Inspired by the success of YumSugar's mango mojito, I decided to experiment with my own cherry variation. It was wonderfully delicious and everything you expect a good mojito to be: refreshing, light, and not to sweet. The key is to use fresh squeezed lime juice and perfectly ripe berries. The recipe makes enough for a crowd, so this cocktail is excellent for Summer entertaining. I highly recommend that you take a look at the recipe, please read more

Love her or hate her — and I have a feeling I know where most of you stand on this one — Lisa Fernandes is a passionate chef. She showed that her fiery personality and kitchen skills could put her on the path to becoming a Top Chef. Unfortunately for her, she fell just short and had to settle for a runner-up prize.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Lisa. We spoke about bloggers, her bad reputation, and things she would have done differently. Is she rude, or was she just portrayed that way? Find out when you read more

I'm crazy for pineapple. I usually eat it as dessert or as a Sunday afternoon snack, but this time I thought I'd try something different. Inspired by a dish at one of my favorite Thai restaurants, I concocted a pineapple fried rice. It's easy to do and quick to come together. When served in the actual pineapple, it makes for a lovely presentation. To see how I did it, read more

Why not start the weekend with a spicy, fragrant chicken? This chicken is rubbed with a mixture of spices typical to Jerk seasoning: paprika, allspice, cayenne, and garlic powder. Although the recipe roasts the chicken in the oven, it would be equally delicious cooked on a grill. The corn bread accompaniment is simply a jazzed-up box variation. Paired with an icy cold beer, this makes a delicious dinner. Get the recipe now and read more

When browsing the party supply store for bachelorette party decorations, I came across nothing but tacky, raunchy, over the top accessories. However with a little ingenuity, an elegant and sophisticated look can be created at your bachelorette party. A purple, gray, and snake print theme is fabulous fun.

Place a gray placemat on a side table and have guests leave their presents there. Set the snacks and pecker cookies on snake print serving plates. Chill the Champagne in a faux snakeskin wine cooler and line flutes next to the cooler. Dim the lights and put candles in purple glass votives. Drape gray feather boas over the beds and dressers and arrange purple flowers in glass vases.

Purchase festive paper cocktail napkins with a bachelorette trivia game print. To keep the snake theme going with the party favors, give each guest a lip venom lip gloss. For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar.

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I've been rooting for Top Chef's Richard Blais ever since we interviewed him back in March. Of course, I was psyched that Stephanie won, but Richard definitely wowed me this season with his clever and cheeky approach to cooking.

Watching Wednesday's season finale, I was shocked when Richard told the judges he "choked" in the last challenge. Thankfully, I had the honor of interviewing him again yesterday and got to hear all about what was going through his head. To read what he had to say about the finale, his fauxhawk, and his next restaurant, read more

• I regret to report that one of our favorite foodie websites, Tastespotting, has shut down. — Tastespotting
• Watch this insane video of a man smashing 40 watermelons with his head! — Serious Eats
• Learn how to reduce balsamic vinegar. — Cookthink
• Do you know any kids who would eat scorpions for breakfast and snails for dinner? — The New York Times
• To die for: BLT sandwich with basil aioli on grilled flatbread. — Family Style Food
• Speaking of bacon, has anyone tried bacon salt? — Blogged Arteries
• What to do with those pesky, empty pizza boxes. — CasaSugar
• Ilan Hall on Los Angeles and the season finale of Top Chef. — NY Daily News
• Tim Zagat talks about his experience as a judge on Top Chef. — Zagat

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