When it comes to bacon and jalapeno, I'm not terribly discriminating. I'm so crazy about both flavors that I can't imagine how any combination of these two foods could taste bad, which is why I love this recipe for bacon-wrapped jalapeno "thingies" that Wren posted in the Kitchen Goddess group. They're jalapenos, they're wrapped in bacon, and they're stuffed with cream cheese. Enough said. Might as well just call them "thingies."
Better yet, these yummy party foods on a stick look relatively easy to make, with just three ingredients and no utensils required. Plus, Wren says they taste great served hot or at room temperature. To see the recipe, which comes from Pioneer Woman, and Wren's step-by-step photos, read more
Not in the Mood? Have Some Watermelon
Have you or your honey been less than excited to get busy lately? If so, don't start popping Cialis or Levitra pills just yet. A quick trip to the produce aisle or your local farmers' market to pick up some juicy, sweet watermelon could do the trick, and no, this is not a joke! Researchers at Texas A&M are reporting that the ingredient in watermelon known as citrulline may help to increase a person's libido.
I don't know whether it's the sweltering heat or being cooped up inside on a sunny day, but when it's Summer, it seems all I want to do is kick back and relax in the sun, frosty cocktail in hand. My solution? Plotting out the margarita I'm going to make when it's five o'clock and I'm shopping for festive glassware that could be used to serve my beverage. Check out my finds below: My favorite is this oversized margarita goblet, which is large enough for you and your three BFFs. What'll you be toasting with? Bottoms up!
Before this weekend, I would have thought "do you like watermelon?" was a silly question. After all, everyone likes watermelon, right?
Apparently not. At my Fourth of July party — which, like all good July 4th parties, featured watermelon — there were three people who claimed to dislike watermelon. I was shocked that such people existed. They complained that the fruit tastes watered down, whereas I think it's sweet as candy. So how about you?
At some point in every reality TV cooking competition the contestants are asked to make their signature dish. The dish should define their culinary point of view, highlight their skills as a chef, and be incredibly delicious.
Summing all of these things up (on one plate!) seems like a difficult task. I find it hard to choose one dish that represents my entire cooking style. However, if I had to choose, it would probably be some form of nachos with a cocktail on the side. In my opinion, nachos are the ultimate party food!
How about you? What is your signature dish?
With the production of African cocoa beans in a serious decline, the future of chocolate is questionable. A crop that's naturally grown in the rainforest, two-thirds of the world's cocoa beans are now harvested in in West Africa. However, the African soil degrades quickly, shortening the lifespan of the plants to 30 years or so. The director of Ghana's Nature Conservation Research Council, John Mason, explains the situation:
I think that in 20 years chocolate will be like caviar. It will become so rare and so expensive that the average Joe just won't be able to afford it. The way we farm is just not sustainable. I'm afraid by the time we wake up to that fact it will be too late. I've worked in Ghana for 25 years and I can show you huge areas that can no longer support a crop.
Drastic changes need to be made in order for the world to meet the chocolate demand. Together with international environment charity Earthwatch, Cadbury (which gets all of its cocoa beans from Ghana) is looking for a solution to the problem. I find this highly disturbing and can't imagine a world without chocolate. How about you? Will you start stockpiling chocolate now?
When planning a menu for a pool party, select a variety of cold and hot (preferably grilled) dishes. Serve small, light bites buffet-style all day, replenishing plates as they go empty.
Offer guests a cool treat the moment they arrive in the form of watermelon wedges with lime ice. Served with tortilla chips, shrimp and avocado ceviche make a nice alternative to classic guacamole.
Skewered hot dogs with toasted croissants and spicy, cold gazpacho round out the menu. For these delicious recipes please, read more
Just because a cooking technique is new doesn't mean you can't test it out on a weeknight. This recipe for a grilled pizza is simple and quick. It gets you out of the kitchen and experimenting with the grill.
The BL of the classic BLT is replaced with prosciutto and arugula making for a delicious gourmet alternative. This pizza is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant because no cheese is involved. To look at the recipe, read more
