A stir-fry is a marvelous choice for a busy Thursday night - it cooks quickly, is super filling, and reasonably healthy (depending on what ingredients you throw in your wok). Asian flavors and lots of vegetables pack this vegan dish with complex freshness. To ensure success when stir-frying, maintain a fairly high flame and keep the elements of the dish moving constantly around the pan (hence the name stir-fry). I like this served over steamed white rice, but you could easily substitute slippery noodles. To make a grocery list for tonight's dinner, read more

Yesterday Molly asked me what I was planning on baking this week. I told her that I wasn't sure yet, but that I would bake it on Wednesday night. That's when she pointed out, duh it is Wednesday.

Great. Here it was, already Wednesday and I totally didn't know what I was baking. I wanted something fun, but nothing that would take too much time or use any special ingredients. I toyed around with pretzels, and then thought about crackers. The thought of an afternoon cheese and crackers break sounded like a good idea, so I said I would bake crackers if someone else brought the cheese. Molly agreed to bring cheese and she even picked out the recipe. To see how they turned out (they're rosemary flavored, but you could easily add more of a different herb instead), read more

Cinco de Mayo is two short days away and I still have tons to do before I host the Kappa Kup barbeque for my sister, Trish, in San Diego. Sure the invitations have been sent, the menu has been set, and the drinks approved by the sorority sisters, but what about purchasing the groceries and transforming a soccer field into a party space?? Or not to mention manning the grill from 10 am to 6 pm? Or making enough food for 300 hungry college students?? Can you tell I'm getting a little nervous? I've taken a few deep breaths and am ready to tackle the look so come party with me and read more

Good Morning, it's breakfast time! I found these bouquet of apple & cinnamon chelsea buns. The interesting part is the that there's actually finely grated potato in it too. - The Passionate Cook

Strawberry season is almost upon us and I don't know about you guys, but I am very excited to eat luscious plump berries - especially since nothing says, "hello summer" more than a bowl full of beautiful strawberries. When purchasing strawberries, look for bright red berries with fresh and green stems. During the short 3-4 week season, purchase strawberries from your local strawberry field or farmer's market. In grocery stores look for the most plump and fragrant berries. Since strawberries do not ripen after being picked, choose ones that were picked fully ripened. Select dry, unstained containers.

As mold grows very quickly on berries, never leave a moldy one next to a good one. Out of all berries, strawberries have the most vitamin C and make a great simple delicious dessert. Strawberries were first cultivated in the year 1624 and today are most commonly grown in California and Florida. Store in the fridge uncovered in a colander to allow cold air to circulate.

One pint of fresh strawberries equals about 3 1/4 cups whole berries, or 2 1/4 cups sliced berries, or 1 2/3 cups pureed berries.

Last Friday FabSugar invited me to a fashion show that bad boy designer Zac Posen was going to be at. Thinking the (front row!) seats with our names would be waiting for us, we stayed in the pre-show party area (with the handsome mayor!) until the last minute. When we walked into the tent the stands were over flowed and crowded, none of the ushers had seating charts, and when we approached the host (aka event planner) he looked like a deer in headlights. He didn't find us seats and didn't apologize for the disorganization and when I told him (as one party planner to another) that I was appalled by his behavior, he turned and walked away!!

Moral(s) of the story: always print out seating charts at large events for the wait staff, always remain cool and collected when frazzled guests approach you with dilemmas, and always apologize for making a guest feel uncomfortable or unwanted. A great host is someone who makes one feel warm, loved and like they belong, so remember that at your next party.