweak the sauce to your liking. For example, my dad has modified his carbonara (which is really delicious) with the additions of Italian sausage and fresh parsley. But before I get ahead of myself, have a look at the original recipe, read more
Yesterday I kicked off our wedding registry pointers with some tips on selecting dinnerware. Today I thought we'd jump from dinnerware to drinkware.
Traditionally you should consider registering for everyday glassware, as well as fine crystal and barware. However every couple is unique so go with what suits your needs. If you entertain a lot, you may want a full set of barware, if you don't drink then there's no need. Just don't limit yourself in registry items due to space, from what I understand, once you have the goods, you'll find room for everything. On the flip side, don't register for everything just because you can. Take into consideration what you really want and the number of people who will be attending your wedding.
To check out tips on how to select drinkware, and what you should add to your registry, read more
Wedding season has finally arrived, and to celebrate I'm planning an engagement party. While I was making the invitations, I spent a lot of time wondering what kind of an event it should be: an afternoon cocktail versus a sit down dinner versus a Sunday brunch? I wanted to do something different than your typical expected, everyday engagement party and suddenly it hit me: a dessert party! A dessert party is the perfect type of fiesta to embrace and honor the upcoming marriage of a young couple. It's less formal and easier for the hostess than dinner, and besides cocktail parties are expected so surprise guests with a decadent dessert buffet. Bite sized desserts are elegant and tasty and to ensure that the host/hostess doesn't spend all night scooping ice cream or cutting slices of pie and cake, all of the dishes should be small, portable finger foods. I'll be highlighting the recipes throughout the day so be sure to check back later for all of the delectable desserts. You can't have a dessert buffet without chocolate, to check out my chocolate recipes, read more
Throughout my day, I stumble across things that would be cool to have (like this Bacon Butter Dish - $39.95). However, every now and again I find one that I really want. No, make that NEED to have. This time it's the BLT Ring from the folks at The Grateful Palate. This amazing bit of sterling silver jewelry is made from five individual stackable rings: two bread rings, a bacon ring, a tomato ring and a lettuce ring. Unfortunately (for me), it is only available in ring size 6 and 7 ($150).
