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Have You Ever Pretended a Dish Was Vegetarian?

partysugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:15:16 -0800

The majority of you have never taken ownership of a store-bought dish (which frankly, I found surprising!), and now I want to know if you've ever served a vegetarian a dish that wasn't totally meatless?

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Do You Ever Pretend to Make Something That's Store Bought?

YumSugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 12:30:40 -0700

A friend recently admitted that she'd faked making something that was actually store bought. This prompted a discussion (and confession session) about the times we've taken credit for a dish that we actually didn't make. For the most part, everyone admitted that they'd "faked it" at some point or another - even myself!

Admit the truth (I won't tell!): Have you ever "faked" making something?

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Do You Fake It Instead of Make It?

YumSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:43:18 -0700

Are you someone who prefers to fake it, not make it? Perhaps you even fancy yourself a budding Sandra Lee? If so, then I just heard about a contest you must enter. Real Simple magazine is hosting their first Fake It, Don't Make It recipe contest and they need your entries! If you've got a great super-simple recipe up your sleeve then submit it and you could win!

The catch is that your recipe "must use some premade, store-bought ingredients and go from package to plate in minimal time." My mom has an excellent fake it don't make it doughnut recipe that she'll have to enter, and I am really excited to see what everyone else contributes. How about you? What will you enter in the contest?

Alton Brown Opens Up

partysugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:15:25 -0700

This weekend I was lucky enough to attend Alton Brown's demonstration at the NYC Wine and Food Festival. The demo was a part of a Kidz Kitchen series, so the studio was packed with aspiring young cooks.

In person, Brown - who's a bit weary-looking with longer, shaggy hair - is comical, scientific, and jokingly insulting. Watching a chef cook live is an interesting experience, especially when they answer the audience members' questions.

To get up close and personal with Alton Brown and find out what he had to say, read more.

His advice for wannabe chefs: Invest in a pair of good shoes and have a family of wealth. Chefs are on their feet all day and don't make much money for their grueling effort.

Favorite Good Eats episode: Not surprisingly, it's an episode that has yet to air. Brown promoted his show, which recently shot its 200th episode and encouraged the audience to check out the upcoming Halloween special. The episode has a Sweeney Todd theme and looks at meat pies. It was Brown's favorite to shoot because he taped the entire show with a fake British accent.How his life changed after being on the Food Network: He upgraded his level of personal hygiene. For example, he no longer picks his nose while driving. He's afraid someone will catch him doing it and take a picture!

His favorite thing to make: "What I'm about to make!"

What's next for the Feasting series? While no finalized plans have been determined, Brown says they are considering doing either train or air travel (Brown is a pilot) for the next season of Feasting.

Does he consider himself a scientist?: No he doesn't. Brown thinks of himself as a science buff, but he doesn't wear a white coat or work in a laboratory.

What do you think of Alton Brown? Have you ever been to one of his demonstrations?

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Let's Dish: Hell's Kitchen 4.7

partysugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:15:00 -0700

Wasn't last night's episode of Hell's Kitchen surprisingly entertaining in a good way? The wannabe chefs were challenged to a blind palette test where they had to identify certain ingredients based on taste alone. Working with the girl's team, Matt finally felt at ease and relaxed into his role as line cook in Hell's Kitchen. To chat about this and everything else that happened, read more.

If you were a member of the red team, how would you feel if a male joined your all female group?
Didn't Matt look hysterical in his bath robe at the patio spa?
Was Jen being too sensitive after Ramsay yelled at her?
Is it hard for you to work as a team?
Is anyone else starting to think that Rosann can NOT cook?
Were you shocked when Petrozza put himself up for elimination?
Which girl should become a member of the boys team?

Here are my top three Gordon Ramsay quotes:

On Bobby's role in the kitchen: You cant just keep looking after yourself. You have to f***ing talk. Unbelievable. Hurry up Louross!
To Ben: You are so f***ing sad. Every time i ask you something you give me the limped answer. You are one of the most f***ing saddest people in my kitchen. What is this Dr. Phil?
On Christina's reaction to his compliment: F*** the thank you! Just concentrate we still have 20 left to go. Don't start peeing in your knickers!

Besides Ramsay, the contestants had some hilarious one liners. Can you guess who said these things?

On Ramsay using fake meat to make the classic taste test dishes: He must have got it from a damn good vegetarian store.
On the fake meat in the beef stew: For a second there I thought it was cat because it was really stringy.
On Ramsay changed behavior: Now, I guess he is on his period today.
On his role in the kitchen: Usually I have people cleaning up after me

Photos courtesy of Fox.

