anise

Rosemary Olive Oil Cake Recipe
baking

Surprise Your Palate With Olive Oil and Rosemary Cake

Each March, I bake my favorite uncle a cake for his birthday — but this year, I was at a total loss about what to make.
by

Each March, I bake my favorite uncle a cake for his birthday — but this year, I was at a total loss about what to make. It had to be transportable (he lives an hour away) but also unique. That's when I remembered a special cake that I'd tried awhile back.

"This is going to sound weird," a friend told me when she'd brought it over, "but this cake is made from olive oil and rosemary, and it'll blow your mind." She was right!

The earthiness of the rosemary, nutty olive oil, and bright citrus elements really complement one another. The refined cake turned out to be perfect for his understated birthday celebration. Enjoying a piece is like eating a sliver of sunshine. Read more for the recipe.

Happy Hour: Izzi Sambuca
Drinks

Happy Hour: Izzi Sambuca

While YumSugar was busy learning about caviar at the Fancy Foods Show, I was searching the Italian section for exciting new drinks.
by partysugar

While YumSugar was busy learning about caviar at the Fancy Foods Show, I was searching the Italian section for exciting new drinks. With its smooth, easy-drinking liquid, and clear anise-y taste, Izzi Sambuca caught my eye.

Sambuca is a popular Italian liqueur that's great for sipping on a cold afternoon. The distinctive flavor of licorice is prominent, but not overpowering. Izzi makes two kinds: premium original and Sumbuca al Caffé, a variation on theme with subtle undertones of coffee beans and a rich caramel color. Both are warming, but not too strong, full bodied yet not syrupy, and slightly sweet.

Sambuca was popular at the show and Izzi's offerings were my favorite. I definitely plan on adding a bottle to my liquor collection. How about you? Have you tried Sambuca?

Happy Hour: Anise
Drinks

Happy Hour: Anise

When I lived in Spain one of my favorite afternoon treats was a glass of liquor called anise.
by partysugar


When I lived in Spain one of my favorite afternoon treats was a glass of liquor called anise. It's a warming liquor that they regularly drink in southern Spain during the winter to warm the body. The liquid is sipped from a shot glass or poured over 1-2 ice cubes and served in a small brandy glass. It's milky looking with a translucent blue sheen. If you want to try this happy hour liquor out, I recommend purchasing a bottle of Marie Brizzard Anise.

For those of you that want to know more: Anise is a flowering plant native to the eastern Mediterranean region and southwest Asia. It's the dominant ingredient in absinthe, is used in root beer, and has the flavor of black licorice. It has also been used as a breath sweetener, a digestive aid and is widely employed for its intense and pleasing aroma in the production of liqueurs, just like the one I'm suggesting for today's happy hour.