Whenever I find myself in need of creative inspiration, I simply look to the Kitchen Goddess group. This week, I came across a killer app — mini celery boats stuffed with chicken salad and peas. I'm thinking these would make a great appetizer to bring to my next book club, since they're bite sized and not too messy. Apparently, I'm spot on: Jenious says they're such a big hit at gatherings that she always doubles the recipe. To make these for your next get-together, read more
This week, the country's running wild with wine tasting events. Even if there isn't one listed below that you can attend, chances are that this week there's a wine celebration going on near you, as the third Thursday of each November marks the yearly release of Beaujolais nouveau. Stock up on cases to pair with your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner, because as soon as the bottles sell out, they're gone for good.
To see the rest, read more
For one lucky reader, gifts are coming early this holiday season. Why, you wonder? Because we've joined with Williams-Sonoma® to put together the ultimate Thanksgiving prize package worth over $700! We're giving away a 16-18 lb Willie Bird Organic Turkey and all of the fabulous accessories needed to make the perfect Thanksgiving meal. Potato ricer to guarantee fluffy mashed potatoes? Check. Gravy separator for creamy gravy? Check. Oversized cutting board for serving the bird? Check. That's not all: The winner will also receive a new All-Clad flared roaster pan, baster, brining bags, thermometer, roast lifters, twine holder, kitchen timer, potato peeler, spatulas, garlic peeler, and The New Thanksgiving cookbook.
To enter to win this incredible prize, you must log in and take the Williams-Sonoma quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, completing the quiz once you are logged in makes you eligible to win. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, all repeat quizzes will be ignored.
The contest is open to US residents only and ends on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 5:00 p.m. PST. Click here for official rules. Good luck!
Take the Quiz
With the $2 billion business of decaffeinated coffee at a plateau, coffee companies are focusing their efforts on new "low-caf" blends. While decaf coffee has long been considered less flavorful, these breakthrough blends are genetically manipulated to be naturally lower in caffeine but complex in taste.
As an everyday coffee drinker, I hadn't realized that the decaf business was so lucrative, and was surprised to learn of the staggering numbers.
Clearly, there's a demand for caffeine-free coffee. Are you a committed decaf drinker? I'd love to hear your reasons in the comments below.
Number two fast food chain Burger King has been testing a new line of premium items. This includes ribs and thicker burgers, made with grills, batch broilers, and other costly new kitchen equipment.
The fast food chain's decision to move in the direction of higher-price items comes at a time when the casual restaurant industry is struggling. National chains have seen declining sales across the board; Burger King is hoping to capitalize on the industry's market share.
CEO John Chidsey said he wouldn't elaborate further "because some things are still under wraps," but the chain's gourmet menu items could be advertised as soon as next Summer.
Still, Burger King has no plans to lose its value menu. "We work the value for the money equation on both ends of our menu," said Russ Klein, Burger King's president of global strategy.
Does Burger King's new strategy surprise you? Do you think the corporation will manage to draw business away from the casual restaurant business?
My cousin Caroline is 12 years old. I'll encourage her to continue experimenting in the kitchen with one of these delightful gifts.
You too, can motivate the kid-sister in your life to get interested in all things baking. Give a cookie cutter set or a collection of colorful sprinkles and sanding sugars. Show her how much fun baking can be with a Kids in the Holiday Kitchen cookbook. If she's got a little sister, like Caroline does, give them both adorable matching aprons.
You can find more baking ideas below and more gift guides on HolidaySugar.
Many people think that serving your family a classic, delicious Thanksgiving requires days of work in the kitchen. However, with a little culinary savviness, one can make a complete meal in a couple of hours. Pick up store-bought snacks to tide over your crowd until turkey time. Put together a simple cheese plate with olives, nuts, figs, and charcuterie.
Cut cook time in half by serving a roasted turkey breast instead of a whole turkey. Keep the stuffing simple and the flavoring ingredients to a minimum. A gravy that doesn't require turkey drippings is another time saver. Combine the sweet potato side with the traditional mashed potatoes. Make a quick cranberry sauce with sugar, cranberries, and water. Serve one vegetable side in the form of a crunchy broccoli-cauliflower gratin. To look at these fast and easy recipes, read more
A delicious, filling soup need not simmer on the stove all day, this recipe comes together in less than a half an hour. Smoky bacon, juicy turkey, and fresh spinach combine to make a dish that is balanced and flavorful.
Cocoa and chili powders provide Mexican-style aromas. Leftover chicken is a great substitute for the turkey.
To look at the recipe — this soup would be a great meal the day after Thanksgiving — read more
