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Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:15:51 -0800

When creating a beautiful buffet for your Oscars viewing party, don't skimp on dessert! The stars will be devouring shortbread and chocolate truffles at the Governors Ball, so take a cue from Sherry Yard - the event's pastry chef - and make your own variations. Cut classic, buttery shortbread into Oscar shaped cookies. Arrange store bought chocolate truffles on pretty plates next to chocolate caramel sandwich cookies. For the recipes to these bite sized decadent desserts, read more.

Shortbread Cookies
From Joy of Baking

2 cups (280 grams) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon (2 grams) salt
1 cup (2 sticks) (226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered (confectioners or icing) sugar
1 teaspoon (4 grams) pure vanilla extract

In a separate bowl whisk the flour with the salt. Set aside.
In the bowl of your electric mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter until smooth (about 1 minute). Add the sugar and beat until smooth (about 2 minutes). Beat in the vanilla extract.
Gently stir in the flour mixture just until incorporated. Flatten the dough into a disk shape, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill the dough for at least an hour.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) with the rack in the middle of the oven. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
On a lightly floured surface roll out the dough to 1/4 inch (.5 cm) thick. Cut into rounds or whatever shapes you wish using lightly floured cookie cutter.
Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and place in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This will firm up the dough so the cookies will maintain their shape when baked.
Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, or until cookies are lightly brown. Cool on rack. Shortbread with keep in an airtight container for about a week or frozen for several months.

Makes about 20 shortbread cookies.

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Chocolate Caramel Sandwich Cookies
From Food and Wine magazine

For Cookie Dough:
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg, at room temperature
1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
For Caramel Filling:
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 3/4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon light corn syrup
1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Chocolate Glaze:
12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Make the cookie dough: In a standing electric mixer fitted with the paddle, beat the butter and sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Beat in the egg.
Sift the flour, cocoa and salt into the bowl and beat at low speed until the dough comes together, 2 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 or 3 times. Flatten into 2 disks, wrap in plastic and chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 350°. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll out each disk of dough between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to a scant 1/4-inch thickness. Using a floured 1 3/4-inch round cookie cutter, stamp out as many rounds as possible; transfer to the baking sheets. Gather the scraps, reroll and stamp out as many cookies as possible.
Bake the cookies for about 20 minutes, until puffed and set, shifting the baking sheets for even baking. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets.
Meanwhile, make the caramel: Oil the bottom and sides of a 9-inch-square cake pan and line the bottom with a sheet of wax paper, long enough to reach 2 inches up 2 sides of the pan.
In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, cream, honey, corn syrup and vanilla seeds and bring to a boil. (Reserve the vanilla pod for another use.) Set a candy thermometer in the saucepan and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the temperature reaches 250°. Remove from the heat.
Remove the thermometer and stir in the butter. Pour the caramel into the prepared pan and let cool for 45 minutes.
Lift the caramel out of the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Using a 1 1/4-inch round cookie cutter, stamp out rounds of caramel and sandwich them between the cookies, pressing gently to flatten slightly. Wrap any remaining caramel bits individually in wax paper and save for another use.
Make the glaze: Melt the chocolate with the butter in a double boiler. Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Dip the cookies halfway into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip back into the pot. Set the cookies on the wax paper and refrigerate for about 20 minutes, until just set. Transfer the cookies to a plate and serve.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

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Chocolate + Coconut + Macaroon = Cookie Heaven

partysugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:42:11 -0700

Ever since I threw together the simple coconut macaroon and creme brulee ice cream sandwiches, I've been craving macaroons like a mad woman. With their crisp coconut outsides, and chewy soft centers, macaroons are my new favorite cookie. I've experimented with the original version, and now I want to give their chocolate covered cousin a taste.

Not only are these cookies a wonderful accompaniment to a mug of afternoon coffee, but they make cute Halloween gifts when packaged in clear plastic baggies and tied with bright orange ribbon. For the recipe please read more

Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
From Joy Of Baking

4 ounces (115 grams) semi sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3 large (90 grams) egg whites
1/4 cup (25 grams) cocoa powder
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups (220 grams) sweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (170 degrees C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a stainless steel bowl, over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the chocolate. Set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir in the coconut and melted chocolate, making sure the coconut is well coated. If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Place small mounds (about 1 tablespoon) of the dough on the parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing several inches apart. Bake for about 15 or until the macaroons are shiny.
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes and then place on a wire rack to cool.

