Posts for January 2012

Sugar Shout Out Jan 31, 2012

Sugar Shout Out: Get Wedding Inspiration From Pop Princesses

Wedding style inspiration from Beyoncé, Britney, and more!

by Katie Henry

recipes Jan 31, 2012

Rose Marshmallows

Rose adds a decadent, floral flavor to marshmallows, but if you aren't a fan, try orange blossom water.

by Anna Monette Roberts

Rose adds a decadent, floral flavor to marshmallows, but if you aren't a fan, try orange blossom water. Otherwise, just use one to two teaspoons of vanilla extract for a classic marshmallow flavor.

Adapted From Alton Brown

Rose Marshmallows

Ingredients

3 packages unflavored gelatin
1 cup ice cold water, divided
12 ounces granulated sugar, approximately 1 1/2 cups
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1–2 tablespoons rose water
A few drops of red food coloring
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Nonstick spray

Equipment
Stand mixer
Candy thermometer
9-by-13-inch metal baking pan
Offset spatula
Cookie cutters

Directions

Sift confectioners' sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
Lightly spray a metal baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Add a little of sugar and cornstarch mixture to the pan and lightly tap to coat the bottom and sides. Return any remaining mixture to the bowl for later. Lightly coat the offset spatula with nonstick spray and set aside for later.
Whisk together the gelatin and 1/2 cup water into a small bowl and let sit for five minutes until gelatin is dissolved.
In a small heavy-bottom saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, granulated sugar, corn syrup, and salt. Cover and cook over medium high heat for three to four minutes. Uncover, clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pan, and continue to cook until mixture reaches 240ºF, approximately seven to eight minutes. Immediately remove from the heat.
Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly pour the sugar syrup down the side of the bowl into the gelatin mixture.
Increase the speed to medium high and allow the mixture to whip for six minutes. Turn speed up to high and whip another six to eight minutes, or until mixture becomes very thick and is lukewarm. Add rosewater and food coloring during the last minute of whipping.
Quickly pour the mixture into the prepared pan, using the lightly oiled spatula to spread the mixture evenly into the pan. Generously dust the top of the marshmallow with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. Reserve the rest for later. Allow the marshmallows to sit uncovered for four to eight hours.
Turn the marshmallows out onto a cutting board and cut shapes using cookie cutters dusted in the sugar and cornstarch mixture or use a pizza wheel to vertically and horizontally cut marshmallows into one inch-square pieces. Dust the newly cut marshmallows with the sugar and cornstarch mixture. Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks. If marshmallows become too moist over time, redust them to "refresh" them.

Makes about 50 square marshmallows.

Cooking Basics Jan 31, 2012

Get to Know the Types and Benefits of White Tea

As National Tea Month wraps up, we're still filling you in on all things white tea.

by POPSUGAR Food

As National Tea Month wraps up, we're still filling you in on all things white tea. Although green tea tends to get most of the credit when it comes to health benefits, white tea is actually the least processed form of tea. Translation: it contains even more nutrients than the black or green varieties. Curious? Keep reading to learn more about white tea.

recipes Jan 31, 2012

Killer App: Mushrooms Stuffed With Artichoke and Spinach Dip

I'm always on the hunt for those perfect bite-size appetizers that are suitable for just about any party, even this weekend's Super Bowl.

by Lauren Hendrickson

I'm always on the hunt for those perfect bite-size appetizers that are suitable for just about any party, even this weekend's Super Bowl. These button mushrooms stuffed with artichoke and spinach dip are just that; they only require a small cocktail napkin and are best served warm, but are even satisfying at room temperature. The earthy mushrooms are filled with a creamy vegetable mixture and topped with crunchy panko crumbs — a perfect bite.

The task of preparing the mushrooms can be a little tedious, as you'll want to remove the gills, or the undersides of the mushroom caps, since they retain most of the water; removing them will ensure you won't have a soggy bite. With the right tools (either a small paring knife or a tiny melon baller), removing the gills is fairly easy.

