While it's now too darn hot out for me to fire up the stove and make a curry, doesn't it look delicious? Also, I love the story that goes with this delicious chana masala (chickpea curry). - Hooked on Heat

I have the best mom ever. Although she doesn't cook, she is unbelievably cool, young beyond her years, and is fabulously patient. I don't want to have kids because I know I could never be as an amazing mom as she is. I like to tell her I love her everyday, but I know sometimes she may feel a little under appreciated. This year I want to do something super special for her and make her a lovely breakfast in bed. She has done so much for me in the last twenty five years (I mean she gave birth to me, that in itself should grant her a lifetime of brunches) and the very least I can do is make her a meal made with 100% love. Since she is the guest of honor - and the only guest - I'll be making her an intimate invitation inspired by the ones you used to make in elementary school. So come party with me: make your mom a handmade card to go along with your homemade meal, read more

Making a quick fix strawberry shortcake is as simple as layering angel food cake (which they conveniently place next to the strawberries), strawberries, and cool whip to create a super easy, rapid dessert. However, if you have the time and patience, I highly recommend making your own homemade version. Doughy warm shortcakes with juicy strawberries and a fluffy whipped cream will instantly melt in your mouth for a show-stopping, unbelievably delicious dessert.

Whether it's semi-homemade or fresh from your oven, strawberry shortcake is an excellent springtime dessert. To encourage that everyone give this dessert a go, I've found 2 recipes: one for the beginning cook and one for the expert - you'll find both after the break. Make which one fits your needs best, read more

There's a bunch of Top Chef related news going on right now - timed to go with the new season I'm sure - so I thought I'd just save some time and post them all at once, here we go!

• First of all, Top Chef Season 1 winner, Harold Dieterle, opened up his restaurant Perilla this weekend. His grand opening is tonight - I want to try the Okinawa Yam Dumplings and Spicy Duck Meatballs...
• Good ol' Padma (TC host) is heating things up in the current issue of Maxim magazine.
• Don't forget, you can chat with Marcel (TC 2) Vigneron tonight at 7pm PT.
• Remember how I said to set your tivos on June 13? Well, you better make that June 6. Bravo has a mystery Episode 300, entitled "4 Star All Star" - the first number usually means the season number so what does this sneaky 4 star all star title mean?



• Bravo's launching a new site called TopChefOnline.com - they're hoping it will be a year-round destination for TC fans. It will also contain a web show called "Miami Spice" featuring Elia Aboumrad (TC2).
• And finally (for now), several of our fave TC faces - Judge Tom Collichio, host Padma Lakshmi, former host Katie Lee Joel, TC 2 winner Ilan Hall and guest judge Ted Allen) - were out last night at the Bon Appetit Magazine & James Beard Foundation's Chef's Night Out. I always wonder if Katie & Padma talk to one another...

Source: They Cook. We Dish.
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I love eating outdoors. When the weather is gorgeous I can't sit inside at the table and so I move everything outside for my favorite time of the day: dusk. Before the heat arrives, I want to get the outdoor table in my patio courtyard all ready for food and entertaining. I'll have to wash it off and drag the chair cushions out of the depths of the garage. I also want to get a new outdoor tablecloth and thought it would be fun to ask you for help. Head off to market to find a durable, colorful, fabulous tablecloth. The chair cushions are dark green so keep that in mind when you are looking. Save the tablecloths in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Outdoor Tablecloth.

Don't know how to participate in the Yum Market challenges? Check out geeksugar's easy to understand bookmarking guide.

One of my favorite things about grilled chicken is leftovers the next day. In fact, whenever we fire up the grill, I always insist that we throw an extra piece or two for the next day. It's great in sandwiches, shredded up for burritos or tacos, or in my fave way, cut up and mixed into a nice bright salad. You can top a bed of mixed greens, pineapples and tomatoes with chicken, or use any of your favorite fixins. For a grilled chicken salad that will pair well with last night's lime & coriander chicken, read more