I recently hit up a trendy restaurant for brunch, where I found myself feasting on crusty bread topped with macerated raspberries and mascarpone cheese. The dish was chock-full of peak season sweetness, but I couldn't help but think that, at an overpriced $9, it'd be better off made at home. So, with that inspiration in mind, I took to my market and picked up a bounty of end-of-season apricots Read more

This Summer, I'm all about apricots. Normally I eat more plums than apricots, but after tasting the best apricot of my life, I can't stop eating them! The soft, sweet fruit is ideal for enjoying out of hand, but it's also wonderful in dessert preparations like this easy tart. It's a no-bake tart with a pistachio-shortbread crust and honey custard. Although this tart is simple to make, the custard Read more

Have you cooked, eaten, or seen something amazing recently? Then share it with us! I hosted an impromptu girls' night where I made baked goat cheese, and I uploaded a picture to the community so I could share it with you. Want to be featured on YumSugar? You should do the same! We've got a group called Savory Sights, where you can upload mouthwatering images of foods and drinks you've made, Read more

Right now, farmers markets everywhere are heralding the arrival of apricot season, which comes just as warm-weather festivities start to light up, but before the sun and temperatures become unrelenting. At the height of their heyday, these fuzzy orange stone fruits are juicy with an intoxicating floral aroma that simply can't be replicated. But keep in mind that they're only around from May to Read more

When hosting a holiday cocktail party, be it a tree-trimming or an ugly sweater celebration, don't forget about dessert. Your guests are going to want something sweet to nibble on. Select a treat that's special but can be made in advance and supplement with store bought truffles or chocolate gelt. For Hanukkah, I recommend this orange cake with apricot glaze. It takes advantage of the flavors of Read more

I'm never happier than when I discover a good sale at the meat counter, and on a really generous week, my grocer offers two-for-one deals on a healthy and quick-cooking cut, pork tenderloin. I'll buy two, but diversify my plate by making a hearty pork, apple, and squash meal one night, then digging in to a completely different pork meal the following evening. Tonight, utilize leftover pork by Read more

While some people host a crazy weekend in Vegas and others opt for an activity-based bachelorette party featuring belly dancing, my friend Melissa is doing a low-key weekend in Calistoga to say goodbye to her singledom. Her maid of honor has rented a beautiful house with a grill and garden, and she's planned a weekend of sunbathing and wine tasting. On Friday night when we arrive, instead of Read more

Spotting flawless asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries in markets this month is exciting enough to want to shout "Spring's here!" from the rooftops. Instead, celebrate the season by highlighting peak produce in an unexpected way: as the star ingredient of a delicate baked tart. Envelop ripe apricots in a simple pie crust to make a free-form dessert. Or, if you're looking for a savory main, top Read more

While most people automatically think of baklava when they hear the words "Greek" and "dessert," I want to surprise my girlfriends with something unexpected. The Greek dinner takes place after a day of wine tasting, so a make-ahead sweet treat, like Greek yogurt panna cotta, is ideal. A couple of years ago at our annual girls' getaway, I passed out before finishing cooking dessert, and this is a Read more