Makes 20 Macaroons.

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Berries & Cream

partysugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:45:18 -0700

The owner of my local strawberry stand recently let me know that their first batch of organic blueberries were just picked. I got so excited that I headed over yesterday to pick up both the juicy red strawberries and the pop in your mouth bright blueberries. Much can be done with the berries: they can be folded into batters or pureed into sauces, however I'm in the mood to enjoy them in their pure and original state. A big bowl of berries, whatever kind you have access to, makes for the perfect light and fresh ending to a heavier meal. Drizzle a little creme anglaise over the top and you are in for one decadently simple and divine dessert. Make it tonight and enjoy the sauce all week, read more

Crème Anglaise
From Joy Of Baking

2 cups (480 ml) light cream or half and half (12 - 18% butterfat)
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (can be found specialty food stores) or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated white sugar
5 large egg yolks
4 cups assorted fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries, and boysenberries)

Have a fine medium-sized strainer and bowl ready near the stove.
In a stainless steel bowl stir together, using a wooden spoon, the sugar and yolks until well blended. (Do not let this mixture sit too long or a film will develop on the yolks.)
In a small saucepan heat the cream and vanilla bean (if using) just to the boiling point. Remove from heat and whisk a few tablespoons of the cream into the yolk mixture. Then, gradually add the remaining cream, whisking constantly.
Pour this mixture into a medium sized saucepan and, over medium heat, gently heat the mixture to just below the boiling point (170 - 175 degrees F) (77 - 80 degrees C). You will notice that steam will begin to appear and the mixture will be slightly thicker than heavy cream. Do not boil or the eggs will curdle. Check to see if it is the right consistency by holding a wooden spoon sideways that is covered with the custard and run your finger along the back of the spoon. If the streak remains without the cream running down through the streak, it is ready.
Immediately remove from the heat and pour through the strainer, scraping up any thickened cream that settles on the bottom of the pan.
Remove the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the sauce. Stir until seeds separate. For maximum flavor, return the pod to the sauce until serving time. (If you are using pure vanilla extract, instead of the vanilla bean, add it to the cream now. The crème anglaise can be refrigerated covered with plastic wrap for a couple of days.)
Divide cream and berries into four little bowls and serve.

Makes about 2 cups (480 ml).

Note: If sauce was overheated and curdling occurs, pour instantly into a blender and process until smooth before straining. If necessary, add a little heavy cream to the mixture before blending.

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Come Party With Me: Bachelorette Party - Dessert

partysugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:28:39 -0700

Having a wide assortment of snacks is a great idea for a bachelorette party not only because you have something to munch on while you mingle, gossip, and open gifts, but also so there are leftovers when you come back hungry and tired after a night of dancing and drinking. I'm planning Julie's bachelorette party (no I am not her maid of honor but who ever is should take a look at this week's party!) complete with a strip class and the usual ladies night out revelries. Some of the savory finger foods have meat and others are vegetarian friendly, but one that all the girls will be able to nibble on are the sweet bars I'll be making: a delicious chocolate caramel shortbread bar with three yummy melt in your mouth layers. Even if you aren't hosting a bachelorette party anytime soon, this is a great recipe to have in your repertoire so get reading now and read more

Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars
From Joy Of Baking

Shortbread:
3/4 cup (1 1/2 stick) (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (210 grams) all purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
Caramel filling:
1 - 14 ounce (396 grams) can Dulce de Leche or sweetened condensed milk
Chocolate topping:
6 ounces (170 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Grease with butter (or use a cooking spray) a 9 x 9 inch (23 x 23 cm) pan.
For shortbread: in the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the vanilla extract. Add the flour and salt and beat until the dough just comes together.
Press onto the bottom of your greased pan and bake for about 20 minutes, or until pale golden in color.
Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool while you make the filling.
For caramel filling: if using Dulce de Leche then simply warm the caramel in the microwave or in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
If using sweetened condensed milk, pour the milk into a heatproof bowl and place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Cover and cook, over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 45 to 60 minutes or until the milk has thickened and has turned a light caramel color. (You can also do this step in a microwave oven. Place the sweetened condensed milk in a large microwaveable bowl and cook on medium power for about 4 minutes, stirring halfway through baking time. Reduce the power to medium-low and continue to cook for another 8 to 12 minutes, or until the milk has thicken and has turned a light caramel color. Remove from microwave and beat until smooth.)
Remove from heat and beat until smooth.
Pour the caramel over the baked shortbread and leave to set.
For chocolate topping: melt the chocolate and butter either in the microwave oven or in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water.
Pour the melted chocolate evenly over the caramel and leave to set.
Cut the shortbread into pieces using a sharp knife.
Store the shortbread in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate nice and firm.

