Posts for September 25th 2012

party planning

Beer of the Day: Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale

Like a fine Cabernet, there's a lot to love about beers on the darker side; however, brown ales can seem a lot more intimidating (and grizzly) than a bottle of robust red.

Like a fine Cabernet, there's a lot to love about beers on the darker side; however, brown ales can seem a lot more intimidating (and grizzly) than a bottle of robust red. I'm hoping to dispel those myths, starting with Sierra Nevada Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale ($8 for pack of 6). The brew welcomes you with a friendly and familiar mocha latte scent. There's no doubt about it, this beer actually smells of roasted coffee and chocolate, arguably some of the most comforting comestibles in a woman's life.

From sip to swallow, the Tumbler transforms on the palate, keeping your taste buds engaged by the spectrum of flavor. The medium-bodied beer starts crisp and sweet, but the longer the brew hangs on the tongue, the more bitter and sharp the flavor becomes. Upon swallowing, the beverage has a leathery, drying finish and a sour flavor like grapefruit or San Francisco's famous sourdough bread. Enjoy this quintessential autumnal beer while tailgating outdoors with friends or sipped by the fireside while camping in the woods.

2012 Election

Michelle Obama Talks Affordable Education and Paying Off Student Loans With the President

We are thrilled to share the first answer in our series with First Lady Michelle Obama.

We are thrilled to share the first answer in our series with First Lady Michelle Obama. Since we're in back-to-school mode, this week we're focusing on education and women's health. Here's the first lady in her own words:

"Fall is officially here, and like a lot of parents around the country, Barack and I are feeling a little sentimental about our girls getting another year older and starting a new grade at school. I can tell many of you are feeling the same way, because I got a lot of questions this week about issues affecting our kids, from education to health care. So, this week, I'll answer some of those — and maybe a couple others as well."

Read on for Michelle's answer to PopSugar reader Ashley Goodman's question. Ashley asks, "What does the president plan on doing in order to help ease some of the financial debt for students?"

We are still taking questions! There are three ways to participate:

1. You can leave your question in the comments section here on PopSugar.com
2. You can tweet using the hashtag #POPSUGAR2012
3. You can leave your question in the tab on our PopSugar Facebook page

We're so excited to hear what's on your mind and to speak to First Lady Michelle Obama together.

fast and easy

Fast & Easy Dinner: Fish With Peach Salsa

As much as I love Fall produce, it doesn't always get the warm welcome from me that it deserves — probably because I'm always loath to let go of Summer's fruits and vegetables and the warm weather that they signify.

As much as I love Fall produce, it doesn't always get the warm welcome from me that it deserves — probably because I'm always loath to let go of Summer's fruits and vegetables and the warm weather that they signify. So while pumpkins and peppers are slowly starting to pop up at markets, I can't help but still buy sweet corn and stone fruits, while I still can and before they're gone for another year entirely.

This week was all about peaches — floral, fuzzy yellow ones that I could smell from a mile away. I bought a huge load of ripe peaches, ate most of them out of hand, and saved a few to make peach salsa, one of my favorite toppings for any protein (seared tuna, swordfish, chicken, pork tenderloin, you name it). Right now, I'm loving it with flaky, meaty rockfish fillets. Check out the recipe after the break.

Food News

Link Time: Peeled, Plastic-Wrapped Bananas Are a Huge Marketing Slip-Up

Viral and vile: peeled, plastic-wrapped bananas outrage the public — HuffPost Taste Reserve a spot at the pop-up Top Chef restaurant in NYC this October — Zagat Watch the sweet reaction of kids eating ice cream for the first time — Grub Street NYC The greatest one-liners from Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations: Italy episode — Eater Should In-N-Out add veggie burgers to the menu?

must have

It's Your Last Day to Join POPSUGAR Must Have For September!

It's your last day to join the POPSUGAR Must Have box subscription for September!

It's your last day to join the POPSUGAR Must Have box subscription for September! What better way to celebrate the beginning of Fall, Fashion Week fun, and back-to-school excitement than by treating yourself to the POPSUGAR Must Have box? It was so much fun to reveal our awesome August box after all the shipments went out, and we're ready to do it all over again!

Every month, Lisa Sugar and the POPSUGAR staff will curate an exciting box full of fun, must-have products from fashion, beauty, home decor, fitness, and more. Our customized box will include tried-and-true classics, celebrity favorites, and brands you've yet to discover — all delivered right to your door. We're thrilled to share all our picks with you. Learn more and join POPSUGAR Must Have now!

recipes

Freeze These 3 Sweet Treats

Although candy, fruit, and yogurt are sweet as can be, freezing them adds an unexpected twist.

Although candy, fruit, and yogurt are sweet as can be, freezing them adds an unexpected twist. There's something about the icy texture that adds another element for your taste buds to enjoy. When your freezer looks sparse and ice cream is nowhere to be found, turn to these snack ideas that we daresay taste better frozen.

Fruit
The next time you go to prep and wash your favorite fruit, freeze some of it. Pat the fruit dry, and line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Then spread the fruit out in a single layer so that it freezes quickly (and you don't end up with a giant fruit block). Once it's frozen, transfer the pieces to a plastic baggie. Juicy fruits like grapes are like bite-size popsicles with a snappier texture. Toss frozen berries into the blender for a fruit-filled smoothie or frozen cocktails like strawberry margaritas. Ripe bananas are creamy and sweet, but at room temperature, they can be too mushy. Freeze bite-size pieces and dip them in peanut butter or chocolate, and if you have more time, try these frozen nibblers.

Candy
Sticking some of your favorite treats in the freezer completely changes their texture. Rich dark chocolate candies like peppermint patties develop a cool, creamy burst, while a Kit Kat's crisp crunch is further enhanced when frozen. Many are addicted to the crumbly, crunchiness of frozen M&Ms, but try other varieties like peanut butter M&M's, too. Not a big chocolate fan but craving something sweet and sour? Sour Patch Kids last longer when frozen, because the jelly candies harden. Prepare to pucker up as the gummy candies slowly dissolve!

Yogurt
If you love the tart flavor and fluffy texture of frozen Greek yogurt, then try adding a few cups of your favorite refrigerated yogurt to the freezer for a similar taste and texture. There's no need to bust out the ice-cream maker. Add popsicle sticks to a yogurt cup or freeze Go-Gurt packs. Remember Dippin' Dots? These frozen yogurt drops remind us of the '90s phenomenon and are a fun new way to eat frozen yogurt.

Cooking Basics

12 Stylish, Reusable Storage Solutions

Save money, plastic, and flavor with storage solutions that can be reused week after week.

Save money, plastic, and flavor with storage solutions that can be reused week after week. From totes to canisters, we found 12 simple solutions that bring convenience, durability, and style to your produce and your pantry. Click through to see our favorites!

savory sights

Savory Sight: Tomato Sauce With Red Peppers & Butter Beans

While homemade tomato sauce can be somewhat daunting, zestybaking shows us an easy recipe for a tasty accompaniment to your favorite pasta.

While homemade tomato sauce can be somewhat daunting, zestybaking shows us an easy recipe for a tasty accompaniment to your favorite pasta.

This recipe for pasta sauce is quick and easy! All you need are a few staple ingredients and a mini food processor.

For the full recipe, check out her blog, and be sure to upload your latest food-related obsessions with us in the YumSugar Community. If you're on Instagram, join us by tagging your pictures with the hashtag #savorysight.