Posts for February 20th 2008

candy

We Tried Chocolate Skittles So You Can Buy Something Else Instead

Yesterday, my gal BuzzSugar surprised me with a packet of Chocolate Skittles.

Yesterday, my gal BuzzSugar surprised me with a packet of Chocolate Skittles. It was pretty exciting, because not only is it something new, it is also in time for chocolate month.

I heard about this new line of Skittles, but I hadn't actually seen them before. She found them at a local Walgreen's and picked up a pack for us to try.

I'll admit, I was really skeptical before eating these. I imagined them to be a bit odd and sort of so-so. Sadly, I was spot on. There are five flavors inside each pack, and none of them blew me away. They ranged from jelly bean like to Tootsie roll-like. To find out what we thought of each flavor, read more

recipes

TV Dinners: Atonement — Chocolate Martini

While food doesn't necessarily come to mind when thinking of the Oscar-nominated film Atonement, a cocktail might.

While food doesn't necessarily come to mind when thinking of the Oscar-nominated film Atonement, a cocktail might. The cocktail featured is a chocolate concoction created by a minor character named Paul Marshall. A chocolate magnate and friend of older brother Leon, Paul attempts to wow the Tallis family with his chocolate cocktail. He's incredibly unsuccessful; it's impossibly hot and humid and a chocolate martini is hardly a pool-side drink. However, when served in a more suitable atmosphere, a chocolate cocktail is tasty and delicious.

For a recipe that is much tastier than Paul Marshall's and a look at an extended trailer of the film, read more

TV

The Not-So-Amateur Gourmet Joins Food Network

Adam Roberts, everyone's favorite Amateur Gourmet is getting his own online show.

Adam Roberts, everyone's favorite Amateur Gourmet is getting his own online show. Called The FN Dish, the weekly show is a behind-the-scenes look at what's going on at the Food Network. It'll also cover food-related ideas, recipes, and stories that Adam finds exciting.

In his first few episodes, he interviews all the big Food Network stars. It's a little fan gushy, but not too much, and I really am looking forward to seeing what he cooks up, especially his coverage of the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. If you're interested to see what Adam whips up behind the scenes of Food Network then check out the first episode of The FN Dish just read more

sandwiches

'Wich of the Week: Mediterranean Tuna Melt

Tuna salad is one of the great sandwich standbys, but the usual mayonnaise-laced version can get old, not to mention unhealthy.

Tuna salad is one of the great sandwich standbys, but the usual mayonnaise-laced version can get old, not to mention unhealthy. For something slightly more sophisticated, I've been making this Middle Eastern-inspired version, served open face on crusty Italian bread.

Since I had lots of olives after making muffalettas, I decided to make the Mediterranean Tuna Melt today's 'wich of the week. It mixes canned tuna with chickpeas, green olives, and capers and uses a mustard and olive oil base rather than mayo. Shredded Parmesan cheese on top gets nice and crispy in the broiler. For the recipe and more photos, read more

Video

Mark's Garden Adds Floral Drama to the Governors Ball

When I walked into the preview for the Governors Ball, the suspended globes immediately caught my eye.

When I walked into the preview for the Governors Ball, the suspended globes immediately caught my eye. However, once I was able to pull my gaze down, my eyes became lost in the drama that is the floral arrangement.

There are over 15,000 roses, in 15 different shades of red, and they're accompanied by golden orchids imported from Thailand several days before the event. The cocktail tables are dotted with bouquets of roses, the dinner tables are huge, tall red and gold bouquets, and the food stations are littered with petals. The staff at Mark's Garden have created a beautiful arrangement that is dramatic, and somehow over the top and subdued at the same time.

I had a chance to talk to Mark Held — he and his staff have been doing the flowers for the Governors Ball for the past 13 years — about their floral decisions. To see that, and even more pics, read more

News

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Feb. 20

Martin Yan celebrates 30 years of Yan Can Cook.

Source

Off to Market

Off to Market Recap: Fab Everyday Glasses

FabSugar has officially moved into a new apartment and her kitchen needs help.

FabSugar has officially moved into a new apartment and her kitchen needs help. She's ditched her mix-matched collection of glasses in favor of new ones. Only she doesn't know which ones to get! You aided her by looking for fabulous, but functional drinkware. You searched for everyday glasses: tumblers, water glasses, or stemless glasses that are versatile and stylish. You bookmarked the glasses in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Fab Everyday Glasses.

The patterned tumblers are graphically gorgeous, but a little much for every day. These sleek curved glasses, on the other hand, are chic and versatile. They can hold water, cocktails, beer, or even wine! Both ElizabethRae and bethany21 saved these glasses, making them twice as cool. To look at all of the glasses, browse to the right below.

Don't know how to bookmark? Read geeksugar's how to learn more.

Awards

Announcing the First Golden Clog Award Nominees

You may know the James Beard Awards, and you might also know the Food Network Awards, but have you heard of the Golden Clog Awards?

You may know the James Beard Awards, and you might also know the Food Network Awards, but have you heard of the Golden Clog Awards?

Food author Michael Ruhlman — you may remember him from The Next Iron Chef — and bad boy Anthony Bourdain have put their heads together and have created the Golden Clog Awards. They said it's born out of "too many beers and late night yakatori," and I think it's just downright fun. The categories are hysterical, and their reasons even more so. Bourdain has actually managed to nominate himself for an award even! The actual awards will take place this Friday, but if you're curious to see the categories — including "The Alton" and "The Douchebag" — and nominees, read more

Come Party With Me

Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing — Dessert

When creating a beautiful buffet for your Oscars viewing party, don't skimp on dessert!


When creating a beautiful buffet for your Oscars viewing party, don't skimp on dessert! The stars will be devouring shortbread and chocolate truffles at the Governors Ball, so take a cue from Sherry Yard — the event's pastry chef — and make your own variations. Cut classic, buttery shortbread into Oscar shaped cookies. Arrange store bought chocolate truffles on pretty plates next to chocolate caramel sandwich cookies. For the recipes to these bite sized decadent desserts, read more

Poll

Would You Dine at This McDonald's?

McDonald's recently opened their first feng shui inspired restaurant in Hacienda Heights, CA.

McDonald's recently opened their first feng shui inspired restaurant in Hacienda Heights, CA. There are water elements, earth tones, red accents and exotic fauna. The franchise owner said they did this to create a soothing environment for their customers to enjoy their dining experience. So tell me, do you think you'd enjoy this feng shui-ed McD's?