These days people rarely get married without sending save the date cards. They are wonderful because they let your guests know well in advance about your wedding. Although it's not absolutely necessary, if you're having a destination wedding, be sure to send save the date cards so your friends and family can think about travel arrangements. Once you have decided on the date and location of your wedding, mail the save the date cards out to your guests, at least 6-12 months in advance. There are many different ways to save the date — you don't just have to send cards! For some creative save the date card ideas click the "Start Slideshow" button.
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Growing up, I hated asparagus. I thought it tasted weird, had an odd texture and was downright lousy. These days my opinion has completely changed and I think it's one of the tastiest veggies out there. Naturally it took a piece of cured meat to change all of that. That's right, prosciutto-wrapped asparagus was how I took the plunge from asparagus hater, to asparagus lover. And while I've learned to love asparagus in most any form, there's nothing quite as tasty as when it's wrapped in pork.
The traditional recipe for prosciutto-wrapped asparagus calls for you to blanch them first. However our pals at Slashfood claim you can skip the blanching step and roast them directly. Not wanting to dirty another pan, I decided to take their advice. It came out perfectly, and made for a wonderfully quick, delicious appetizer. If you want to see how to do it — with or without blanching — just read more
I'm always talking about starting a Lunch Club — note to Sugar HQ: I'll do it someday, honest — where I organize lunch outings to various tasty eateries. However, I've never thought of starting a Lunch Club where people take turns making food for each other.
I recently discovered a Cooking Light article spotlighting the folks at Room and Board. Apparently they have a Healthy Lunch Club where folks cook for one another. Personally, I love the idea, but think it might create added stress in my life. I can barely find time to make my own lunch! Although, I'm sure once you get into the swing of it, it's probably pretty great. Homemade meals every day? How could you say no?
So tell me, what do you think of the Lunch Club idea? Is this something you'd want in your workplace?
Using store bought mashed potatoes is a great way to make super quick fish cakes. Mix the potatoes with fresh salmon, bread crumbs, and chopped herbs for a firm, tasty cake. Serve the seared cakes on a bed of salad greens tossed with honey dijon vinaigrette.
This recipe also makes a great use of leftover mashed potatoes. To see how it's made, read more
On the last episode of Top Chef, Manuel Trevino had to pack his knives and go. I had a chance to chat with Manuel yesterday and I asked him about his time on the show, and what it was like to say goodbye. To learn more about Manuel and find out what he had to say, read more
My gal pal Elena has already chosen burnt orange and fuchsia with wood or bamboo accents to be the colors of her wedding. These colors were in the invite to her engagement party, so naturally I will include the colors in the decor of the soirée. Start by covering the tables with a white tablecloth. This will act as a background and make the colors pop. Cover the table with a wooden runner. Serve the food in rattan serving bowls and on wooden platters. Stack orange appetizer plates near the hors d'oeurves so guests can help themselves.
Splurge on festive napkins that say the couple's names — after the party, give the extra to the couple as an engagement gift. For an elegant look pour the champagne and drinks in simple flutes. Light candles in clear votives to create a glowing, seductive atmosphere. Arrange pink and orange flowers in luscious bouquets and place around the event space. Tie pink satin ribbon onto chairs or banisters for a pretty finishing touch.