While I enjoy baking elaborate and complicated desserts, sometimes it's nice to have one that involves nothing more than a couple of bowls and measuring spoons. When I need a super simple dessert that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser, I turn to the fruit crumble. This blackberry recipe is quite possibly the easiest dessert ever. Seriously, it takes about 15 minutes to put together and 20 to bake. If you are hosting a dinner party, make the two elements beforehand and assemble and bake just before serving. The resulting treat is absolutely scrumptious: plump burst-in-your-mouth berries, a thick sweet syrup, and crunchy golden brown topping. Want the recipe I used? Keep reading.

First it was custom-blended Frappuccinos. Then came naturally flavored coffee infusions, and an iced version of VIA instant coffee. What newfangled beverage will the coffee chain dream up next?

The answer is cold drinks made from green, or unroasted, coffee. The pilot test for "Refreshers," as they're called, began yesterday in 113 San Diego-area Starbucks locations. The drinks, which are available in cool lime and berry hibiscus flavors, are made of fruit and "flavor neutral" powdered extract derived from green coffee beans.
"It's coffee that doesn't taste like coffee," said Starbucks's Julie Felss Masino, who explained that the test has come in response to requests for more thirst-quenching drink options. The drink has less nutritional value (50 calories for a tall hibiscus drink), and caffeine (fewer than 15 milligrams) than many of the chain's other beverages.

Aside from a few online weight loss aids, there aren't a lot of green coffee drinks out there on the market — and it sounds like Starbucks is looking for ways to create a unique niche as the breakfast and coffee wars heat up. At prices ranging from $2.50 to $2.95, these drinks sound intriguing and affordable. Given the chance, would you try one?

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After an invigorating bike ride, everyone will be craving a refreshing and cool drink. Instead of just serving white wine, I'll have a pitcher of mojitos ready and waiting. Normally mojitos have to be made individually and there's lots of muddling involved, but this recipe serves a crowd and can be made ahead. Perfect! Fresh-squeezed lime juice is a must for mojitos, so be sure to purchase plenty of limes. I'll also have lots of cold beer on ice. For the mojito recipe, keep reading.

From Teleflora arrangements to Rutherford Hill wine, Bravo is the reigning champion of co-branding partnerships. The next move is to conquer all things digital. Now the network's teamed up with Groupon, a deal-of-the-day website, to offer localized Top Chef discounts in several major cities.

Right now through Aug. 8, if you live in Washington DC, Miami, Atlanta, or San Francisco, you've got the chance to snag deals from Carla Hall, Douglas Rodriguez, Mark Peel, Hector Santiago, and Mattin Noblia. "Emerging companies like Groupon are a perfect fit for our audience, allowing fans to engage with the chefs and food they see on our shows on a personal, one-on-one level," Bravo stated in a press release.

Sounds like these partnerships will only strengthen, given the changing marketing landscape — although I'd love to see a lineup that includes Jamie Lauren, Fabio Viviani, and the Voltaggio brothers. If you live in one of these cities, do you plan on going after a Top Chef-meets-Groupon deal?

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During the Summer, I prefer to eat lighter dinners and often find myself turning to sandwiches. Not just any old sandwich, but one that incorporates the season's ingredients and cooking tools. I'm talking about vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers that are cooked on the grill. This recipe is the perfect example of this type of sandwich.


Three types of cheese make it decadent, but fresh herbs and veggies keep it from being heavy. The entire thing is cooked on a grill, so you don't have to worry about sweating in the kitchen. A hearty spinach salad completes the uncomplicated vegetarian meal. Interested in the recipe? Here it is.