Toppings

Several times a week, BellaSugar and I duck out of the office and across the street to Yoppi, our favorite of the three frozen yogurt spots located within a half-block radius of the Sugar office. Part of Yoppi's appeal is that it's self-serve, and one can choose from an endless array of toppings, from cheesecake bites to carob morsels to Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

"I could never imagine putting that on top of my fro-yo," Bella said once, pointing to a rainbow of jelly beans and gummi bear toppings. I agree; my favorite toppings are less saccharine, like berries and granola. Since we all have differing tastes (apparently someone likes jelly beans with frozen yogurt!), tell me: what are your preferred toppers on frozen yogurt?

Source: Flickr User Mr. T in DC

Blueberry season is in full swing, and I love finding new ways to appreciate the fruit. But before long, these blue beauts will have come and gone, too — so I always try to preserve Summer's bounty now for later down the line. For Summer veggies, it's quick pickling; for berries, I love a basic syrup or sauce.

This blueberry compote has become a fast favorite. It takes less than 15 minutes to make, and livens up everything from pancakes and waffles to ice cream. I used it in an original vodka cocktail and even stirred some in to basic bread pudding! Or, like I did with caramel sauce, bottle it in a pretty container and give it away as an edible gift. For the recipe, read on.

Cinnamon is looking to be a popular flavor this season. Not only did PartySugar and I recently have a chance to try Ritz's new Brown Sugar Cinnamon Crackers, but we also took the time to put two of Smucker's limited-edition ice cream topping flavors, Pumpkin Spice and Apple Cinnamon, to the test. Did they prove to be goopy and gross, or were these spoonable sauces the epitome of holiday sugar and spice? Find out after the jump