Party must be able to predict the future, well, at least mine, because this past weekend a friend dropped off a bushel of apples! After reading through your wonderful ideas and strongly debating on making those scrumptious apple and brie nachos, I opted for a traditional, exceptionally tasty apple crisp!
Like crumbles, crisps are very easy to make and require little prep work. For an extra crunchy texture, I added old-fashioned oats and freshly roasted walnuts to my crisp. Crisps are a delightful alternative to the classic, time-consuming holiday pie and are easily adaptable to include a variety of fruits. Whatever fruit you choose, always serve warm with a large dollop of whipped cream! Get started on your own and read more

Tomorrow, I'll be finding several ways to celebrate being an American. Obviously, I'm hitting up PartySugar and LibertySugar's election-night bash, but beforehand I'll cash in on some free food.

Present your "I Voted" sticker at Krispy Kreme and receive a sprinkle-studded, star-shaped doughnut at no cost. For a nice breakfast pairing, head to Starbucks, tell them you voted, and you'll get a free 12-ounce cup of coffee. And for dessert, go to any Ben & Jerry's between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to score a free scoop of ice cream.

Despite the fact that some are calling the promotions illegal, I think these freebies are a wonderful way to promote the vote. Plus, what better way to stay peeled to the results than with a delicious bargain?

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Although I enjoyed fresh blueberries this past weekend, I know their supply is winding down at the market, which is why I've been searching for ways to prolong their existence at my table. Then one day, out of the blue (pardon the pun), I came across some Stirrings Wild Blueberry, and I had my answer.

All you need is vodka and the syrup, which is made from real blueberries. In a matter of seconds, you've got blueberry cocktails for everyone! This drink is ideal for tailgates or large parties because it's so easy to make. Check out how and read more

Americans may love kicking back with beer, but times are tough. That's why an increasing number of beer drinkers are swapping their microbrews for what are called "subpremium" beers in the beverage industry.

Anheuser-Busch has reported that its brands Busch and Natural Light have seen upticks in sales. Other beers — from Miller High Life to Milwaukee's Best to Hamm's to Keystone — have also been attracting a larger percentage of consumers.

To the beer industry's dismay, the increase in subpremium beer sales is happening at the expense of its higher-end beers, such as Budweiser and Miller Genuine Draft. Said one MillerCoors wholesaler: "I'm selling way more economy brands than I'm comfortable with . . . consumers are trading down."

Is this the case for you? Have you also been purchasing less costly beer options?

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Just because the economy is in a downward spiral that doesn't mean you should call off your plans for an amazing Thanksgiving dinner. Now, more than ever, is a time to get together with loved ones. This week I'll be discussing my ideas for a Thanksgiving dinner that won't break the bank. Whether you're a student with a small income or were recently laid off, I've got you covered. Take my tips and translate them into your own delicious meal.Usually, I'm an advocate for sending handmade invitations through regular mail, but between the cost of supplies and stamps, the first way to start saving is through an email invitation. If your group is smaller than 5, invite each guest with a phone call. For a larger group, create a quick, fun emailable invite like the one seen here. To learn how I made it, read more

In this filling dinner salad, not only do the chicken and leftover chickpeas pack a double dose of protein, but the feta and chopped dill pickles add a much-needed flavor kick.

If you're vegetarian, simply exclude the chicken for an equally delicious meal. To make this salad for dinner, read more

The immersion blender is a great kitchen gadget that's especially useful in cooler months when soup making is a frequent activity. Although I have an immersion blender I love, DearSugar does not.

I asked you to help me find her the perfect immersion blender. You headed off to market in search of practical, functional blenders with strong blades. You saved the sticks in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Immersion Blender.

W swears by her Bamix Swissline blender. With its "powerful motor, easy-to-clean attachments that work very well and effectively, and stretchy cord," she refers to it as a "godsend." For more immersion blenders — ideal for making pumpkin soup — browse the selection below.

For their Halloween special last Friday, Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa dressed up in fourteen different costumes, four of which included celebrity chefs. Regis yelled at the audience as Gordon Ramsay while Ripa's Paula Deen munched on a butter kabob that she washed down with a glass of oil. The real Guy Fieri showed up to cook a flank steak with the "chefs." Later Kelly licked chocolate from a bowl as Nigella Lawson and Regis overused the word "Bam" pretending to be Emeril Lagasse. The funny show demonstrates that the popularity and success of celebrity chefsdom is still on the rise. Check out the clip below!

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