My girlfriend Elizabeth has a little problem when it comes to making decadent desserts: She has no oven! However, she wants to make her boyfriend a romantic dessert for Valentine's Day, so I suggested she make a creamy chocolate mousse. Mousse is a wonderful dessert for any sort of party because 1) it's glamorous, 2) it has to be made in advance, and 3) it is served in individual portions. To get the rich mousse recipe — it has a subtle hint of coffee — read more

Even if the Writers' Strike doesn't end soon — fingers crossed, Buzz says it could potentially end this week — Governors Ball Chair Cheryl Boone Isaacs is confident that the Oscars will happen and that the ball will go on. While at the Governors Ball preview, I was able to sit down and chat with Cheryl. When asked about the Writers' Strike she said:

The Oscars will happen and the ball will go on . . . What we all wish is that there's a resolution to this conflict, that there's a win-win for as many people as possible, and that Hollywood can get back to work.

I have to say, I definitely admire her positive outlook. I imagine that staying positive is the only way to deal with the situation. After all, with over 1,000 people needed to pull off the event, six months of planning and organizing, two weeks of preparty decorating, and tons and tons of money spent, it would be devastating to think otherwise. Could you imagine planning a party that might not happen?

To see what she has to say about pulling off such a big event during a high-stress time in the industry, read more

One of my best friends recently moved into a cute little house with her longterm boyfriend. I thought it would be nice to get them a cookbook as a housewarming gift — specifically, one that is geared towards meals for two people. Can you help me find the perfect book? It can be romantic, practical, or specialized, but make sure it features plenty of recipes for couples. Keep in mind that she is a fish eating semi-vegetarian, and he enjoys meat. Save the books you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Cookbook For Two. I appreciate your assistance!

Get the 411 on bookmarking when you read geeksugar's informative article.

To check out a list of my favorite online shops, read more

World Nutella Day is right around the corner, so start celebrating now by baking up a batch of these simple hazelnut blondies. — Bake or Break

This year, the start of Chinese New Year falls on Feb. 7, and the celebratory festivities last for 15 whole days! To kick off the fun, I'm putting together a Chinese-themed dinner party. Gather together a group of friends and throw your own version of this party. All week I'll provide you with tips and ideas for a fabulous Chinese New Year. Before the event can begin, we have to send invitations. To see how I made these sparkling invites that can be modified to suit any lunar New year celebration, read more

This past Fall, I told you all about the Chocolate Adventure Recipe Contest. To participate, you had to create a recipe using Scharffen Berger dark chocolate and one of their "adventure" ingredients. Well, the contest is over and the winners have been announced! Now you can print out the recipes and go on your own chocolate adventure.

The top three recipes are Chocolate Wasabi Pom Poms, Dark Chocolate Caramel Calzoni, and Grapefruit Madelines with Rosemary Infused Chocolate Drizzle. All three of them look absolutely delicious, as do the ideas in the list of finalists. And if this isn't enough for you, come back later this week when we have the recipe for the honorable mention Chocolate Ginger Delight!

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While you could do many things with leftover vegetarian chili — tacos, tamale pie, or freeze it for later — I suggest you enjoy it in the middle of a perfectly baked potato. Baked potatoes are simple to make and delicious to eat. Topped with chili and cheese and it's so scrumptious you'll forget it's Monday. To take a look at the recipe, read more