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Persimmon Bread Is a Generous Gift

YumSugar — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:00:51 -0800

Last weekend, I had an abundance of persimmons and decided I would make something for a friend who helped me organize an event. Luckily, I came across an enticing recipe for dessert bread made with persimmons, brandy, walnuts, and dates.

Because the recipe yields a huge batch, I altered it to make some muffins as well. The simple modification was as easy as pouring batter into muffin tins and baking for a shorter period of time. In one hour, I had muffins for the next week's breakfast, as well as a nutty dessert for my friend. To see how I did it all,

Can You Dunk This Doughnut Quiz?

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:30:08 -0800

In case it wasn't already on your radar, today isn't just the day after the most monumental election in history. It also happens to be Doughnut Day!

There are more fried breakfast pastries than one can keep up with these days. Between crullers, comfits, fritters, bear claws, and old fashioneds, it sure is hard to keep those doughnuts straight. Think you can do it? There's only one way to find out!

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Reader Recipe: Pumpkin Bread

YumSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:00:57 -0800

Another one of my latest Fall dessert obsessions I found while browsing the Kitchen Goddess group on TeamSugar. By looking at the photo, I can practically taste the moist texture of the cake! But my favorite part? The recipe source is wren's ex-boyfriend's brother. Who said exes aren't good for anything?

To make this bread, which would be delicious for breakfast, dessert, or as a gift for a friend,

Diet Tip: Mix Your Cereals

FitSugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0700

I'm a fan of cereal for breakfast because it's quick, inexpensive, and a great way to add whole grains to my diet. The combination of the good carbs and fiber from the cereal, plus the calcium and protein from the milk make it a healthy breakfast choice. If you look at the nutritional info of cereals, they're all so different. Some are high in fiber but low on flavor. Some are high in protein but high in calories. So I like to mix my cereals to reap the benefits of them all.

Don't just eyeball your cereal parfait because you'll most likely end up with a 500-calorie bowl of breakfast. I take a measuring cup and mix three to five different cereals in it. Choose from cereals that contain at least three grams of fiber and three grams of protein per serving. Each cereal should be around 100 to 200 calories per serving and contain no more than 15 grams of sugar. You'll end up with a custom-made cereal that has a variety of textures and tastes, and it will also be full of fiber and protein.

Reader Recipe: Apple Butter

YumSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:00:49 -0700

Browsing TeamSugar the other day, I was absolutely taken by a Fall recipe. This apple butter was created by Kitchen Goddess founder, Twinkle, when she wasn't able to locate any apple butter in her adopted homeland, Finland. Since she is a domestic divinity, she took matters into her own hands and came up with an original recipe. I can't get enough of apples, and making apple butter (which doesn't actually include any butter) is the perfect way to use up a surplus of the fruit. Plus, it's a healthy spread alternative to jams and jellies. To get her delicious recipe,

Alton Brown's Tips For Perfect Pancakes

partysugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:15:42 -0700

At his Kidz Kitchen demonstration at the NYC Wine and Food Festival, Alton Brown not only answered audience members questions, but he taught the eager crowd how to make a kid-friendly dish, a pancake cake with a slime-like avocado frosting. Here are his tips for making the most delicious pancakes:

Always weigh out the dry ingredients. It's especially important to weigh out the flour which can become very compact.
For the best batter consistency, use both all-purpose and cake flours.
If using baking soda include an acidic ingredient in the wet mixture. Brown likes buttermilk.
To create your own pancake mix, measure several batches of the dry ingredients. Keep stored in air-tight container. Shake to combine before using the pancake mix.
Don't overbeat. The batter should be lumpy.
Be patient! When bubbles form around the edges of the cake and the center looks firm and set, carefully pick up with a spatula and flip over.

Did Alton Brown forget something? What's your technique for making the best pancakes?

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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:00:09 -0700

After a rich, savory brunch have the young mother open up her gifts. While guests shower the lady of honor with baby toys, set up a small Belgian waffle bar. Place the batter in a pretty pitcher and plug in several waffle irons. Stack plates and arrange toppings — chocolate sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, etc. — buffet style near the waffle irons. Once all the presents have been opened, invite everyone to Belgian waffles. For a more diverse spread, purchase dainty pastries from your favorite bakery. To see the waffle recipe I'll be using for Denise's baby shower,

Banana Nut Bread Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:00:22 -0700

Growing up, dessert nut breads were family favorites, and at a young age I discovered that these loaves make great gifts for many occasions. With the first recipe below, you don't have to worry about spending hours in the kitchen to make a delicious, pretty treat for yourself or someone else. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous (and patient), you can opt for a recipe that starts from scratch. To see both,

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 16:15:04 -0700

The dish pictured below is not on my baby shower brunch menu, but it definitely would be a scrumptious addition. Do you know what it's called?

Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:00:09 -0700

When hosting a baby shower, be sure to consult the mother-to-be before selecting a menu. Her appetite may have changed, so ask her what she wants to enjoy at the party. My pal Denise has requested a delicious spread of savory brunch dishes. Thus the menu will consist of a crisp breakfast pizza made with hash browns and two types of cheese, home fries with peppers and onions, and crunchy slices of fried bacon. The pizza recipe calls for sausage, but I'll make a couple pork-less pies for the vegetarians in attendance.

Supplement the homemade items with easy, grocery store additions. Fresh fruit, plain yogurt, and an assortment of breads are delightful finishing touches. To experiment with these mouth-watering breakfast recipes,