Want to roast your own coffee beans, but don't want to splurge big bucks on a home coffee roaster? Then try using a hot-air popcorn popper. Sweet Maria's has a full how to, and the folks at KK just put it to the test.

You order unroasted green beans, and put them in the popper like you would popcorn. As the beans roast (they're not going to pop like the popcorn does), the bean casings separate. The skins will float up and make a big mess. However, after a few minutes, you'll have wonderfully roasted beans — they'll need to be cooled, but you can use them like you would normal.

At least, this is how it works in theory. I personally haven't tried it, and I don't have an air-popper at the moment. But I might just have to go out and get one. How about you? Would you try to roast your coffee beans this way?

This afternoon we were able to chat with upcoming Top Chef contestant Andrew. He hails from Fort Lauderdale, FL, but is currently a sous chef in New York.

I've seen the screener — don't be jealous, the season opener is worth the wait! — and while Andrew may end up as the quirky one, or the talky one, or the mean one (you never can tell with Bravo's tricky editing) he was nothing but fun over the phone. To learn more about Andrew and check out what he had to say, just read more

The best thing about hosting your half birthday party — or any party — at a bar is that you don't have to worry about the drinks! My soirée is at Rye — a bar that specializes in classic cocktails made with fresh and fabulous ingredients. Guests can choose and order what they feel like drinking. Rye offers specialty cocktails, wine, and beer.

I will most likely drink their basil gimlet at the happy hour. A lovely blend of fresh basil and lime, this is a refreshingly light cocktail. To see how it's made, read more

Candy alert! Looks like Whoppers has introduced a Reese's Peanut Butter flavor. I say it's time for a taste test! — Sugar Savvy

I first learned about rainbow soups while reading The New Basics. Since then, I make them all the time! A rainbow soup is basically two different soups that when combined, make one delicious dish. This version features a cooling corn soup and a spicy red pepper puree. The recipes are so simple — minimal chopping, few ingredients — it's not that much harder than making one soup. Ok yes, you do have to wash two pots, but the final result is rewarding, delicious, and totally worth it. This soup would make a stunning starter to an arty dinner. To see how I made it, read more

When I was younger I loved to order Mexican pizzas from Taco Bell. Now that I'm older and steer clear of fast-food joints, I like to make a similar tortilla pie in the comforts of my kitchen. This is a meatless version that features two types of beans: pinto and black. Tortillas are layered with salsa, beans, cheese, and cilantro. The entire thing is baked in the oven until crisp. Serve with guacamole and sour cream for a fabulous fiesta!

Take a look at the recipe when you read more

I'm not sure why people feel the need to break Guinness World Records, but they do. And this time it was sixty Indian chefs in New Delhi. This past Saturday they cooked a 13 ton (28,600 pounds) biryani dish. That's right 13 TONS. It took three cranes and a huge steel vat mounted over a three-foot high furnace, but they managed to do it. The dish took 6600 pounds of rice, 187 pounds of chili peppers, 317 gallons of oil, 8045 pounds of vegetables and a "pinch" of salt weighing nearly 190 pounds.

A records manager from the Guinness Book was on hand to witness the cooking. Kaoru Ishikawa said:

I'm here to certify them for preparing the world's largest biryani weighing around 13,000 kilograms.

The weirdest thing, is that there is no current listing for largest biryani, so perhaps 13 tons might have been a bit of an overkill? Although the dish was then divided and sent to city orphanages, so at least in this case the food wasn't going to waste.

Source

Unlike the seasonal changes in fruits and veggies, the consumption of coffee and tea remains constant year round. It's no surprise that even though warm weather is almost here, the Yum Market on TeamSugar is full of coffee and tea accessories. From teapots to cappuccino machines and coffee beans, you are eager to enjoy the rich brown beverages. Being an avid espresso drinker, I love this floral print espresso cup and saucer set. CupcakeGal10 saved these teeny cups that scream Spring! If you're crazy about coffee and tantalized by tea, browse the collection below.

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark on TeamSugar. Check it out for more details!