Winter isn't the most bountiful time for produce, but the season does bring deliciously fresh pears, which I add to everything from salads to cocktails. In fact, baked pears are one of my favorite desserts to make for a casual dinner party. They're insanely easy and relatively healthy. Plus, pear desserts look and taste sophisticated, so guests are always impressed.

To whip up a pear dessert with local produce, why not try this version with dried cherries and a simple chocolate sauce? It's just a little bit decadent and requires a minimal amount of effort. To get the recipe, read more

You may have read that Food Network is reairing Anthony Bourdain's orginal show A Cook's Tour, but have you read Anthony's thoughts on why they're doing it? — Travel Channel

I was cleaning out my inbox when I came across this recipe for a Champagne Cosmo. The folks at TheBar.com sent it over as a great holiday cocktail, but unfortunately I didn't see it in time. Luckily for us, champagne is always in style, and the cosmo is here to stay. So if you're looking for a new twist on the average glass of bubbly, then check out this recipe. I plan on giving it a go this weekend; let me know if you end up doing the same! To get the recipe, read more

I am in desperate need of a new corkscrew. Every time I go to drink a bottle of wine, it's a battle to get the cork out! I live alone so, sometimes I struggle with the opener and the bottle for more than ten minutes. Can you help me by looking for a new corkscrew? Search for an opener that is efficient, reliable, and attractive. I would love one that works well on both regular and rubber corks. Bookmark your openers in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Corkscrew. Your assistance will make my life a lot less stressful!

For more info on how to bookmark, check out geeksugar's guide.

Not sure where to start looking? Be inspired by some of my favorite online stores when you read more

This Fall, your local McDonald's is going to experience the biggest change in 30 years: baristas. That's right, according to the Wall Street Journal, McDonald's locations nationwide will install coffee bars that serve up cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and frappes. They will be located at the front, near the registers, and customers can watch their drinks being made; a big departure from the rest of the food prep. In addition to coffee, there is also talk of smoothies and bottled beverages.

Interestingly enough, the McCafe — as it's being branded — has already taken off worldwide, but I wonder how they'll do here. I'm curious to see what happens. As the article states, there's been a bit of a learning curve; not all McD's patrons know what a latte is. However I'm sure once their customers figure it out, they'll be ordering them in no time. What do you think? Is the McCafe a threat to Starbucks?

To check out a video of the espresso machines at work in the test McDonald's in Kansas, read more

I use mostly wooden cutting boards, though I do own a plastic one that's looking pretty rough. After noticing several discolored grooves on the plastic last week, I started wondering if and when I should get rid of old boards. I was also curious about whether plastic or wooden cutting boards are safer, so I decided to do a little research.

It turns out that there's not much difference between plastic and wooden boards when it comes to food safety; it's really a matter of preference. According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, nonporous surfaces like plastic are easier to clean, but as long as you clean them, both wood and plastic are safe. Just be sure to always use a clean board, especially if you use one to cut raw meat. For tips on when to get rid of cutting boards, and how to clean them, read more

Today's Reader Recipe comes from our very own TeamSugar. This past Christmas her family decided they would give warm salads a try. I suggested that she try a recipe that member AlliJean posted and from the look of things, it turned out spectacularly. If this warm salad recipe for Roasted Squash, Prosciutto and Pecorino tastes as beautiful as it looks, then sign me up! To get the recipe for yourself, read more

If you didn't host a party during the holiday season, think about throwing a winter party now. A potluck, snow picnic, or movie night are fun themes you can choose from. To help you get your party on, we've created a variety of festive invitations that fit the specific themes mentioned above!

I've just printed out the ticket shaped invite because this week I'm planning a movie night. I'm asking a small group of friends over for dinner and a movie. Choosing a theme will make the night a cohesive event, so I'll be making French food and watching French films.

Stay tuned for more on this party all week long!

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I was checking out some of my favorite websites when I came across these photographs by London based artist Carl Warner. His series called Foodscapes are wonderfully intriguing. Everything in the photos are made completely out of food. The hot air balloons are made with strawberries and garlic, the mountains are made with loaves of bread, trees of broccoli, and houses of cheese. Sounds like my kind of town! I included some of my favorites below, but be sure to check out the entire series. When you go to his website click on Fotographics and then the second briefcase.

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