Recently geeksugar told me a story I found rather traumatizing. Apparently a friend of hers had taken the day off of work early to make a labor intensive dessert - cream puffs - to bring to a party she was attending that night. The party was a potluck in which everyone was asked to bring a dish. Unfortunately someone else brought ice cream and her dessert was shown up. The host failed to offer the cream puffs as an alternative to the ice cream and the poor girl who made them never even got to taste one! Her attempts to motivate the host into serving them went unnoticed and being a respectful guest, she wouldn't even think of asking for the cream puffs at the end of the night. We can all learn an important lesson from this example of a bad host. If guests bring a homemade dish into your house that they have made specifically for the occasion (not just for you) be sure to thank your guest by serving it to your crowd. Another moral of the story is to assign each guest a category when planning a potluck to avoid multiple dessert dishes. Lastly, when showing up at an event armed with fresh goods from your kitchen be sure to let the host/hostess know if they are for the party or for him/her to enjoy at his or her own convenience.

• Want to make rootbeer cupcakes, banana lime cupcakes and cherry cupcakes all from the same recipe? I know I do. - A Muffin Story
• Oh boy, more energy drinks! This time Coke and Pepsi are both joining the energy drink bandwagon. - FitSugar
• I heart salmon. I heart panko. So how could I not heart this recipe for panko-crusted salmon? - Simply Recipes
• Want to make reservations at a busy restaurant? Check out these booking tips. - DearSugar



• A slightly different way to prepare a tender, tasty chicken curry. - What's For Lunch Honey?
• Jealousy ensues, I want to spend the afternoon taste-testing eleven different potato chips, especially the island jerk and curry flavors. - Serious Eats

If you are hosting a dinner or a party in the next couple of weeks be sure to have a special non-alcoholic option for your guests. It's that time of year when people have given up bad habits for Lent (I've given up clothing shopping) and drinking alcohol is always a popular vice to reject for forty days. Instead of mercilessly tempting friends with all alcoholic cocktails, offer one that is just as good without any booze. You could whip up faux champagne or a delicious take on white wine. Serve in a champagne flute or wine glass and your guests won't even notice they're sipping an alcohol-free beverage. For the recipe, read more

Last week I ended up grabbing a quick slice of pizza at a small hole-in-the-wall joint. Although the pizza wasn't fantastic, it stood out because the crust was coated in cornmeal. Ever since then, I have been craving a cornmeal crust pizza and decided to go ahead and make my own. Since the last few weeks have been pretty sweets heavy, I figured this savory treat would make for a nice change of pace. To see step-by-step pictures and a recipe for a super tasty cornmeal dough pizza, read more

Thanks to everyone who joined us in the the YumSugar chat room. Today we talked about upcoming parties, oreo truffles, classic boudin and more! Be sure to join us next time.

Eating food that is packed with many flavors is a great way to incorporate a healthy diet into your lifestyle. There are so many tastes at once that your brain gets fooled into thinking you are eating a lot more than you really are. Today's Special is a perfect example of a simple, flavor packed meal that is filling, delicious, vegetarian friendly, and good for you. Soy sauce, mirin, and scrambled eggs get paired with pepper jack cheese, black beans, and a flour tortilla to create a dinner that will enliven your senses. A dish that is both Asian and Mexican at the same time? Your stomach won't know what hit it. For the recipe, read more

I've planned a lot of menus in my day and get tons of emails from readers and friends asking me to help them plan a menu for a specific occasion. I can throw a menu together in no time flat, and so can you if you take a look at my helpful tips and pointers. All week I am giving you a few more pieces to the puzzle. I see an empty dinner plate as an artist would look at a blank canvas. It's important to think of every aspect of the dishes from the texture, color, and aroma to the techniques of cooking that you use and the variety of ingredients. For today's menu planning tips, read more

Love, love, love. February was all about love... but what if you're like me and single (without anyone to love)? Love yourself of course! This week I am planning a love themed party that is all about you celebrating your self love. Write yourself a lovely note, make yourself your favorite dishes and pair them with your favorite drinks. Taking the time out to really take care of yourself is important for your mind, body, soul, and overall well being. This party, that I am calling celebration you (or celebration me, if you prefer), is like getting your beauty sleep. On Friday I am going to be home alone (woo hoo!) and will take complete advantage of the evening. This afternoon I will make sure that everything is clean and organized so when I get home from work tomorrow - with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in my hands - I can slip into something comfortable and relax. I'll light my favorite soothing scented candles and turn the heater up high so the house is cozy and warm. To really make myself feel glowing inside, and beautiful on the outside, I'll give myself a few at home spa treatments between dinner and dessert. I consulted BellaSugar and she helped me come up with simple scrubs and soaks that can be made from everyday ingredients. For these easy at home spa recipes, read more