Makes 16 - 2 inch (5 cm) squares.

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What did you snack on at your bachelorette party? Share with us below!

Pavlova for Pavlova

partysugar — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 03:19:11 -0800

When I heard that today was the day famous prima ballerina Anna Pavlova, died in 1931 I thought it was high time I try and make the dessert that was named after her: the pavlova (wouldn't it just be so cool to have a dessert named after you?! The only thing better would be having a Marc Jacobs designed handbag named after you. I'll settle for either!). The history behind the dessert is full of conflict: both Australia and New Zealand claim they invented the meringue cake with fresh fruit garnish. It was named after the ballerina because she was performing in the area at the time of its initial creation. The outside of the cake is crisp meringue, the inside gooey marshmallow, and the top decadently covered with whipped cream and fresh fruit. To make the pavlova in honor of Pavlova, read more

Pavlova
From Joy of Baking

Meringue Cake:
4 large egg whites
1 cup (200 grams) superfine sugar
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch (corn flour)
Topping:
1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 tablespoons (20 grams) granulated white sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Fresh fruit - kiwi, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, passion fruit, peaches, pineapple, or other fruit of your choice

Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (130 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and draw a 7 inch (18 cm) circle on the paper.
In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until they hold soft peaks.
Start adding the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to beat until the meringue holds very stiff peaks. (Test to see if the sugar is fully dissolved by rubbing a little of the meringue between your thumb and index finger. The meringue should feel smooth, not gritty. If it feels gritty the sugar has not fully dissolved so keep beating until it feels smooth between your fingers).
Sprinkle the vinegar and cornstarch over the top of the meringue and, with a rubber spatula, fold in.
Gently spread the meringue inside the circle drawn on the parchment paper, smoothing the edges, making sure the edges of the meringue are slightly higher than the center. (You want a slight well in the center of the meringue to place the whipped cream and fruit.)
Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes or until the outside is dry and takes on a very pale cream color.
Turn the oven off, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the meringue cool completely in the oven. (The outside of the meringue will feel firm to the touch, if gently pressed, but as it cools you will get a little cracking and you will see that the inside is soft and marshmallowy.)
The cooled meringue can be made and stored in a cool dry place, in an airtight container, for a few days.
Just before serving gently place the meringue onto a serving plate. Whip the cream in your electric mixer, with the whisk attachment, until soft peaks form.
Sweeten with the sugar and vanilla and then mound the softly whipped cream into the center of the meringue.
Arrange the fruit randomly, or in a decorative pattern, on top of the cream.
Serve immediately as this dessert does not hold for more than a few hours.

Serves 6 to 8.

Make Ahead: You can make the meringue cake several days in advance. Just store in a cool dry place, in an airtight container. However, once the whipped cream and fruit are placed on the meringue, the dessert should be eaten immediately as the meringue will start to soften and break down from the moisture of the cream and fruit.

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John Mayer Wants You to Get Your Holiday Bake On

partysugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:30:38 -0800

Pop singer John Mayer, a guy whose not afraid to say what he needs to say, wants everyone to get in the holiday spirit. How should they show their seasonal cheer? By baking a cake. On his personal blog, Mayer has announced his holiday cake contest:

I will debut my first of several festive holiday cakes this Saturday night. I invite everyone reading this to join me in the simple joy of expression through baking, and to send me photos of your delicious creations. You think I'm crazy now, but once you apply the last dollop of frosting, or that finishing touch of icing, you'll understand that there's just no hiding from the feeling.

Mayer will choose the most beautiful cake and reward the baker with an autographed guitar. It's always fun to see a high profile celebrity show an interest in the culinary world and he's right: baking is a great way to get in the holiday spirit!

