Every once in a while it's nice to have a little indulgence in life. This weekend, I made a decadent chocolate-stout cake to celebrate the start of the new year. The addition of Guinness creates an incredibly moist cake with a delicious, bittersweet aftertaste. For chocoholics, the cake is absolutely heavenly!

To balance the dense richness, I served each slice with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream would also be lovely on the side. The original recipe calls for three, 8-inch cake pans, but I own 9-inch pans, so I halved the recipe and made a two-layer cake. To satisfy your chocolate craving, read more

Guacamole lovers, beware: The crystal ball isn't looking so bright for avocados.

Hot weather at the peak of avocado-growing season last June means this Spring California farmers expect to have the smallest avocado crop in the last 10 to 20 years. Americans buy almost 1 billion pounds of avocados annually, and this number is increasing.

Unfortunately, California farmers, which normally supply 85 to 90 percent of domestic avocados, foresee harvesting approximately a third less fruit than they did in 2008. This increased demand and smaller supply will mean a rise in prices.

While avocados will abound during bowl season, the California Avocado Commission predicts they'll be in short supply by the time Cinco de Mayo rolls around. Experts are guessing that the shortage will come late Spring to early Summer, when imports from other countries, such as Mexico and Chile, are at their lowest levels.

I'm wondering if this anticipated price increase will mean a rise in cost at restaurants and dining establishments as well. Come Cinco de Mayo, will you still make guacamole if it means paying $2 for an avocado?

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At the onset of each year, American spice company McCormick offers its prediction for the top spice combinations. When we shared the company's top picks with you last year, your vote went to the vanilla and cardamom combo. Incidentally, throughout 2008, I encountered that flavor pairing in recipes and menu items from flan to peach pie. McCormick recently released its forecast for 2009. To see five of the new flavor combinations predicted to explode onto the food scene (and your tongue) this year, read more

Recently, I hosted an event where I wrote "Significant Others Welcome" on the invitation. You can imagine my annoyance and frustration when some people showed up with husbands and children. The party was a happy hour, an occasion that children do not normally take part in.

When you receive an invitation, it's important to read the fine print. One should never assume that a significant other or child is invited unless specified. The names listed on the outside of the envelope are the invited guests. If it says Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the Smith children are not invited. However, if addressed to The Smith Family, then the kids are welcome to attend.

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Share your stories with us below!

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Despite all the holiday leftovers you still have in the fridge, make an effort to eat more healthfully. Turn leftover ham into a delicious, no-cook salad. Although ham is full-flavored, it's a surprisingly lean meat.

All too frequently pigeonholed as a sandwich filler, this protein plays the starring role beautifully in a satisfying salad alongside Swiss, asparagus, and tarragon vinaigrette. To make yourself this gratifying meal, read more

Last week I decided to make lasagna. My sausage tomato sauce was done, the cheese was grated, and the pasta ready, when I realized I don't own a large casserole dish! I ended up having to make the lasagna in two pie dishes. To avoid this situation in the future, I need to invest in a casserole dish. Let's head off to market in search of large, oven- and dishwasher-safe serving vessels that can hold everything from potato gratin to white chocolate brownies. Bookmark the dishes in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Casserole Dish. I appreciate your help!

GeekSugar has put together a post that explains how to bookmark. Check it out for more details! Not sure where to start looking? Be inspired by some of my favorite online stores when you read more