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Would You Eat This Insect Sushi?

YumSugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 16:15:33 -0700

Earlier today we tested your knowledge of sushi sustainability. Here's another sushi-related question for you.

I've asked several times whether you'd be open to the idea of eating insects, and quite a few of you have responded with a resounding yes. Still, I have to raise the question when it comes to these pictures of insect sushi. Would you go as far as to eat insect sushi?

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Would You Eat Bugs?

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 00:01:19 -0700

Out of all of my friends, I'm probably the one who will eat anything once, actually make that twice (I always have to make sure my first opinion was right). Anyways, I ran across this list of 32 Edible Insect Foods You Can Buy Online and had to question whether or not I would eat these. Okay, who am I kidding, that questioning lasted about 3 seconds, of course I would try them. There are a few on the list that I want to try (Tom Yum Flavored Bamboo Worms anyone?).

Admitting that makes me wonder if this is some kind of new low? I'm almost embarrassed by myself, first I admit I've never eaten at any of the top 50 restaurants in the world and then I say I'd be willing to try all of these bugs. I should also mention that me trying all 32 of these edible bugs is probably more likely than me eating at 32 of those restaurants. But I digress...

The edible bug list includes a few extraordinary things like Roasted Pregnant Crickets and Extra Hot Crushed Giant Bug Paste (both of which can be found online at Thailand Unique), as well as a few more "tame" items such as Giant Toasted Ants (which apparently taste something like bacon) and Chocolate Covered Scorpions, or Scorpion Amber Candy. You can check out the whole list at Senselist.

What do you guys think, would you try any of these?

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13 Freaky Foods for Freaky Friday

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 16:09:19 -0700

In honor of Freaky Friday (today's Friday the 13th!), I thought I'd pull together a list of 13 freaky foods. Even if you don't have Triskaidekaphobia (the fear of 13), you may be afraid of some of the things on this list. I know that there are a bunch of other freaky things out there (how about almost anything Anthony Bourdain eats on his show?), so if you think something's missing, tell us in the comments!

#13 - Bubble Tea
I personally love this stuff, however I've known quite a few folks that are freaked out by the tapioca inside of the tea. Come to think of it, I know a lot of people that are freaked out by tapioca in general...

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#12 - Pimento Loaf
Processed meats are a bit freaky to begin with, but Pimento Loaf really creeps me out. Finely chopped pork and beef supplemented with pickles and pimentos? No thanks.

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#11 - Harry Potter Bertie Bott's Jelly Beans
I know these are just meant as a novelty item, but seriously Vomit flavored Jelly Beans that actually taste like vomit? No thanks...

#10 - Squid Ink Pasta
I don't have a problem with this lovely pasta dyed with squid ink. However some folks find eating black pasta to be just a bit too freaky...

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#9 - Edible Bugs
I've had a few of these, and while some of them are actually interesting to try, I just can't seem to get past the idea that they're still creepy, crawly bugs.

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#8 - Scrapple
I've actually never had (or even heard of) scrapple, however quite a few folks were quick to add it to their freaky food list. Based on the definition, I can see why it makes the list. What's not freaky about a loaf of savory mush from cornmeal, flour and pork scraps?

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#7 - Chou dofu - aka Stinky Tofu
This super popular Asian snack is one of the worst things I have ever smelled. Stinky Tofu is a fermented tofu dish that is very... um, fragrant. Some folks say it smells like stinky feet, baby poo or worse (use your imagination). Personally I don't get it (my mom has forced it on us several times a year), it's not tasty enough to get past the smell.

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For the rest of our freaky food list, read more

#6 - Sweetbread
I'm actually a fan of sweetbreads, but many folks can't wrap their heads around the fact that they're eating innards. My biggest problem is actually the name.

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#5 - Pickled Pigs Feet
The little piggy feet are salted and smoked like bacon and ham, but then are placed in a jar of hot brine and preserved for months. I don't know about you, but I just have a problem with eating feet.