Keep reading for even more tips and this killer app recipe.

Food News Jan 31, 2012

M&M's Unveils a Brand-New Brown

Time to share the spotlight, Green M&M — there's a new candy in town: Ms.

by Camilla Salem

Time to share the spotlight, Green M&M — there's a new candy in town: Ms. Brown.

The new gal on the block (and sixth M&M color) was unveiled at two events on Monday — one at M&M's World in New York and another at The Grove in LA, with none other than Neil Patrick Harris on hand to unveil the latest M&M's character.

With her trendy thick-rimmed glasses and witty smirk, Ms. Brown joins the Green M&M to form a kick-butt girl power duo amongst a band of male characters (red, yellow, blue, and orange). She's set to make her speaking debut on Super Bowl Sunday. If Ms. Brown's anything like how NPH described her — "kind of feminine," "smart," and "savvy" — then we can't wait to welcome her to the (24-count candy) pack.

What do you think of the new hue? Are you excited for a new M&M's color?

Food News Jan 31, 2012

Link Time: Check Out the Cover of Lucky Peach 3

Check out the cover of Lucky Peach issue 3 — Grub Street SF
Dip versions of your favorite Super Bowl dishes — So Good
Wolfgang Puck will get the 2012 James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award — Diner's Journal
We're loving these Swiss measuring spoons — Baking Bites
Game day fare from around the world — Epicurious
New Tabasco Buffalo: How does it stand up to Frank's RedHot? — HuffPost Kitchen Daily
Where did Frito pie come from? — Smithsonian

by Susannah Chen

Check out the cover of Lucky Peach issue 3 — Grub Street SF
Dip versions of your favorite Super Bowl dishes — So Good
Wolfgang Puck will get the 2012 James Beard Lifetime Achievement Award — Diner's Journal
We're loving these Swiss measuring spoons — Baking Bites
Game day fare from around the world — Epicurious
New Tabasco Buffalo: How does it stand up to Frank's RedHot? — HuffPost Kitchen Daily
Where did Frito pie come from? — Smithsonian

party planning Jan 31, 2012

The Perfect Guacamole Recipe For Super Bowl Sunday

If you're serving up a spread of your favorite Super Bowl favorites this Sunday, skip the store-bought guacamole and make your own instead.

by Susannah Chen

If you're serving up a spread of your favorite Super Bowl favorites this Sunday, skip the store-bought guacamole and make your own instead. With just a few everyday ingredients and a totally simple technique, delicious guacamole is only minutes away. Watch our video now to see how easy it is — then print out the recipe and experiment with your own addictive bowl of guac.

recipes Jan 31, 2012

Italian Dishes For Cozy Winter Meals

If cooler temperatures leave you craving cozy comfort food, try cooking one of these delicious Italian dishes.

by POPSUGAR Food

If cooler temperatures leave you craving cozy comfort food, try cooking one of these delicious Italian dishes. We've got you covered with everything from fast and easy appetizers to entrées worthy of a dinner party.

Crostini With Cranberry, Pear, and Orange Mostarda

View 10 Photos

community Jan 31, 2012

Savory Sight: Buffalo Chicken Wontons

With the Super Bowl approaching this weekend, there are plenty of chicken wing recipes to choose from, so why not try a different take on the game-day standby?

by Yum Community

With the Super Bowl approaching this weekend, there are plenty of chicken wing recipes to choose from, so why not try a different take on the game-day standby? For a nonmessy spin on the traditional Super Bowl appetizer, check out the wonton recipe from PrettyGirlsCook below.

Plan on having a Super Bowl party? Buffalo Chicken Wontons have the great flavor of buffalo wings — minus the mess. Combine shredded chicken, minced garlic, lime juice, and a handful of other ingredients into wonton wrappers for an appetizer that's sure to score major points with your friends. Just serve with a simple blue-cheese dip and you're good to go!

For this fun game-day recipe, visit her blog and make sure you upload your creative ideas in our Savory Sights group.