A Kir Royale is one of my favorite champagne cocktails, so when I came across this recipe for a healthier, lower-fat dessert full of the same flavors, I was definitely excited. This berrylicious creation is a cooling mix of fresh red berries and bubbly sparkling wine, laced with zesty lemon and fragrant mint. If that doesn't scream summer, I don't know what does! After a rich meal of grilled meats and cheesey salads, serve a refreshing dessert and your guests will go home happy. For a look at the recipe, read more

I'm not sure which part of this warm chocolate cake with brandy soaked apricots and caramel I like more. The warm chocolate or the brandy soaked apricots? Either way It's going to be delicious. - Never Bashful With Butter

When the weather gets warm, I like to give fresh chunks of watermelon a whir in the blender. The result, a delightfully sweet and superbly cold affair, is the perfect way to beat the afternoon heat. When I was younger, I didn't think it could get much better than that, however I later learned that I was wrong. With the addition of fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and vodka, the innocent drink becomes a not-so-innocent concoction. If you've never had a Strawberry Watermelon Vodka Slushie, then do yourself a favor and get the recipe. Oh and consider yourself warned, these go down a little too easily. read more

Before I start with last night's Next Food Network Star recap, I have a quick question: Would you actually watch a show hosted by any of these folks? None of them seem that likable. I once rooted for Adrien, but he's coming across as blah. Then I rooted for Amy, but she's too snooty/whiny. Paul is unfortunately too wound up for Food TV, Rory seems too much like everyone else on the network, Michael seems robotic and Jag, well Jag is sometimes downright scary. So, which of these contestants deserves the chance to build an empire? I'm not sure, but to find out who's no longer in the running, read more

We've finally reached my favorite part of wedding season: the honeymoon! Whether you're relaxing at a spa, lounging on the beach, or adventuring in the mountains, food is an important part of any honeymoon:

• Romantic meals like a picnic under the stars or a rooftop candlelight dinner will add intimacy and excitement and can fit into any honeymoon budget.




• Speak with your hotel concierge, travel agent, or trip planner to see about arranging special dining situations. Mention that you are on your honeymoon and want to plan something memorable and romantic.
• If you and your new husband are total foodies, consider a culinary honeymoon in which you take cooking classes or rent a small villa with a private chef.



• Once you've decided on your honeymoon location do your homework. Research restaurants, chefs, and culinary techniques and decide where you want to eat before you arrive.
• If honeymooning at a resort with a package deal, investigate if that specific hotel meets your gastronomical needs. Although you're staying in a 4 star hotel it may not house fine dining so look elsewhere to meet your needs.
• Paris, Italy, Thailand, New York, and California are all excellent foodie destinations.
• Remember that a great way to bond with your husband is to experience new tastes and flavors together, so keep an open mind and give local food a chance.

What did you eat on your honeymoon? Share your stories in the comments!

Wish you had something to help you remember the placement of the soup spoon or butter knife? Well your wishes have come true!

As part of the online guide to manners, y'all behave, artist Sarah Foley has created a new set of informative and fun placemats designed to help assist you in setting the table. Each placemat gives you "8 Ways To Act Right" - including proper utensil placement. $30 for a pad of 20 placemats.

Source: Design Sponge

If you have any leftover shrimp or scallops from last night's bbq, then tonight's dinner is going to be a snap. The leftover seafood becomes part of a fantastic no-cook sauce allowing you to whip up dinner in the time it takes to make a pot of pasta. The shrimp also pairs nicely with the flavors from the tomatoes, artichoke hearts, capers and parmesan. And if you don't have any shrimp? Don't worry - just omit, or boil some up along side the noodles. Either way it's a quick, tasty meal. To get the recipe, read more

With America's birthday a little over a week away, it's time to start seriously thinking about what you are doing for the 4th of July. Whether you are having a small lunch for your family, or a huge all day barbeque for everyone you know, use my party plan for inspiration and ideas on what to cook, how to decorate, and everything else in between. If you are hosting an event, it's about time you get the invitation sent. To see a play-by-play of the invitation I made - with a flag shape and patriotic colors - all you have to do is read more

The 4th of July is the only time of year when I decorate my house in a red, white, and blue color scheme. This year I want to decorate my table in a fun, festive, gorgeous tablescape and I want you to do all of the work for me. I need everything: tablecloth, plates, candles, napkins, centerpiece, place settings, and anything else to add a special 4th of July feel to the setting.

Search the web for the tablescape stuff and save your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, 4th Of July Tablescape.

Now, you can build table settings by creating a list of items. First bookmark your finds and then create a new list. You'll have access to all of your Yum Market bookmarks, so the table linens, plates, etc will be on the listmaker. This is an awesome way to put together an entire tablescape when completing your Off To Market missions.

Don't know how to use TeamSugar's features? Check out geeksugar's guide.