Maybe it's because I'm getting older, but lately I really enjoy staying in on Fridays, preferably with pizza and a movie. I was planning on ordering in this evening, but then I saw this recipe from TeamSugar member LaurenG22. Instead of dealing with pizza dough, she's opted to use Naan as her crust. It looks simple, quick, and delicious and will go perfectly with my old-lady Friday night schedule! If you want to curl up at home with a quick and easy dinner, get her tips, just read more

When I was planning my wine and chocolate party I had the lovely opportunity to speak with Peter Marks, an expert on the subject. Peter is a wine master and wine educator at COPIA — The American Center for Wine, Food, and Arts — in Napa, CA. He has won an array of wine-related awards and even hosted a wine-centric television show. His highly sensitive tastebuds are not afraid of sweet Rieslings or White Zinfandels. To see what he taught me about pairing food and wine, read more

Earlier I mentioned that Top Chef contestant Richard Blais helmed several restaurants in the past. One of them was his own eponymous Blais, in which there was a 31-course tasting menu. Learn what it was like to eat there, warning, the photos are going to make you drool. — The Amateur Gourmet

A couple of years ago I stumbled upon this recipe for a homemade version of Baileys Irish Cream. I love Baileys — it's an exceptional dessert drink —and this frothy version is to die for. I've made it for parties, given it as a hostess gift, and simply enjoyed it by myself.

It's one of my most treasured recipes and I highly recommend you make it. All you need is a blender and it comes together in minutes. For best results, chill the ingredients before making. To take a look at how it's done, read more

Last weekend I attended California's Artisan Cheese Festival. While the highlight was tasting tons of scrumptious cheeses, I did learn how to create a beautiful cheese plate. A cheese plate is wonderful for parties because it doesn't involve any cooking; it's more about assembling and displaying in an attractive way. To see my tips for creating a beautiful cheese display, read more

There's no doubt about it, I really dig on bacon. I also really enjoy chocolate. Recently I had the opportunity to try Vosges Mo's Bacon Bar, which is a deep milk chocolate bar with tiny crumbles of applewood smoked bacon and Alder wood smoked salt. As a bar, it was interesting, I wasn't sure I needed to have it again — believe it or not, bacon is not my favorite flavor, it's up there, but it's not my favorite — but I definitely thought it was intriguing and worth trying. The folks that got to taste it were split in half, some thought it was "just wrong," while others thought it was heavenly.

Not happy with just a chocolate-bacon bar, the folks at Vosges have recently released the Flying Chocolate Pig ($12). The pig-shaped chocolate confection — which was originally created for their friend's wedding — is filled with applewood smoked bacon, Alder wood smoked salt and lots of deep milk chocolate. It would make a great gift for any bacon or chocolate lover in your life.

I have a weakness for pizza, it's one of my favorite foods and I love it in all forms. Tonight I am treating myself to a Greek style pizza. Meat seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and oregano is baked atop a store bought dough. Red onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese finish off the tasty dish. To take a look at the recipe I'll be using, read more

Decorating for a St Patrick's Day party should be easy, just go green! Add festive touches in the form of shiny shamrocks. Cover the table with a green tablecloth and hang a shamrock garland from the ceiling. Serve the snacks on large green plates and pour the black and tans in clear plastic party cups. Create mood lighting with lots of candles and green votives. Add a touch of Spring with bright yellow daffodil floral arrangements. Greet guests at the door with a fabulous party favor. Give girls shamrock necklaces and guys "Luck of the Irish" beer koozies. Stick a shamrock sticker on guests who forgot to wear green.

Source

• Introducing the 10 Greatest Faux-Hawks in Top Chef history. — Best Week Ever
• Get the butcher's tips on how to pick up the freshest packaged chicken. — Chow
• Get inspired by vintage Guinness posters and recipes. — Glam Dish
• Learn how to dye Easter eggs naturally. — CasaSugar
• Get the recipes for a traditional St. Patrick's Day feast. — iVillage
• Have you tried one of Amy's pot pies? — FitSugar
• Get the results for the frozen pizza taste test. — Slashfood
• Find out what Tyler Florence has to say about his upcoming restaurant and store. — Food Network Addict
• Discover these fresh finds for Easter entertaining. — Simply Stated
• With Ben & Jerry's Dublin Mudslide, you can make an Irish ice cream soda. — Serious Eats