Since today is National Garlic Day I naturally had to point out one of the most famous garlic scenes in movie history. Do you remember the prison dinner scene in Goodfellas? You know the one where Paul Sorvino is slicing ridiculously thin pieces of garlic with a razor blade?

"He was in a year for contempt and he had this wonderful system for doing the garlic. He used a razor and he used to slice it so thin that it used to liquefy in the pan with just a little oil. It was a very good system."

It's hard not to think of that scene whenever I chop up garlic. Same goes for making spaghetti sauce with meatballs. Also, I love how even though they're in prison, they have access to everything including bread, cheese, prosciutto, steak, salami and lobster.

To check out the full dinner scene (which, is accompanied by one of my favorite songs, "Beyond the Sea," by Bobby Darin), and get a great recipe for a three-meat meatball (just like Goodfellas "Veal, beef and pork... you gotta have the pork."), read more

• If an American Idol cooking challenge isn't enough Idol for you, check out the new McDonald's American Idol Happy Meal toys. - BuzzSugar
• Although the sous vide technique of cooking is catching on, you should not be using Ziploc bags. - Megnut
• New research is showing that alcohol may enhance strawberry's ability to mop up harmful molecules in cancer. What? Sign me up for a strawberry daiquiri! - Liquor Snob



• A recent study shows that chocolate is better than kissing. Hrmm... I don't know about that one. What do you think? Take MissPolli's poll on TeamSugar. - BBC News
• In case you've always wondered, check out the breakdown on whether or not a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. - FitSugar
• Who would have thought that the words Pancake and Soup would go great together? - Delicious Days
• In anticipation of Singapore Day in New York's Central Park, here's a bunch of posts on food from Singapore. - Serious Eats
• Do you remember that energy drink (stupidly) called Cocaine? Looks like the FDA is making them change their name. - Martini Lounge
• And last, but not least, I am in serious need of this dish. Gingered Salmon Tartar with Radish and Green Apple on Prawn Crackers. - La Tartine Gourmande

When PartySugar told me that today was National Garlic Day, I immediately set out to find us a cocktail that uses garlic as an ingredient. And yes, yes, I know it sounds horrible, but done well I bet it would be good - think of a Bloody Mary, that sounds horrible on paper too...

At any rate, I was thwarted - turns out it may be a disgusting idea after all - and could not find any cocktail recipes featuring garlic. I did, however, find a recipe called Funky Garlic that actually sounds sort of refreshing (if not also somewhat terrible). It's a mixture of wine and soda, and it sounds dirty, yet light and bubbly. To check out the recipe (oh and if you know of any drinks that feature garlic, let us know), read more

Sure you can rush to the refrigerator's automatic ice maker or open the freezer and grab a tray of cubes, but come on, aren't ice buckets the height of chic when it comes to cocktailology? The supreme entertainer will have an ice bucket ready and waiting, with tongs nearby whenever guests need a refill. The tongs are as important as the ice bucket, one can not exist without the other. If you think about the way a professional bartender works, the ice is always in a nearby and easily accessible location. Often an overlooked ingredient in a cocktail, ice is essential to chilling drinks and is as necessary as the alcohol itself. While there are many novelty ice buckets out there, I prefer to keep things simple and classic to minimize the clutter on my bar counter space. This clear glass ice bucket comes with a beautiful crystal encrusted set of tongs. When it's not filled with ice fill it with fresh flowers to add elegance to your bar! It's even a steal, on sale for only $9.99.

Two more ice buckets so read more

Another Guess Who!?! You guys have really lucked out this week. This one's super easy...

Guess who was caught on film talking with her hands? To find out, read more

I really enjoy Vosges Chocolates (at least the two exotic candy bars I've tried have been delicious) and really need to hunt down some of their (new?) Red Fire Tortilla Chips. I read about them yesterday and have been drooling ever since. They're organic corn tortilla chips, covered in chocolate and topped with ancho & chipotle chiles.

Um, chocolate covered tortilla chips with a hint of chile?? Sign me up! A 6oz can is available at Vosges for $20.

Anyone tried these? How do they taste?

Source: Trendhunter

Who says dishes that are packed with complex flavors have to take forever to make? Certainly not PartySugar, because I'm proposing that we make an intriguing and delectable dinner tonight in a little over 15 minutes! Shrimp is the perfect ingredient for quick cooking because it takes on the taste of the flavorings. In this case the surprising combination of jalapeño, orange peel, and thyme create a shrimp that is spicy, scrumptious, and full of layers. Serve the shrimp and tomato sauce over brown rice or whole wheat couscous for a healthy and delicious meal. Pair with a cold beer and you're in business. Make your grocery list and read more

So I know I already said that the food and drinks at a wedding are extremely important but the look (like invite) is what sets the entire mood and atmosphere of the event. How can you have magic or love in the air without a beautiful look? Bright colors are an excellent way to add an element of surprise as guests typically expect pastels and when paired with plain white linens the colors can really pop. Remember centerpieces don't always have to be floral: experiment with unconventional centerpieces such as shallow bowls filled with live fish, hollowed out tree trunks filled with fruit, or nests/wreaths overflowing with berries. Integrate elements of nature into the decor by using coral branches for a sunset beach or green moss to blanket bare soil of a potted centerpiece. Instead of having floral centerpieces wrap wedding favors in pretty paper and stack decoratively in the middle of the table. For the look of Julie's wedding (in black, white, and light blue with art deco accents), read more

Pay attention ice cream fans! Actually, I should say pay attention ice cream loving American Idol fans! In case you haven't heard, Edy's Slow Churned® is running an American Idol inspired contest. They've announced five flavors (Take The Cake, Choc 'n Roll Caramel, Hollywood Cheesecake, Soulful Sundae Cone and Triple Talent) and are encouraging customers to vote for their favorite flavor (currently Take The Cake - a yellow cake flavored light ice cream with frosting and sprinkles - is in the lead). Once you've voted for your flavor, you can then register to win a bunch of prizes, including 4 Tickets to the American Idol Finale. However, you better rush out and start tasting now, the sweepstakes ends at 11:59pm ET on April 27, 2007.

Thanks to our friends at Edy's (who have graciously sponsored this post) for sending us all the info, and for supplying our YumSugar avatar with a tasty carton of her own! It looks like it's the Soulful Sundae Cone - which is the one I voted for. How about you? What flavor will you vote for?