A few days ago, YumSugar wanted to know what you thought of a set of scenic dinner plates, since then they kept coming to mind, especially while looking through the Yum Market. It seems that she's not the only one who found playful plates. While I wouldn't recommend any of these for everyday use, they would be perfect for a certain dinner or special event. I especially like these Parisian plates that dixierain68 bookmarked. Can't you imagine juicy stuffed roasted tomatoes on these plates? What about the others? What foods do you visualize when you see the plates below?

It appears that Jake & Maggie Gyllenhaal are not the only celebrities who enjoy hanging out with Mario Batali. In a recent interview with W Magazine - complete with stunning photos - Gwyn states that she'll be co-hosting a PBS food show with Mario Batali. The show will be a road-trip set in Spain and will film this October and November. When asked about how it came about (the two are pals), Gwyn said:

"I told him, 'I'll go with you.' Later, he was like, 'Are you joking?' And I was like, 'No, I'm actually not joking!' "

"I eat all that stuff. The crazy fish things, the eels, I love it all."

We know that Mario's had this show in the works for a while - he signed a 26-episode deal this past Spring - but we had no idea he'd have a co-host! I don't know about you guys, but I think it could be a fun show. I'll definitely keep you posted if I hear anything else!

Source: W Magazine and Chicago Tribune

As I stare out the window at the foggy, summer-in-San Francisco sky, it's hard for me to write about margaritas. Although, a pineapple orange margarita might just be the thing I need to bring a little sun into my life! In this twist on the classic lemon-lime margarita, pineapple juice and orange juice - make sure you use fresh squeezed it will taste better - are the shining flavors. Whether it's 100 degrees out or 60, this cocktail is sure to get your Friday off to the right start! To shake it up this afternoon, read more

Just wanted to give a quick shoutout to TeamSugar member LaLaLaurie06. She was our top commenter for the month of July!

Congrats LaLa! You'll be receiving a YumSugar T-shirt in the mail soon!

Want your own YumSugar swag? Then come out of hiding and start leaving comments! The person who leaves the most comments during August will also be rewarded a YumSugar shirt, so start talking! You must be a TeamSugar member to comment, so if you're not a member, please register here for an account.

If you're feeling a bit shy you can always order your own. I've put some of my favorites - like the apron and bib - below, but there's lots more to choose from.

After obsessing about what to make for my next ice cream sandwich — seriously, I discussed it nonstop with my poor friend Deiter for over 20 minutes — I finally decided on puff pastry "cookies" and cherry ice cream with chocolate shavings. Because the ice cream mixture is whisked, the most difficult part of this recipe is pitting the cherries - unless you have a cherry pitter of course! If you don't own an ice cream maker simply purchase Ben & Jerry's Cherry Garcia. These babies are big and you may need a fork to eat them. To kick it up a notch drizzle warm chocolate over the top. Take a look at how I made these ice cream sandwiches - Dieter thinks "it's a winner" - just read more

When I told YumJimmy that we were spotlighting a new book every day in August, he told me to make sure that I mentioned Harold McGee's On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. When it was first published over 20 years ago, it instantly became a success. Many people even consider it to be like an encyclopedia. The classic publication was recently revised and updated - in fact almost every page was rewritten - and the result is a fascinating read. It's another book that will help you learn how to cook, as opposed to just being able to regurgitate recipes. If you're looking for lovely prose and a effortless read, this isn't the tome for you, but if you're looking for something that will really help you take your cooking to the next level then I highly recommend it. It's a must for any culinary student, but I think anyone interested in the why and how will find it fascinating as well.

Don't worry, I'm not telling you to take a package of Lean Cuisine balsamic glazed chicken from the freezer and pop it in the microwave for a fast & easy dinner. Sure you could do that, but why would you when I have a wonderful recipe for the exact same thing?

A fresh, homemade meal is much better than frozen processed food, and in this case, chicken is cooked with garlic and covered with a syrupy balsamic reduction. Toss it with wilted spinach and whole wheat couscous and you have one healthy and filling Friday dinner. Step away from the microwave and towards the stove. Get the recipe, read more

• Bored of making your kids the same food each day? Check out these creative lunchtime ideas. - iVillage
• I'm not really sure you want to know this, but just in case, here's a nutritional breakdown of fair food. 760 calories in a funnel cake?! - FitSugar
• Do you know where the best pizza in America can be found? The field's been narrowed down to three finalists! - Serious Eats
• Speaking of pizza, things just got a little bit crazier at Domino's. Now they're offering an Oreo Dessert Pizza. - Slashfood
• I wish I had the space to collect cake stands. But since I don't, I'll just have to make my own for each party - Apartment Therapy: The Kitchen



• How did we all miss an exhibition of artists using chocolate as their medium? - Will Work For Food
• Don't let him order the Cosmo. Learn more about the 10 Drinks Men Should Never Order. - Chow
• Specialty kiosks will allow you to get recipes while at the grocery store. - Baking Bites
• Using a microwave will get you a lovely semolina-banana-coconut cake in under 15 minutes. Now if only I had a microwave... - Culinate
• A moving tale about the noise a crab make when it dies. - Culinate

Luau parties are fabulous because you can create a festive atmosphere with fresh decorations. Since this is a dinner party, the focal point should be the dining table you set up outdoors. If you are crafty and have plenty of time on your hands, get a gorgeous piece of Hawaiian shirt fabric at the local fabric store and make a tablecloth. Otherwise purchase a bright yellow tablecloth and fuchsia tiki placemats. Square shaped plates with a palm tree print look stylish and elegant when a napkin with a palm tree ring is placed atop. Fill bowls with floating flower shaped candles and create a centerpiece with beautiful hibiscus flowers. Seashells hold place settings with guests' names written in loopy handwriting. Tiki torches add mood lighting and cast a Hawaiian glow to the fete. For music select a playlist of classic surf music like the Beach Boys or the soundtrack from Point Break. Scroll below to see all of the ideas.