Featured
Asides
Thanksgiving Tip: Have Extra Place Settings Ready
Besides setting the table early — a couple of days before Thanksgiving — I also put aside several extra place settings. I'll stack two to three plates, chargers, napkins, and utensils in a hidden spot in the dining room.
My Thanksgiving is a "the more, the merrier" type of event, so if someone shows up with an unexpected friend or family member, all I have to do is grab the extra place setting that's ready and add another chair to the table.
Veggie Flower Arrangement Is a Cool Centerpiece — and Snack
As a parting present to a friend, Sugar staffer (and OnSugar manager!) sabs creatively crafted a floral arrangement — made entirely out of fresh, edible vegetables! The result was a stunning centerpiece that, like a flower cake, would be a thoughtful (and edible!) gift for someone who avoids sugar.
I loved the idea so much that I had to ask sabs how she did it.
Empanadas Two Ways — Beginner and Expert
With so many Summer activities going on, I've been looking for more delectables to fit my on-the-go lifestyle. My new favorite snack is empanadas. The savory delicacies are not only perfect for portable snacking, but they're an easy way to use up leftover ingredients, and double as an appetizer for impromptu gatherings.
Come Party With Me: My Birthday Party — Invite
Well folks, it's time for me to plan my favorite event of the year — my birthday party! Since I threw a blow-out bash at a bar for 27 and a big picnic at an oyster farm for 27.5, I've decided that, for 28, things should be more subdued. Thus, I'm hosting an intimate dinner party for me and my 20 closest friends.
Do You Know What's Cooking This Week?
For a slow-paced Summer month, this week sure was filled with news: Top Chef Masters wrapped, Sin City got a brand-new season of TC, and, after five years as the New York Times food critic, Frank Bruni officially pushed his plate aside.
Were you around for all the week's brouhaha? You'll know when you take our quiz.
Slippage Aside Bailey's Chocolate Layer Cake Is Divine
My half birthday was last Friday, and to celebrate I made myself a decadent chocolate layer cake. The recipe was something I personally devised by combining several different cake, pudding, and frosting recipes. The Bailey's pudding was an excellent consistency for the inside of a cake and the intense creamy flavor intense and insanely delightful.
Happy Hour: Gordon's Cup
I am always tempted by cocktails with cucumber in them but often disappointed. Aside from the classically refreshing Pimm's Cup, the cucumber-based recipes I've tried have either been too sweet, not sweet enough, or way too much trouble.
The Gordon's Cup, however, made me giddy, and it wasn't just the 1/4 cup of gin.
Guess Who Was in Aspen?
Aside from the entertaining seminars and enticing offerings at the Grand Tasting, one of the coolest things about the Food & Wine Classic is the fact that you're constantly running into celebrity chefs. Last year, we spotted Padma Lakshmi and got chatty with Rocco Dispirito; this year had its share of celeb chef sightings as well. Just about everybody in the culinary world — from Alex Guarnaschelli to David Chang — was in town.
Party Foul: Not Greeting Your Guests
At female-centric events like baby showers or bachelorette parties, it's easy for cliques to form and cattiness to flourish. Recently, my sister attended a bridal shower where the majority of guests went to the same high school. However some girls, despite knowing my sister, were cold and unfriendly.
Saving the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake
It's de rigueur for newlyweds to save the top tier of their wedding cake to enjoy on the first anniversary. The idea behind this tradition, which dates back as far as the late 19th century, is for couples to savor the cake once again — as well as the memories of the big day and the first year of marriage.
Enjoying a well-preserved piece of wedding cake should be a pleasant reminder of your big day, so make sure it isn't ruined by a dry, smelly cake wrought with freezer burn.
More on YumSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Robert Clergerie
McQ by Alexander McQueen
British Knights