Posts for February 1st 2012

must haves

Sugar Shout Out: February Must Haves!

Buzz can't wait for Wanderlust, Smash, and the Oscars Yum can't resist cinnamon lollipops and chocolate hearts Bella's sold on plump lips and flawless faces Tres's diving into Mad Women and Going Solo Lil's loving Valentine's Day treats, toys, and onesies Fab's picking up transitional pieces, neon jewelry, and colorblock clutches Casa's getting inspired by bold colors and creative displays Savvy's saving presidents and adjusting their budget Fit's testing out cherry juice and colorful gear Geek's wild about heart covered iPhone cases Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures, ABC, Inc., and NBC

Photos courtesy of Universal Pictures, ABC, Inc., and NBC

Food News

Leonardo DiCaprio Breaks Into the Coffee Biz

Have a hard time getting up in the morning?

Have a hard time getting up in the morning? Well, you've got more than just coffee to look forward to. Thanks to a new line of coffees, the best part of waking up could be Leonardo DiCaprio in your cup.

Today, The Great Gatsby actor announced he's partnering with La Colombe Torrefaction to produce a new coffee line, Lyon. Its entire net profile will benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to promote sustainability for the planet. "Raising awareness on the most pressing environmental issues of our time is more important than ever," DiCaprio said in a statement. "I am thrilled to be a part of this new project with La Colombe that will help aid the shift to a truly sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants."

Starting today, the coffee will appear online and on shelves in Williams-Sonoma stores across the country, as well as select Whole Foods Markets. Will you try one of Leo's new coffees?

Food News

Michelle Obama and Jay Leno Bond Over White House Honey

Our hats are off to First Lady Michelle Obama for accomplishing the impossible.

Our hats are off to First Lady Michelle Obama for accomplishing the impossible. After over 40 years of having not eaten a vegetable, Jay Leno managed to be talked into trying veggie pizza and sweet potato fries. Though he didn't seem too convinced about the first two items, he certainly loved the White House honey she brought him. I have to say, Michelle, I'm surprised you're not a fan of beets! Maybe you should try them in chocolate cake.

Appetizers

Oysters and Champagne Mignonette

You can use any type of wine vinegar (champagne, white, red, sherry, etc.) in this recipe, but I like the brightness of the champagne.

You can use any type of wine vinegar (champagne, white, red, sherry, etc.) in this recipe, but I like the brightness of the champagne. It's a crisp counterpart to the brininess of the oyster.

Oysters and Champagne Mignonette

Oysters and Champagne Mignonette

Oysters and Champagne Mignonette

Ingredients

1/2 cup champagne vinegar
2 tablespoons shallots, minced
1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 teaspoons kosher salt
As many freshly shucked oysters as you can eat

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients except oysters in a jar and shake vigorously. Pour into a serving bowl and serve with tiny spoons alongside freshly shucked oysters on ice.

Makes about 1/2 cup of mignonette.

Cooking Basics

Know Your Techniques: Mince

Mincing garlic is one of those very important kitchen skills that takes some practice to master.

Mincing garlic is one of those very important kitchen skills that takes some practice to master. The good news is that once you've got the technique down, it's like second nature and it makes throwing together recipes much quicker and more enjoyable. Less precise than a brunoise, a mince is simply a very fine chop, and it can be done to several vegetables. Its purpose is to give flavor to the dish without adding significant texture. I've chosen to demonstrate using garlic, as many recipes call for minced garlic to start.

Start with a whole clove of garlic on a cutting board.

Using the side of a chef's knife, smash the garlic and the peel should easily come off. Cut off the tip and discard.



Keep reading for more!

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What Are Your Colors?

Sometimes picking a paint color can feel like a challenge.

Sometimes picking a paint color can feel like a challenge. There are so many options, and narrowing them to just a few can seem daunting. My Colortopia, a new paint and color inspiration website powered by Glidden, is here to help. Take their My Life, My Colors quiz below and get color palettes based on your personality and things you like. You just may discover that new room color you were looking for!

Looking for more inspiration? Check out MyColortopia.com for more fun color tools, inspiration, and DIY painting tips from the Colortopia Team!

POPSUGAR Food

Try This Baked Greek Pizza Dip on Game Day

Take baked feta and marinara sauce to a whole new level by turning the combination into a delicious Greek pizza-inspired dip!

Take baked feta and marinara sauce to a whole new level by turning the combination into a delicious Greek pizza-inspired dip! It's a super simple recipe that comes together in no time and is perfect for entertaining. If you're looking for something to serve at a Super Bowl or Oscars viewing, learn how to make this amazing dip and watch the video now.