After reading the French-themed March issue of Gourmet magazine, I could not stop thinking about this recipe for a quick raspberry charlotte. I finally got around to making this easy, tasty dessert last Friday night and it was deliciously rewarding!

Not-your-average dessert, this charlotte consists of ladyfingers, melted ice cream, and raspberries. The final result is refreshing and light. The hardest thing about this dessert was taking the picture. It may not have the prettiest presentation, but if you are looking for a lovely treat, I highly recommend this recipe. To check it out, read more

This morning Mars Inc — makers of M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles, and more — announced that it would buy gum manufacturer Wrigley for $23 billion. If you recall, the Wrigley company recently announced new packaging and flavors, in order to help sluggish gum sales.

The deal will create the world's largest confectionary company, and could possibly force Hershey's and Cadbury to join forces — there's been previous rumors of these two combining in the past.

The Wrigley portion of the company will continue to run as an independent unit, and it will be helmed by current Chairman Bill Wrigley. The deal is seen as a win-win on both parts, as Wrigley will now have a bigger infrastructure to help them with marketing and distribution. The interesting foodie tidbit is that current nonchocolate Mars brands — Starburst, Skittles, etc. — will now become part of the Wrigley portfolio.

So tell me, what do you think of these two powerhouses joining forces? Do you care if it is one giant company? Do you think it will affect the way the candy tastes?

Source and Source

The weather warmed up this weekend, and a wonderfully refreshing drink was definitely a must. Looking for inspiration, I flipped through the latest issue of Imbibe magazine and came across a Brandy Julep. With a Kentucky Derby Party just around the corner, I knew I had found my drink. It's a sweet treat for a hot day, and a nice twist on a classic cocktail. To get the recipe, read more

It may seem funny to have an entire party based around a race that lasts only a couple of minutes, but this week, I'm planning a Kentucky Derby party. The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race that takes place on the first Saturday of every May. At the party bets will be placed, delicious Southern-inspired cuisine will be consumed, and the race will be watched. To get everyone excited for the event, I'm sending an invite with a horse-race collage. The collage evokes the momentum and speed of the race while showing the grace and strength of the horses. The text includes phrases that are commonly used at the track.

To see how I made it, read more

Those Daring Bakers have done it again, and this time it's with delicious-looking Cheesecake Pops. This is just one person's interpretation, be sure to hunt them all down. They look unbelievable! — Jumbo Empanadas

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and to celebrate I plan on consuming a lot of my all-time favorite snack: chips and dip! While I could be boring and serve chips and dip in random mismatched bowls, I prefer to be exciting and serve them in fun little matching dishes. There is only one problem, I don't have any of the aforementioned exciting dishes! Can you help me find some? Look for chip and dip servers that are attractive and fabulous. Choose ones that can be used for more than one holiday. Save the servers in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Chips and Dip Servers. I can't wait to see what you find!

GeekSugar has created a quick explanation on how TeamSugar's fun bookmarking feature works, so check it out if you are feeling confused.

For a list of my favorite places to shop online, read more

Subliminal messages in advertising are nothing new. For years there's been talk of images embedded inside of others that cause you to crave the product, or associate the product with other things. When advertisers use this technique — not that they'd ever admit to it — it's usually hidden. It's not often that an advertiser asks you to figure out their message. Apparently the folks at KFC are trying to change that. Right now they're actually running an ad where they ask you to find the hidden image. If you can do it, then they'll actually give you a free sandwich. All you have to do is find the image, be one of the first 1,000 people to fill in the form, say what you saw, and voila free Snacker coupon.

So tell me, did you find the image? It's in there, do you see it?
If not, I'll help you out. Learn what the image is when you read more

Leftover rum glazed shrimp pairs well with fresh, juicy flavors. Toss it with pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, and mint to make a delicious topping for a crisp tostada. This meal is fast and easy making it ideal for a busy Monday night. For a special treat, serve with chips and salsa!

To look at the recipe please read more

Ice cream fiends probably don't need to be reminded, but for those of you who don't set your calendars to Ben & Jerry's, tomorrow is their free cone day. They do this in late April/early May each year, but this year it happens to be their 30th birthday. There are no strings attached, you just get in line, order your free cone and walk away a happy ice cream-toting customer. Just be warned, the lines do get quite long, so be prepared for a wee wait.

I'm too lazy to wait in line, but I think I might just go hunt down some Americone Dream. How about you? Are you going to go? If so, what flavor are you going to order up?