I love avocados especially in the form of a chunky, flavorful guacamole. When I found a recipe that included one of my favorite Fall fruits, pomegranate seeds, I was thrilled! I served this colorful and simple guacamole with tortilla chips, but it would be a great addition to tacos and delicious on grilled pork. Each bite of this guacamole is perfectly balanced. The texture of the creamy avocado is offset by the spicy serrano chili. The juicy and sweet mango contrasts with the occasional burst of crunchy and tart pomegranate seeds. If you want to enjoy this scrumptious, distinctive guacamole, read more

When one thinks of Thanksgiving desserts, s'mores don't necessarily come to mind. Unless you're Richard Sweeney, of course. Last week's axed Top Chef contestant will forever be haunted by Thanksgiving s'mores. I spoke to Richard, who was surprisingly cheerful, today about his time on the show, life after the knife, and the Foo Fighters. To find out what he had to say about his experience, read more

Pop singer John Mayer, a guy whose not afraid to say what he needs to say, wants everyone to get in the holiday spirit. How should they show their seasonal cheer? By baking a cake. On his personal blog, Mayer has announced his holiday cake contest:

I will debut my first of several festive holiday cakes this Saturday night. I invite everyone reading this to join me in the simple joy of expression through baking, and to send me photos of your delicious creations. You think I'm crazy now, but once you apply the last dollop of frosting, or that finishing touch of icing, you'll understand that there's just no hiding from the feeling.

Mayer will choose the most beautiful cake and reward the baker with an autographed guitar. It's always fun to see a high profile celebrity show an interest in the culinary world and he's right: baking is a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

What do you think of Mayer's promotion of baking? Will you enter the cake contest?

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This weekend my girlfriend is hosting a holiday sample sale for her jewelry line. After the sale, I've invited everyone over to my house for a tree-trimming party. The event will kick off the holiday season, so I want it to be festive and fabulous in everything from the invites to the specialty cocktail. Since many of you are probably hosting your own holiday soirée, take my ideas and convert them into your own party. I've already made and sent the invites. To learn how I created the one seen here, read more

The mixologist in my life is named Aaron. He's let me host parties at his bar and even created a cocktail specifically for me, so it's only natural that I want to surprise him with a fabulous gift. I selected a bunch of items that are ideal for Aaron, and any guy interested in the art of making cocktails. Every month they'll think of you when the scotch of the month club sends them a bottle of scotch. Give them a beautiful crystal decanter to display and aireate the scotch. Two books — Dale DeGroff's The Craft of the Cocktail and David Wondrich's Imbibe! — provide a wealth of knowledge on classic recipes and the history of the cocktail.

Browse the bartending boy gifts below and when you're done head over to HolidaySugar for more inspiration.

Jamie Oliver, UK celebrity chef and gastrosexual, has announced the launch of his own bimonthly glossy, which will hit shelves this Thursday. The cooking star promises that his publication, aptly titled Jamie Magazine, won't be "yet another cooking mag," but will offer readers a "more personal relationship" with the man who is Jamie Oliver. According to editor Andy Harris, the magazine should make readers feel as if they are "being invited round to Jamie's house." So how does Oliver plan to do this? To find out, read more

For a low-budget weeknight meal, opt for leftover pork shoulder, an inexpensive and forgiving cut of meat.

Pork shoulder, while very recession-friendly, typically cooks for hours, but this recipe for tender, marbleized Mexican-style carnitas can be made within an hour and a half.

Find out how when you read more