What do you think of Mayer's promotion of baking? Will you enter the cake contest?

Source and Source

You Showed Us Your Cookbooks!

YumSugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 08:01:31 -0700

A few weeks ago I asked you to share your favorite cookbook with the rest of us. For PartySugar it's Williams-Sonoma's The Bar Guide by Ray Foley. For me it's Baking Illustrated by the editors of Cook's Illustrated Magazine. There were so many great entries (over 20!) and only one duplicate. These books look fascinating and I can't wait to try out some of them. Thanks to everyone who submitted their book!

Entry #1
LA's Sarah Kushner wanted to share Nigella's How To Be A Domestic Goddess. She says it's the one cookbook she uses on a regular basis.

Entry #2
Radarkitty from Livermore, CA wanted to share the book Sweet Gratitude. She choose it because it's all about baking desserts and is a fun illustrated read.

Entry #3
SoCalSugar, who's in Berkeley via San Diego, wrote in to share Christine Ingram's Vegetarian and Vegetable Cooking: The Definitive Encyclopedia of Healthy Vegetarian Food. She believes there's a lot of great variety, including hearty and unique vegetarian meals that omnivores will love too!

Entry #4
Llendril writes in from Peyton Colorado to share Dorie Greenspan's Baking, From My Home To Yours. She loves this book because she believes Greenspan to be a lovely writer who produces even lovelier baking recipes.

Entry #5
Portland based LovaAJN couldn't choose a cookbook, so instead she's decided to take a picture with her favorite pink binder. This binder holds her most cherished recipes, including ones passed down to her from her mom.

Entry #6
Chef Farid Zadi, who's originally from France but is currently based in LA would love to share The Food of Paradise: Exploring Hawaii's Culinary Heritage by Rachel Laudan. He chose this book because it helped him look at food cultures and food history through a new lens or rather multiple lenses.

Entry #7
France-based Jennifer ended up deciding on The Encyclopedia of Cajun and Creole Cuisine by John D. Folse. She believes it's beautiful and well researched with over 700 recipes that chart the evolution of cuisine in Louisiana.

For SEVENTEEN additional submissions, please read more

Entry #8
Maryann from Finding La Dolce Vita writes in to tell us about Honey From a Weed by Patience Gray. She chose this book because it contains stories and recipes gathered from the people who live close to the land in Tuscany, Catalonia, The Cyclades, and Apulia.

Entry #9
Jay from Cincinnati, Ohio wants to share both Professional Chef and Baking & Pastry from the CIA. Why? Because those two books are a continual inspiration for
all the "goofy *&^%" he wants to create!

Entry #10
Schianne dropped a line from Virginia to say that the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook (which is about 17 years old!) is her favorite because she can count on it to have recipes for the staples as well as fancier dishes.

Entry #11
Good ol' Chubby from Bunrab loves Simple French Food by Richard Olney so much that it's falling apart from use. This old school book without glossy photos contains recipes like onion panade, sorrel tart and turnip gratin that are beyond delish.

Entry #12
Carrie from Minnesota's Twin Cities loves the Betty Crocker New Edition Cookbook because she grew up with it and has become very familiar with the recipes. She's also never had one go wrong!

Entry #13
Lucky entry 13 comes from Nags in Hyderabad, India. Her favorite cookbook is Tarla Dalal's Healthy Subzis. It's the favorite because of the simple and healthy recipes, and because it allows her to mix-n-match.

Entry #14
Half-Baked in Alabama wants to share the Joy of Cooking with us all. She loves it because you can find a recipe for almost anything you want to make.

Entry #15
Sarina writes in from Trinidad to share Vegetarian Express by Nava Atlas and Lillian Kayte. She loves that it contains wonderful tasting vegetarian meals that can be made in 30 minutes or less!

Entry #16
Washington DC based Popgoestheworld would like to share America's Test Kitchen's The New Best Recipe. She believes it has the absolute best recipes for all the classic dishes.

Entry #17
Linda writes all the way from The Netherlands to share Donna Hay's Modern Classics 2. It contains lots of yummy and well-written recipes, but what she really "loooves" are the pictures!

