We began our star-studded week by taking some time off the Olympics to watch the season premiere of The Hills. Later we sat down with TV host Aida Mollenkamp and set the record straight about some Food Network gossip.
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Recently grocers and restaurant chains have started to employ a sophisticated type of digital advertising. The videos and images influence a shopper's decisions as they browse supermarket aisles or wait in line to pay. At select Dunkin' Donuts in New York, people who order coffee in the morning see ads promoting breakfast items at the register. Then while they wait for their orders, the television screens show different images that encourage the customer to return for lunch. In Germany, grocer Metro Extra uses digital screens to sway a shopper. Certain goods have special tags attached to them, so when you grab a box of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, the eye-level screen changes its message to display a sale price for, say, Wheaties.
At a time when shoppers are more cautious about how they spend their money, this could give certain food companies an edge. What do you think: Is this new advertising scheme brilliant, or does the technology to increase impulse buys creep you out?
While I normally prefer a classic cocktail or a glass of good whiskey, I've been known to enjoy a girly drink (or two) in my lifetime. Recently I've become obsessed with this brilliantly pink liqueur, X-Rated ($27).
At first, the cheesy name and vibrant color made me nervous. I was afraid it was going to be overly sweet — more like cough syrup than a luscious liqueur. However, the rosy liquid is absolutely delicious! A fusion of French vodka and organic blood orange, mango, and passion fruit juices, the liqueur tastes fresh not artificial. It's sweet, but not overly so. I served a chilled shot to girlfriends before a night on the town, but it would also be a flavorful addition to specialty cocktails.
If you're hosting a bachelorette party or bridal shower, consider serving X-Rated. Your girlfriends will love the taste and the experience of sampling a new liqueur. A bottle also makes a lovely birthday gift for a fashionable 21-year-old.
Have you tried X-Rated? What did you think?
Raw fish may not be so safe after all. A man in Chicago has sued a prominent seafood restaurant for giving him a nine-foot tapeworm. A tapeworm he says was caused by consuming raw salmon. In response to the incident, Jon Rowley, a seafood expert, reveals that tapeworms are commonly found in salmon. Marinating or curing the fish will not kill the parasites; the only surefire way to kill tapeworm larvae is to cook the fish completely or freeze it at minus-31°F for at least 15 hours. 
This news is frightening to me since I come across salmon sashimi, sushi, tartare, ceviche, and crudo on menus all the time. I'm now convinced that when it comes to raw fish, I need to be more discriminating about when and where I eat it. What about you? Will this change the way you eat your fish?
If you love club sandwiches, get excited for this recipe! It takes elements — salty bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy turkey — from the classic sandwich and reconstructs them as a crunchy, filling salad.
Sugar snap peas are an unconventional yet balanced addition. For a lighter variation, serve the dressing on the side. Kick off your weekend by making this delicious dinner salad; get the recipe and read more
Tropical blue, festive navy, and lime green are great colors for an end-of-Summer going away party. In my case, the color scheme also matches the invitations. Start by covering the outdoor tables with a navy tablecloth. Transport food, ice, and other party supplies from the kitchen to the grill chicly and easily with a pretty, printed tray. Serve the dip in a clear green bowl and pile pita chips nearby on a matching plate. Plain white plates showcase the clam boil's fresh ingredients. Removing the fresh lobster meat is messy, so stock up on paper napkins. Select a versatile wine glass that can be used for the punch, beer, wine, or water. Place lit votives in vibrant, modern candleholders. A bouquet of green flowers is elegant and mood-enhancing. Make a going-away banner and hang from two trees, along a deck wall, or on the window.
Celebrity chef and media mogul Rachael Ray may be penning a poignant memoir, but a sarcastic someone is about to beat the star to the punch in publishing a book about herself. Every Freaking Day! With Rachell Ray by Elizabeth Hilts ($12.99) will parody the media mogul's monthly magazine, Every Day With Rachael Ray.
The 64-page book is full of saucy lines, such as, "Hey kids! If 30-minute meals are good, wouldn't 30-second meals be even better?"
The guide, "Rachell," played by a model who is a dead ringer for Ray, provides "super-caffeinated" commentary along with recipes. Hilts, a bestselling author, explained:
She's very easy to parody. She has a lot of very recognizable mannerisms: talking with her hands, singing to the food, referring to food as an almost-human entity.
What does the real Ray think of the parody? According to her publicist, she hasn't seen it yet. No doubt come September, we'll be checking this out. Do you think this book will fly off shelves to Rachael fans and foes alike?
In the past two weeks, many of us (myself included) have kept our eyes glued to the television screen watching the Olympics. You may think you're a die-hard sports fan since you know the number of world records broken or gold medals won, but the real test is whether you know what foods the Olympians just can't resist. Here's your chance to test your aptitude. On your marks, get set . . . go!
Last night when I was opening a bottle of wine, my corkscrew broke! It was a cheap wine opener, but nonetheless, I was disappointed. Before I can enjoy another bottle of wine, I have to get a new wine opener. Can you help me find one? Look for any type — simple, complex, or gadget-like — of functional corkscrew. Bookmark your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Wine Opener. Thanks for your assistance!
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