What's Yummy This Week: YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 23:45:13 -0700

This week we went on a virtual camping trip and provided you with lots of tips including how to pack your food for a camping trip, a simple easy dessert idea and why wine in a box is a great idea.
The magical Magic Shell chocolate will help you create your own It's It ice cream sandwiches.
Do you prefer peaches or nectarines?

Would you be able to eat this adorable Hello Kitty Bento Box?
Can you name this dish?
We got to see a re-match in the great Top Chef Restaurant War of 2007. You may know who won and lost, but were you really paying attention?
Check out who's sporting milk mustaches now!
If life gives you apples, make caramel apple bars.
Want to invest in a basket for fruit picking or farmer's marketing? You'll find some great ideas in these basket finds.

Is it just me, or is it getting haute in here? Don't miss these girly haute couture aprons.
Would you pay $2100 for a ham?
Do you prefer faking it over making it? If so then be sure to enter your best submission into the Real SImple Fake it, Don't Make It recipe contest.
Finally, if you're not reading enough about food here, be sure to check out our latest summer reading choices.

What Would You Do For a Klondike Bar?

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 03:08:31 -0800

No one seems to know why, but today is International Polar Bear Day. When I heard that, the first thing I thought of - okay well second, the first thing was Lost - was Klondike Bars. For decades, folks have been enjoying the foil wrapped, polar bear endorsed Klondike Bar. After all, what's not to love about a square of vanilla ice cream en-robed in a chocolate flavored coating?

I don't know if the advertising campaign is still in rotation, but when I was growing up the jingle asked, "What would you do for a Klondike Bar?" While searching YouTube I found some silly parodies of people making their own Klondike bar ads. You can check them out after the jump, and make sure to tell us what you would do for a Klondike bar.

To check out the videos, read more.

Real Commercial

Just One of Many Fake Commercials

And if this isn't enough for you, just search "Klondike Bar" on YouTube, there are surprisingly a ton of homemade videos.

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What's Yummy This Week - YumSugar Weekly Recap

YumSugar — Sat, 19 May 2007 07:58:32 -0700

Need to whip up some simple appetizers? Try out our super simple roasted garlic and dates stuffed with goat cheese.
Stressed about germs? Learn how you can get your kitchen sponges 99.9999% bacteria free.
For those of you that read food labels, you may be interested to hear that there is now such a thing as a healthy vending machine.
If you live near a Stop & Shop or Giant Food store, be sure to get your free ice cream today. Speaking of ice cream, Baskin Robbins was slapped with a consumer lawsuit for underpacking their pints.

This week we gave you everything you need in order to plan the perfect bachelorette party, including risque drinks and homemade or store bought invites.
Not interested in a bachelorette party? How about a simple bridal shower instead?
It's official, Gordon Ramsay is everywhere - several books, three television shows, and now a movie deal. The folks at PETA don't seem too happy about it.
Don't be afraid to take a chance, elegant madeleines look difficult, but even self-professed non-bakers can handle it.
If madeleines aren't your thing, why don't you try a coconut cream cake or a too easy to be true berry dessert?

Learn how to pick the perfect cherries, fix wilted lettuce, and what to do when you make too much sauce.
Can you taste the difference bewteen Diet 7Up and other lemonlime sodas? How about the difference between real and "fake" soy sauce?
Is Wendy's really the best fast-food restaurant? A new Zagat/Today Show survey thinks so.
And finally, we want to know:
- Do you share your food?
- What foods do you eat to keep things hot in the bedroom?
- Have you ever swallowed your gum?

Find the Perfect Wedding Cake - Part 2

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 06:58:31 -0700

Once you have your cake design planned and your flavors picked out, it's now time to figure out different costs. Cakes are usually priced by the slice. Will the cake be large enough to feed your guests, or will you need to purchase another sheet cake to serve? Would it be cheaper for you to have a smaller cake and a larger sheet cake? Some even offer a fake cake (with real top tier) and a sheet cake in order to cut the costs. Also, what about the flavor/filling combos - you might love the fresh mixed berries, but if you're on a budget, replacing them with something else might be a good idea.

If you're going for floral decorations, make sure the baker is supplying them all, and if so, do you have a better connection that can get them at a better price? (Now's when I should also add, make sure the flowers you use are edible).

Don't overlook things like cake stands, cutters, toppers, either. Find out if they come with the cake (a cake always looks so much prettier on a cake stand), or if they require a deposit.

To read the last few tips, read more

Be sure to find out how busy the bakery is and how much time/attention they give to each cake. If they have a small staff and have several cakes needed for your wedding day, ask how they plan on pulling it off. Also, find out how far in advance the cake is prepared. The cake portion can be made up to a week in advance, but the icing shouldn't be more than a day or two.

