YumSugar Recipes

Ruth Reichl has described matzo brei as "one of life's perfect foods," and I couldn't agree more. After all, what's more comforting than a meal composed of reassuring ingredients like butter, eggs, and crackers? Still better is this nontraditional version of the Ashkenazi dish that's inspired by yet another Passover favorite: lox, eggs, and onions. Even if you don't observe the holiday, consider this scramble of sorts for your next breakfast. It's ideal with sweet (try drizzling it with a bit of honey) and savory (topped with a dollop of sour cream) — and it takes 10 minutes to make. Want the recipe? Then read on.

This holiday entertaining season, make certain to master at least one back-pocket appetizer — a treat so easy and low-stress that you can whip it up in a flash to fill out a menu, or have it on hand if guests will be unexpectedly popping over. I can tell you now, that these salty-piney-sweet nuts will be mine.

Crisp and crunchy, with a hit of breath-freshening rosemary these nuts are dangerous in the best way; I can't seem to stop at a small handful, much less one or two. I suspect you will feel the same way.

Keep reading for the easy yet impressive recipe.

I planted a raised bed full of herbs in my backyard last year in hopes of gaining a better understanding of where my food comes from, as well as to enjoy the fruits herbs of my labor. Despite next to no prior experience in the garden, for the next few months I was a woman obsessed, tending to my garden with care day in and day out.

Cut to three months later, when I sheepishly pulled into the garage under the cover of darkness with a seemingly lifeless twig of a fig tree in the car trunk. Inexperienced, and without a proper home for a tree with a decades long life-span, I set it up next to its fragrant friends and watered away, hoping for a sign of life. Slowly, but surely, leaves sprouted forth, and I marveled at each subsequent, shoot, bud and leaf; from my enthusiasm (and over-sharing with anyone who'd listen) you'd think I birthed the tree myself.

Keep reading for more figgy business.

While most of you would rather eat black figs, I love all figs equally and will jump at the chance to try something new with them. This weekend, on a lovely Fall afternoon, I preheated my oven and got to work baking my first fig tart with both Calimyrna and black mission figs.

Making a crust can be a nerve-wracking experience, but this one is incredibly easy. The addition of vanilla extract really enhances the crust's flavor. While it is a simple recipe, it's time-consuming since the crust must be precooked before you assemble the tart.

Once the crust is cooked, just quickly arrange the figs and carefully pour in the fragrant orange blossom custard. If you can't find orange blossom water at your local market, you can order it online, or substitute orange zest. The finished tart is perfect with its flaky crust, creamy custard, and slightly caramelized figs. Fig season is fleeting, so get the recipe now.

Recently, I got a little carried away in a canning experiment and wound up returning from the farmers market with a 50-pound crate of tomatoes. Needless to say, the past week has involved a lot of meals made with tomatoes — an insightful exercise in cooking with (and trying to get rid of) ingredients that are already available at home.

After learning how to be a bit more resourceful with my refrigerator and pantry, I decided to try the same thing with cocktails, so I made a drink using whatever was already in my kitchen. I combined lemons and simple syrup — two ingredients I always have on hand — with Angostura bitters and Beefeater 24, a tea-infused gin. The result? A botanical beverage with just the pluck I was going for. For the recipe, keep reading.

Besides sunny skies and record-high temperatures, what else is in the forecast for this coming week? We predict hamburgers and hot dogs — lots of 'em! — with a light sprinkling of house-made condiments for an extra special touch. From DIY ketchup to homemade flavored mayonnaise, we've got the dressing you're looking for to take your grilling to the next level.

Romesco	Ketchup	Barbecue sauce
Harissa	Flavored mayo	Mustard

There's no better hair of the dog after a long night out than brunch filled with bottomless mimosas. But if you've grown weary of that mundane combination of orange juice and bubbly, switch up your drinking routine with another Champagne cocktail that's twice as exciting to sip, but just about as easy to prepare.

The Jalisco Flower is a combination of ruby red grapefruit juice and sparkling wine — with a bit of tequila and St-Germain added in to throw your taste buds for a loop. Tart tequila pairs well with the sweet-sour grapefruit juice, while the elderflower liqueur adds complex floral notes and softens the spirit's aggressiveness.

For a delicious new fizzy beverage, read more.