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#4- Chicken Feet
As I mentioned above, I have a problem with feet. This time it's a delicacy that is usually served in dim sum. Chicken feet are usually deep fried then boiled and marinated in a black bean sauce. However there are a ton of little bones. It's gross to look at and quite frankly, just not worth the effort.

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#3 - Sea Urchin - aka Uni
When I asked the folks in the Sugar HQ to name a freaky food, 5 of them said Sea Urchin. Uni is served in many sushi restaurants and is actually the gonads of the sea urchin. It has a creamy texture and a yellow/orange hue. It's a bit like a firm custard, but I sort of think that it's like biting down on a squishy tongue.

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#2 - Black Pudding aka Blood Pudding/Sausage
Anything with the word "blood" in it deserves to be on the freaky list. Blood pudding - which actually has very little to do with pudding and a lot to do with blood - is a sausage made by cooking animal blood with a filler until it is thick enough to congeal.

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#1 - Balut

I love poultry and I love eggs, so I should love balut, right? I live by the "try anything once" motto, but even I might have a hard time chowing down on a boiled almost whole baby duck stuck inside of an egg.

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Reader Recipe: Fright Night Cake

partysugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 06:15:01 -0700

I always find fabulous ideas while reading your recipes over on TeamSugar, but the other day something unexpected happened. I was completely and totally blown away by sarahkushner's Halloween-themed cake, which she created for a recent event.

Yes folks, that masterpiece is edible, and she made it all in the comfort of her own kitchen! Sarah's contemplating opening her own bakery, and I think it's safe to say she is well on her way! To find out how she did it or congratulate her for making such an artistic cake, read more

Fright Night-Night of the Living Dead Cake and Cupcake Display
Recipe submitted by reader sarahkushner

12 dozen cupcakes (only a few were displayed, the rest were given out at the bar)...
1 cake, three layers...
1 rice krispie zombie hand...
a bunch of little sugar skull faces...
decorated cake stand...
a lot of little plastic hand cupcake toppers...
plastic bugs...
a logo-ized cookie...
moss...
mist...
And a whole lot of fun.

I'm feeling pretty accomplished; it looks like my sketch. I didn't get a lot of sleep, but I was having fun. I'm really tired now... I'm going back to bed...

College Cooking 101

partysugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:17:07 -0700

If you've just left the comforting confines of your parents' house for college life, or life beyond college, you may be wondering what on earth you are going to eat. Don't panic, I've put together a bunch of tips that will ease you into the wonderful world of dorm style cooking. As most dormitories ban ovens of any sort, the George Foreman Grill and the microwave will be your most coveted companions followed closely by the mini fridge. Depending on the dorm's regulations you may also acquire a blender, rice cooker, or hot plate. To see my helpful hints on creating edible meals with these gadgets, read more

Get creative! When opened fully, many of the George Foreman grills can work as a griddle for frying eggs and other tasty proteins.
Learn how to correctly use the microwave and stick to it. Use microwave-safe dishes and don't overcook ingredients. Hot dogs and eggs can turn into a messy mistake if left in the microwave for too long.

When dealing with pre-made meals, follow the microwave directions found on the box.
Don't overcrowd your dorm room with pointless gadgets and little used ingredients. Keep things simple with salt and pepper shakers, bottle opener, can opener, knives, utensils and a set of plates, bowls, and glasses.
Don't like food from a can? Check out your local supermarket aisles. Safeway makes an excellent selection of Signature soups that stay up to three weeks in the fridge.
Be respectful of your roommates. NEVER make anything with an extreme smell like fish or broccoli.

Maintain a high level of cleanliness. Wash utensils and serveware after using and take out the garbage often. You don't want to attract bugs, rodents, or animals.
Know where the fire extinguisher is located in case of an emergency.
Keep dishes simple, the fewer ingredients you use, the easier they will be to put together. Check out Chow's collection of dorm room recipes for more ideas and inspirations.

Did you cook in your college dorm room? Share your secrets, successes, and blunders with us below!

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