When I was searching for a Vietnamese inspired dessert I stumbled across the most amazing little cupcakes. I know you may be cupcaked out, but I just can't get enough of these sweet treats. Don't be overwhelmed by all of the steps in this recipe, it's actually quite simple if you take it one step at a time and remember that the filling will eventually be covered by the frosting. Vietnamese coffee is a mixture of super strong coffee and condensed milk. The coffee takes the place of your typical cake batter liquid for a distinctive, yet delicious, cupcake. This is delightful for guests and divine for your family so get the recipe for these Vietnamese cupcakes, just read more

With summer on its way I thought I'd share with you one of my most simple tips. If you love a glass of iced coffee, but hate when it gets all watery, then do yourself a favor and make coffee ice cubes. By making coffee ice cubes you'll ensure your iced coffee won't get diluted and you'll have a good use for this morning's leftover coffee. Just use a clean ice tray, fill with coffee and freeze. Once frozen, remove cubes from the ice trays and put into a large ziploc style freezerbag (this helps protect it from that nasty freezer smell/taste). Use them instead of regular ice cubes and ta da! No more watery iced coffee for you!

One of my favorite drinks at Vietnamese restaurants is soda chanh, which is essentially a limeade (although sometimes it's lemonade) made from sparkling water. It's wonderfully refreshing and hits the spot on really hot days. The best part is that I don't have to wait until I go out to eat to enjoy it. The recipe is super simple, so you won't have to wait either. To give this recipe a try, read more

• Are children's menus a good or bad thing? Also, if you think we make all those food holidays up, think again. - New York Times
• Wolfgang Puck's got some crustless mini-cheesecakes for us to check out. - Chicago Tribune
• I wish I had come up with this bad pun about how pickle maker Rick Field makes jarring statements. He also happens to make great pickles. - Boston Globe
• Restaurants are breaking the fourth wall by bringing the cooking action into the dining room. - Los Angeles Times
• Cool down with a glass of sweet tea, okay y'all? - Chapel Hill News & Observer
• If you're still not convinced, here are more reasons why farmer's markets are awesome. - Sacramento Bee
• Looking forward to summer entertaining? Here's what you need to stock your summer bar. - Washington Post

It may seem a little ironic: first I told you not to show up early to an event and now I'm highlighting the importance of not showing up too late to a party.

This rule should be remembered and practiced for dinner parties especially. Your hostess has taken the time to create a meal and has specified it will begin at a certain time, so be there and ready to eat at that time. A dried out roast chicken and cold pasta are what you have to look forward to when arriving late to a party, and you are not only taking advantage of your hostess, but you are disrespecting your fellow guests. If you are running late - for whatever reason - you owe the hostess a courtesy call to let her know you will be there after the party's start time. Showing up more than a half an hour late for a dinner party, and an hour late for a cocktail party without a quick phone call is unacceptable. If you come to a party late without calling, trusting that the hostess is exceptional, do not expect to be invited to more of her parties in the future.

Wanna break the coffee habit? Why not trade it in for a sunflower seed one instead? SumSeeds are sunflower seeds that are "SUPERCHARGED" with caffeine, taurine, lysine and ginseng. However, they claim that they're premium roasted to taste good too. I know that some folks are hooked on their caffeine, but am I crazy to think that caffeinated sunflower seeds might be a step too far?

Three packs of SumSeeds goes for $9.95 and if you purchase a whole case of them, you'll get a free "supercharged" shirt too.

Source: Strange New Products

One of my favorite places for pho is Pho Y #1 in San Jose. The pho there is pretty great and the entire place smells amazingly of basil. However my favorite part of the experience is the menu. On the back of the menu there is an algorithm of pho service. I snagged a picture last time I was there, click on the picture for a larger view, and if you're having a hard time reading it, here's what it says:

Algorithm Of Pho Service
The Health-Concious Choice!

Chef Block
1. Start
2. Prepare & Cook Bouillon for 8 hours - Beef steak, beef bones, water and special spices
3. Steam Rice Noodle - Best brand, approved by the US Customs & Health Dept
4. Slice Raw or Well Done Fresh Beef Steak - Approved by USDA in the market
5. Serve the above in a bowl - May be yours first, second, or third bowl ordered
6. Prepare side dish of fresh vegetable - Available seasonal

To see the rest, read more

Who knew you could have a taste of Vietnam in less than 30 minutes? If you make Banh Mi sandwiches tonight for dinner, your taste buds will be transported in no time. Banh Mi is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich made with a French baguette and an assortment of vegetables and meats. The contrasting flavors between the meat and herbs create a fantastic textural sensation. Introduce your family, or yourself, to a new culture and make this tasty treat tonight. It's quick, it's easy, it's new. So get the recipe now, just read more