Entry #18
Nahm in Santa Monica, CA would love to share Tommy Tang's Modern Thai Cuisine Cookbook. It's her fave book because most of the recipes are Thai, but not all the way Thai; therefore people who are not used to real Thai cuisine can enjoy them too.

Entry #19
TeamSugar member Rothchild wrote in to also share the Joy of Cooking. She says that it's her go-to whenever she makes something new or uses a new ingredient. She also says that it has never failed her!

Entry #20
Josh writes in from the Bay Area to promote Radical Brewing by Randy Mosher. While this book does not have a recipe for cookies, meatloaf or veggie casserole, it does have a plethora of delicious beer recipes from polka dot pilsner to pumpkin spice beer.

Entry #21
Our very own TeamSugar has fallen in love with Anthony Bourdain's A Cook's Tour. She thinks it's a superb read because not only does he cover the food, but the culture and people that have made it.

Entry #22
Team member tdamji wants to make sure we all know about How It All Vegan by Sarah Kramer and Tanya Barnard. She loves it because the recipes are simple and don't require a lot of special ingredients. She belives that it's a great cookbook for vegans and non-vegans alike!

Entry #23
Kiwitist wants to make sure that we all know how much she loves The Fannie Farmer Cookbook. It's her old, beat-up favorite book!

Entry #24
Finally, last but not least, we have YumJimmy who is sharing How To Cook Everything by Mark Bittman. He uses this book all the time and treats it like a reference. This should give you an idea on how much he uses it: Whenever I ask him about something the answer is usually, "Well Bittman says..."

View 24 Photos ›

A Chat With Pat and Gina Neely

partysugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:01:18 -0800

When YumSugar asked me to watch the pilot episode of Food Network's new cooking show, Down Home With the Neelys, I wasn't jumping for joy. The commercials seemed over the top, routine, and like the network had just found more big personalities. However, after watching the show - I laughed out loud - I was hungry for more!

Luckily, I got the chance to speak with Gina and Pat on the phone! They are one warm, fun couple and my Tivo is already set for tomorrow at 11 a.m.

The show is not only a clever, informative cooking show, but it's about the dynamic relationship between the high school sweethearts. Gina Neely is a firecracker, both friendly and feisty. Her husband Pat knows his barbeque and is incredibly personable. To see what happened when I went down home with the Neelys, read more.

With their show Pat and Gina hope to teach America that cooking is a great time to get back to the basics. It's a way to slow down and enjoy family. Food is family to the Neelys, who take a week to film each episode at a rented house in Memphis, Tenn. Known for their barbeque and down home Southern-style cooking, Pat and Gina distinguish themselves from Food Network's resident Southern belle Paula Deen by cooking a healthier cuisine. They steer clear from frying. They grill everything and love to use barbeque flavors to season unexpected dishes. Here's what they have to say:

PartySugar: What's it like being in the business together?
Pat: It's one of the biggest joys in the world working with family. I get to spend every day with my lovely wife. I have extremely workable brothers. The employees at my restaurants are like extended family. Now the producers of my show have become family. Food Network has become like family. We've opened our arms and welcomed everyone into our lives like family.
Gina: Our girls - we have two daughters - work with us in the Summer. I couldn't imagine doing everything that we do alone. The best part is doing it together.

PS: Do you cook at home like you do on the show?
Pat: (laughs) There is no acting involved in our show. Of course we cook at home. We've been cooking at home like this for a long time, way before the concept of the show was even invented. At least two to three times a week we're at home cooking dinner in our kitchen. Thats what makes our show so authentic, it is our lives. It really is who we are.

PS: What's your advice to the everyday home cook?
Gina: Cooking is NOT intimidating, it's not as time consuming or as hard as it seems. It's comforting to use natural products to make something homemade.
Pat: Watch the show! Use food to socially interact. To reconnect with family and friends. Invite your girlfriend over and bake a chicken for her, chat and relax while it cooks. You can really learn a lot about your loved ones by cooking with them.

PS: How will you celebrate Valentine's Day?
Pat: When you are in a good marriage like Gina and I are, every day is like Valentine's Day. We don't need a special day to spend time together we spend time together every day. I fell in love with Gina when I was 15, and I've been in love with her ever since.
Gina: I'll probably make Pat a strawberry shortcake with whipped cream.

