Featured
Easy Entertaining
Sugar Editorial Picks
Top 10 Tips For Easy Entertaining
While I'm constantly providing you with tons of fabulous party plans and innovative entertaining ideas, to host a successful and memorable event — at any time and any place — you really need to remember these top 10 important tips. Besides these simple basics, the key to any party's success is to have fun! It's a party after all!
Discover Your Napastyle With Michael Chiarello
Last Thursday evening, YumSugar and I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with one of my favorite Food Network chefs and the creator of Napastyle, Michael Chiarello. Michael specializes in homey Italian influenced Northern California cuisine and has been the host of many television shows including Season by Season on PBS, Easy Entertaining on FN, and Napastyle on Fine Living. I love Michael for his friendly, easy going approach toward food and his fresh, delicious, recipes.
Other Search Results
Killer App: Savory Pumpkin Puffs
With it's flaky, crispy, and buttery layers, I never tire of puff pastry in a savory appetizer preparation. I always make sure my freezer is stocked with the easy-to-manage dough because it's ideal for impromptu entertaining. Roll it with some herbs and prosciutto and you've got pinwheels.
Must Read: Sips & Apps
Thanks to shows like Mad Men, it's clear that the ritual of the cocktail hour — a time in the late afternoon where potent drinks are sipped and savory snacks are nibbled — is poised to make a comeback. A recent book, Sips & Apps ($19.95) by Kathy Casey, further promotes the idea by providing happy homemakers with a plethora of modern and classic cocktails, and a handful of incredibly tasty-sounding bar snacks. To learn more about this bartending guide keep reading.
Must-Read: BBQ Bash
Last year I received a copy of BBQ Bash: The Be-All, End-All Party Guide, from Barefoot to Black Tie ($16.95) by Karen Adler and Judith Fertig. I quickly flipped through the pages, but since it was October, I stored it on the book shelf.
Then two weeks ago I was sitting on my couch, looked up, and swore BBQ Bash jumped out at me.
Celebrate Spring With Asparagus and Shrimp Pasta
With the farmers market now overflowing with verdant vegetables, it's easy for me to drop a pretty penny on produce like Spring onions and English peas.
Case in point: the other day, I bought just a little too much asparagus, reasoning I'd figure out a way to prepare it that would highlight its freshness.
Later that day, I emerged with a casual linguine toss with shrimp, asparagus, and basil that's perfect for every occasion, from a romantic meal to entertaining a dinner party crowd.
YumSugar Gift Guide: The Celebrity Chef Groupie
Their TiVos are filled with old episodes of Emeril Live and Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello. Their kitchen is cluttered with chef-branded tools and while in Vegas, they insist that you eat at Mesa Grill, Delmonico, and Spago. Who am I talking about?
'Wich of the Week: The Ex-Boyfriend at Ike's Place
I love Ike's Place so much that I could start a 'Wich of the Week spinoff devoted solely to sandwiches from Ike's. I was hesitant to write about my new favorite sandwich place in San Francisco, since the lines are long enough already. But keeping the enormous, palate-entertaining creations to myself wouldn't be in the spirit of sandwich love.
Meet Tony Abou-Ganim, the Modern Mixologist!
One of my favorite seminars at the Food and Wine Classic was Tony Abou-Ganim's party punches and sangria class. A pioneer in the world of classic cocktail making, Ganim is known for establishing cocktail programs at prestigious bars in San Francisco, New York, and most recently Las Vegas. Referred to as the Modern Mixologist, Tony takes a culinary approach to cocktails and considers himself a "bar chef."
Off to Market Recap: Ice Bucket
An ice bucket is essential to any home bar. Since I'm trying to make my bar perfectly party ready, I've decided to invest in one. You helped me by heading off to market in search of a functional yet stylish ice bucket.
More on YumSugar
Holiday
Top Brands
Princesse Tam-Tam
L'Wren Scott
Oliver Bonas