Today it is HOT - and that's supposed to be said with a double H and probably a bunch of Ts - more like, HHOTTTTTTT. We're talking the kind of hot where I am slowly slipping into a heat induced coma and every girl (except geeksugar, what were you thinking with long pants!) has slipped into a summer dress and sandals. Anyways, you're not here to read about dresses and sandals, you're here to read about what to drink when it's that hot outside.

When the heat gets up there (and I know, some people enjoy this weather, but not me) I really need something that can quench my thirst. A large margarita sounds good, and so does a slushy daiquiri, but the alcohol is just going to make it worse. So on a day like today, I suggest a nice tall pitcher of raspberry lemonade. The tartness of the raspberries and lemons mix really well together, and you can adjust the sweetness as you please. To check out the recipe, read more

A month or two ago, Yvette Garfield told me about a new cookbook she was (sorry for the pun, but wait for it...) "cooking up." It is a series of ethnic cookbooks aimed towards children called Handstand Kids.

Fast forward to last week and a copy of Handstand Kids Italian Cookbook was waiting on my desk. Actually make that a decorative box with a smart spiral bound book (with a nice sealed cover) and a little chef's hat (shorter than the average chef's hat and meant for kids - although it did fit my rather large noggin). The concept was created by Yvette Garfield, a law school graduate with a background in international children's rights and is designed to introduce children to other cultures and volunteer opportunities. In general, I really like the concept and think it would make a great gift. The artwork is vibrant, the characters diverse (ethnicities and eating habits) and there is even a section that tells you the ingredients in both English and Italian. The recipes, however, seem a bit complex (mom & dad, get ready to help out!). Granted, there is a difficulty level on each recipe, but flavored popcorn and homemade biscotti get the same rating, so I'd take it with a grain of salt. I also question the font choice, it's "fun" but seems like it could be a little hard to read.

Overall, it's an interesting concept and a series worth keeping an eye on. This is the first book in the set and I'm sure there will be some tweaks along the way. Available now for $28 +S&H.

To check out the Handstand Kid's biscotti recipe, read more

While it's now too darn hot out for me to fire up the stove and make a curry, doesn't it look delicious? Also, I love the story that goes with this delicious chana masala (chickpea curry). - Hooked on Heat

I have the best mom ever. Although she doesn't cook, she is unbelievably cool, young beyond her years, and is fabulously patient. I don't want to have kids because I know I could never be as an amazing mom as she is. I like to tell her I love her everyday, but I know sometimes she may feel a little under appreciated. This year I want to do something super special for her and make her a lovely breakfast in bed. She has done so much for me in the last twenty five years (I mean she gave birth to me, that in itself should grant her a lifetime of brunches) and the very least I can do is make her a meal made with 100% love. Since she is the guest of honor - and the only guest - I'll be making her an intimate invitation inspired by the ones you used to make in elementary school. So come party with me: make your mom a handmade card to go along with your homemade meal, read more

Making a quick fix strawberry shortcake is as simple as layering angel food cake (which they conveniently place next to the strawberries), strawberries, and cool whip to create a super easy, rapid dessert. However, if you have the time and patience, I highly recommend making your own homemade version. Doughy warm shortcakes with juicy strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream will instantly melt in your mouth for a show-stopping, unbelievably delicious dessert.

Whether it's semi-homemade or fresh from your oven, strawberry shortcake is an excellent springtime dessert. To encourage that everyone give this dessert a go, I've found 2 recipes: one for the beginning cook and one for the expert - you'll find both after the break. Make which one fits your needs best, read more

There's a bunch of Top Chef related news going on right now - timed to go with the new season I'm sure - so I thought I'd just save some time and post them all at once, here we go!

• First of all, Top Chef Season 1 winner, Harold Dieterle, opened up his restaurant Perilla this weekend. His grand opening is tonight - I want to try the Okinawa Yam Dumplings and Spicy Duck Meatballs...
• Good ol' Padma (TC host) is heating things up in the current issue of Maxim magazine.
• Don't forget, you can chat with Marcel (TC 2) Vigneron tonight at 7pm PT.
• Remember how I said to set your tivos on June 13? Well, you better make that June 6. Bravo has a mystery Episode 300, entitled "4 Star All Star" - the first number usually means the season number so what does this sneaky 4 star all star title mean?



• Bravo's launching a new site called TopChefOnline.com - they're hoping it will be a year-round destination for TC fans. It will also contain a web show called "Miami Spice" featuring Elia Aboumrad (TC2).
• And finally (for now), several of our fave TC faces - Judge Tom Collichio, host Padma Lakshmi, former host Katie Lee Joel, TC 2 winner Ilan Hall and guest judge Ted Allen) - were out last night at the Bon Appetit Magazine & James Beard Foundation's Chef's Night Out. I always wonder if Katie & Padma talk to one another...

Source: They Cook. We Dish.
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I love eating outdoors. When the weather is gorgeous I can't sit inside at the table and so I move everything outside for my favorite time of the day: dusk. Before the heat arrives, I want to get the outdoor table in my patio courtyard all ready for food and entertaining. I'll have to wash it off and drag the chair cushions out of the depths of the garage. I also want to get a new outdoor tablecloth and thought it would be fun to ask you for help. Head off to market to find a durable, colorful, fabulous tablecloth. The chair cushions are dark green so keep that in mind when you are looking. Save the tablecloths in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Outdoor Tablecloth.

Don't know how to participate in the Yum Market challenges? Check out geeksugar's easy to understand bookmarking guide.

One of my favorite things about grilled chicken is leftovers the next day. In fact, whenever we fire up the grill, I always insist that we throw an extra piece or two for the next day. It's great in sandwiches, shredded up for burritos or tacos, or in my fave way, cut up and mixed into a nice bright salad. You can top a bed of mixed greens, pineapples and tomatoes with chicken, or use any of your favorite fixins. For a grilled chicken salad that will pair well with last night's lime & coriander chicken, read more

Oh how I love science. Or should I make that, oh how I love Japan. How about, oh how I love Japanese scientists... An environmental consulting firm based out of Tsukaba, Japan has come up with an amazing new product called "Hotto! Raisu." The product, which amazingly turns cold water into hot rice, is a non-perishable food pack that could be put to good use during a natural disaster.

So how'd they do it?

By subjecting rice to 4,000 times normal atmospheric pressure, the developers were able to preserve rice for long periods in a soft form that holds moisture. When water is poured over an exothermic agent in the pack, steam warms the rice contained within, and after about 15 minutes, the dish is piping hot.

Right now the product is decently priced, (10,000 yen for 30 packs, or approximately $85 for 30), but I don't know if that's cheap enough to be ideal for natural disaster zones. Either way it's still absolutely awesome.

Source: Mainichi News via Boing Boing