Think you know what happened on YumSugar this week? Take our new weekly quiz and see if you do! All of the answers can be found in this past week's posts, so let's find out whether or not you've been paying attention! Ready to start?
Cheese is one of my all time favorite foods. Whenever I host an impromptu dinner party, cheese inevitably makes it into the first course. However, there is just one teeny weeny problem: I never know what to display the cheese on! My cutting boards are not exactly party ready, and a plate is okay, but doesn't do the cheese justice. That's why I recently asked you to help me find a wooden board that will be used only for cheese. You bookmarked your boards in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Cheese Board.
I really love the modern metal and wooden eclipse cheese tray that mellie_608 found, but at an expensive $200 it's a little out of my price range. After all, I could get this fabulous space saving cheese board — complete with knife set — for $170 less! Talk about a deal. Great discovery SugarFreak! Take a look at all of the boards by browsing below.
GeekSugar has put together an explanation on how to use the fun bookmarking feature so check it out to learn more.
On what may have been the most gorgeous Tuesday night ever, I headed down to the Ferry Building for Chow's Cocktail Square Off. In an attempt to promote and encourage the growing art of mixology, Chow partnered with organic vodka producers Square One to host a cocktail contest.
With contestants from all over the states, the top two — professional mixologist Ronaldo Colli and amateur mixer and shaker Abigail Gullo — met in a Iron Chef style battle. Both had to create signature cocktails that were judged by a panel of local figures, including Chow's editor in chief, Jane Goldman.
In the end Ronaldo's drinks won the contest and the people's choice award. His winning drink, the Rose Mary, was a refreshing mix of vodka, watermelon, and lime juice that was perfectly sweetened and super easy to drink. To take a look at the recipe and a gallery of images from the event, read more
If you're in need of a little Friday afternoon pick-me-up, I have just the thing for you. Thanks to FourFour, I discovered that entertainer extraordinaire Amy Sedaris appeared on Martha Stewart's show. It was her second visit, and this time she and Martha spent a few minutes making cheeseballs. I love the way Amy — in her adorably childish dress — makes crass jokes about bongwater, while Martha — who is ever so diplomatic — glides right over them with such grace. I think they might be the best odd couple pairing ever, and the video is definitely worth viewing. To check out both video clips, read more
Great vanilla extract is made from fresh vanilla beans and can be rather expensive. Sometimes the quality isn't what you expect, and sometimes the flavor is too weak, or too strong. However lucky for us, TeamSugar member Twinkle has shared her recipe for homemade vanilla extract. By making your own extract, you can control all the variables and make it just to your liking. And, the best part? It's super easy, all you need is vanilla beans, vodka and a little time.
To check out her recipe and technique, read more
With a brand new home collection at Macy's under her belt — have you seen the commercials with Tim Gunn? — Martha Stewart has announced another partnership, this time with E.J. Gallo Winery. In this partnership, she will be producing her own collection of wines known as Martha Stewart Vintage. According to USA Today, a spokeswoman for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia explained why the venture was a natural fit.
Wine is an important part of entertaining and cooking. We have a lot of credibility and a strong brand equity in these categories.
The wines, a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvingon, and Merlot, are all produced in Sonoma County, but will only be available in select cities nationwide. If you live in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix, or Portland, come January you can have a taste of Martha's wine. It will retail for $15 a bottle.
I'm wondering what's next for Martha? What hasn't she done? A line of solar powered cars?
Trend Alert: Pears
Maybe it's just because pears are in season here in sunny California, or because I'm still drooling over bubbly pear cupcakes, but I can't seem to get pears off my mind lately. They seem to be everywhere I look these days, and I'm loving it. Check out the trend.
The other day we talked about what orzo is. What better way to continue our lesson than to cook with it? Don't be afraid to cook with unfamiliar ingredients on weeknights. It's daring, but it also makes for a more exciting and adventurous meal. When combined with buttery shrimp, fresh tomatoes, and salty feta, this main dish is rich without being too filling. Pour yourself a glass of wine — it's Friday! — and get ready to enjoy a new taste experience. For this super simple recipe, read more