One really important, and sometimes overlooked, fee is the delivery charge. Is there one? Does the place even deliver or will you have to pick it up (which to me, sounds like a recipe for disaster). Does a decorator accompany the cake delivery, or do they use a service. The ideal situation is one where a cake decorator accompanies the cake, this way if something slips during transportation, they'll be able to make any necessary repairs. Is it delivered whole or placed together on spot? Will the company travel to your location, or is it out of their delivery range? If they will, is it going to cost extra? Be sure to figure this stuff out, so that there are no "hidden" costs later.

Finally, have fun, be unique and be yourself - but don't skimp out, make sure it lives up to your expectations. As cake designer Edith Meyer (who created the two very different cakes shown here, and the one from yesterday) states, "Remember, it's the last thing your guests are going to remember from the reception, and it should be as special as the rest of your day."

Be sure to check out part one of how to find the perfect wedding cake!

Do you have any great tips on what to ask when choosing a cake designer? Or how about any great cake-tasting tales? Let us know below!

Come Party With Me: Red and Green Themed White Elephant

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 00:08:15 -0800

When I was little, my parents always threw a White Elephant Christmas party. I ran around in my Clara (from the Nutcracker) pajamas and watched quietly as everyone fought over the best gifts. The most memorable parties were the ones when my dad would let me pick his gift. Now that I'm all grown up I'm planning my own version of a White Elephant party with a red and green theme. Not only am I asking guests to bring a wrapped gift, I'm asking them to come dressed in red, green or a combination of both colors. To carry the theme throughout the party, I'm only making red and green food. Wanna host this party too? read more

Definition: For anyone who doesn't know exactly how a White Elephant works, here's a quick definition: a White Elephant is a type of gift exchange in which each guest is asked to bring an anonymous wrapped gift. During the party guests draw numbers to reveal the order in which they select the gifts. The person assigned with #1 picks, unwraps, and displays a gift. Next the person assigned with #2 has the choice to either steal #1's gift (#1 then must select and unwrap a gift from the pile) or open a wrapped gift. For each subsequent number, players can choose between any of the opened gifts or any of the unopened gifts. Read more on how to host a white elephant.

Invites: I am going to create an elephant stencil using the picture of this elephant (I will remove the elephant's tusks because I want a friendly elephant). Next I will cut out elephant shapes on white card stock to create an elephant shaped invite that will fit in a regular 5x7 card envelope. To make him festive you decorate with red and green glitter, sequins, ribbon, shiny paper, and thread. I'm going to give mine a necklace of red and green sequins with red and green thread. I'll make sure to put sequins on both sides of the card, then leave one side blank and put the party information on the other. At the bottom of the invite I'll write, Red and Green Attire Requested, to let guests know I want them to come dressed in bright reds and merry greens. I'll send the invites in red or green envelopes written in contrasting green and red ink.

Menu: Although you may think I'm crazy to create a whole menu with only red and green ingredients it's actually a lot easier than you realize. Tons of foods are red and green. Make three little appetizers for people to nibble on while unwrapping gifts. The first is bruschetta: the red ingredient: tomatoes, the green ingredient: basil. The second is an Italian quesadilla with roasted red peppers. The recipe calls for regular white tortillas but to get a green ingredient I'll substitute green spinach tortillas. The third and final appetizer will be meatballs in a red sauce served with green toothpicks. Put out bowls of red cherry tomatoes and green olives for guests to snack on. Red velvet cupcakes with green frosting (tinted with food coloring) and bowls of red and green M&M's round out the food. Note: Don't arrange all the food on one table, spread it around the room to create a flow for the party that promotes mingling.

Decorations: Red and green everywhere! Red and green candles, plates, napkins and tablecloths. See if you can get a few bouquets of fresh poinsettias-if not, use the fake and sparkly kind to add a super Christmasy feel. Designate a spot for guests to place their presents when they arrive. Write out the number of guests on green paper and place in a Santa hat. Place chairs together to form clusters for guests to sit on during the White Elephant.

Music: Create a red and green play list with a compilation of old and new CDs by Red Hot Chile Peppers, Green Day, or Al Green. Toss in a few Christmas classics like Green Christmas and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

Drinks: Serve Heineken or Heineken Light for green and red wine for red. For a red cocktail make a red apple martini (recipe below), for a green cocktail shake up dead grasshoppers, and for a nonalcoholic option serve Shirley Temples (Sprite with grenadine).

Red Apple Martini
From Instyle (December 2003) magazine

1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 cup finely crushed candy canes
5 cups vodka
5 cups sour-apple schnapps
7 cups apple juice

Dip martini-glass rims into a bowl of fresh lemon juice, then into a dish of finely crushed candy canes.

Mix vodka, sour-apple schnapps, and apple juice; chill several hours until start of party.

When ready to serve, mix in ice-filled shaker. Pour into glasses; garnish with apple slices.

Serves 20.