PS: What did you have for lunch today?
Pat: We had Cornish game hens.
Gina: And grilled asparagus with barbequed butter. Our barbequed butter is made by stirring our barbeque rub into softened butter.

After speaking with them, I want to be a part of their family! And if that wasn't enough to make you interested in their show, here's a sneak peak of the dishes that are yet to come: barbequed ribs, fresh coleslaw, barbeque spaghetti, creamed collard greens, pork chop soup, grilled pound cake, and baked chicken.

Source

Yum Gift Guide: The Reader

YumSugar — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 11:53:09 -0800

Even the most well read foodie will find room for one of these on their bookshelf.

Baking: From My Home To Yours
by Dorie Greenspan

If the foodie on your list loves to bake then be sure to give them Dorie Greenspan's latest new gem. This beautiful book contains scrumptious recipes (like Perfection Pound Cake and Chocolate-Chocolate Chunk Muffins) and helpful tips all wrapped up in warm anecdotes. Baking: From My Home To Yours is available for $26.40.

The Omnivore's Dilemma
by Michael Pollan

Not everyone wants to know about where their food comes from, but in his latest expose, Michael Pollan follows food from beginning to end. Not always an easy read, but really fascinating and well written. A must for anyone who cares about what they eat. Buy The Omnivore's Dilemma for $18.86.

Three more, so read more

Joy of Cooking 75th Edition
by Irma Rombauer

You know this book, you've seen it on countless numbers of cook's shelves. Your mom may have had it and her mom too. If the foodie in your life doesn't have a copy on their shelf make sure you pick up the newly revamped version that came out this year. The editors have gone back to their roots and taken the best bits of the original and revamped them for how we eat now. Buy the Joy of Cooking 75th Edition for $18.00.

I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
by Amy Sedaris

Funny lady Amy Sedaris (best known as Jerri Blank in Strangers With Candy) has done something really special with her semi-spoof of an entertaining book. It's a bit quirky, a bit kitschy and a lot of fun. Pick up a copy for the party thrower in your life. Warning: it's pretty hard to let go of, so you may need to pick up two. Grab a copy of I Like You for $19.59.

Don't Try This at Home: Culinary Catastrophes from the World's Greatest Chefs
by Kimberly Witherspoon and Andrew Friedman

Sometimes even the best chef in the world suffers from a kitchen catastrophe. This book is a fantastic collection of disasters that will make every inspiring chef (and non-chef) laugh out loud.
Don't Try This at Home is available for $24.95.

Spring Cleaning - Clean Out the Kitchen and Spice Rack!

YumSugar — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:08:37 -0700

Boing!!!
In case you were wondering, that's the sound of a spring. Today, March 21, is the first day of spring and although I love spring, one of the things I don't enjoy 100% is spring cleaning. But the joy of opening up the windows and letting the light in is accompanied by the observation of all those grimy spots that you just never noticed when it was dark and dim during winter. So, do yourself a favor and wipe down the walls, dust off the shelves, wipe down the blinds, clean the oven and the fridge and all those other big-time chores that you've been putting off. Although I dislike spring cleaning (oh who am I kidding, I pretty much hate cleaning whether its spring, summer, or fall), one of the things that I always do (always=once before, but I'm hoping it becomes a tradition) is clean out my spice rack.

To check out my tips for clearing out your spice rack, and yes, old spices need to be cleared on out, read more

Okay, so you've got a bunch of spices that you've had in your cupboard forever and ever. How do you know when it's time to toss them? Well, believe it or not, ground spices/herbs are best the first 3-4 months after they've been opened and will really only retain their flavor for about a year (maybe a little longer for spices). They won't hurt you in any way (unless they've been infested with bugs, which means just toss and replace), but their potency will have weakened. Whole spices (nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, etc.) should last about three years. Seeds (such as sesame and poppy) can go rancid; so if you're unsure about them, don't risk it. Baking powder lasts 6 months and baking soda 18 months. Oh and salt? That guy can stay; his pal seasoned salt only gets to hang out for a year.

Since you're spring cleaning, toss out anything that has been in your cupboard for a long time and start over. When you buy replacement spices, be sure to label the purchase date on the bottle, this way you won't have to do the sniff/taste test to see if they're still good.

Have a question about a specific spice? Drop us a line, or leave a comment below!