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Yum's January Must Haves

partysugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:30:48 -0800

Happy New Year! After the excitement of the holidays, January is a tough month for me - instead of partying, everyone is detoxing. That's why I'm going to focus on becoming a better home cook. Here you'll find six must-have items to maximize time in the kitchen.

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Does Your Knife Need Sharpening?

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 07:57:39 -0700

If you think your knives are sharp, but aren't completely sure, here's a simple test you can do to find out. Just hold a sheet of paper away from you and try slicing simple vertical strips. If the knife doesn't cut the paper, or snags as it slices through, then it's time to take them to the knife sharpener! Tip: Some grocery stores (including several large chains, depending on the location) and kitchenware stores offer free knife sharpening.

Off to Market Recap: Kitchen Knife

partysugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 06:50:13 -0700

I asked you to help me by heading off to market in search of practical everyday knives that can be used for dicing onions and slicing raw chicken. You saved your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Kitchen Knife.

Kimpossible recommends this classic chef's knife that's crafted by a premier blade producer from Japan. She's had it for almost three years and describes it as an "an awesome knife" that feels wonderful in her hand. And, it's on sale at Williams-Sonoma! Thanks Kimpossible. For more knives, browse the selection below.

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark. Check it out for more details!

Off to Market: Kitchen Knife

partysugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 06:50:23 -0700

I need a new knife: All of mine are old and so dull they can no longer be sharpened. While I would love to purchase a shiny new set of kitchen knives, right now I can't afford it. That's why I've decided I will invest in one shiny, sharp, and versatile knife. Can you help me find it? Let's head off to market in search of practical everyday knives that can be used for dicing onions and slicing raw chicken. Save your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Kitchen Knife. Happy hunting!

Geeksugar has put together an article that explains how to bookmark. Check it out for more details!

Not sure where to start looking? Be inspired by some of my favorite online stores when you read more.

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Off to Market Recap: Knife Set

partysugar — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:27:19 -0800

I'm treating myself to a new set of knives this holiday season. My collection of knives is minimal; it's a makeshift grouping of lost and leftover knives. I don't have a sharpener, and so they rest jaggedly, unsharpened in the knife block. I asked you to help me search for a superb, sharply stylish knife set. You looked for reasonably priced knives with a variety of knife types or individual knives that I can use to create my own set. You bookmarked your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Knife Set. I really want a set that includes kitchen scissors, and this one by Wüsthof has both scissors and a sharpener. Thanks for helping me out gruaig_rua! For more knives, scroll through the selections below.

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this fun Sugar feature to learn how to participate.

Simple Tip: Freeze Bacon Before Chopping

partysugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:15:20 -0800

These days bacon is such a hot ingredient, it's everywhere! Within the past couple of months, the fatty, salty pork has become a staple in my pantry. If you use bacon as much as I do, consider placing the bacon in the freezer 15 to 20 minutes before slicing any time a recipe calls for uncooked, chopped bacon. The colder the bacon, the easier it is to slice and dice. For the most efficient cutting, use a properly-sharpened knife. Be sure not to forget about the bacon - you don't want it to freeze completely.

This technique also works well for pancetta and proscuitto. Is bacon a recurring ingredient in your meals? Share your secrets for handling bacon below!

Let's Dish: What Are Your Culinary New Year's Resolutions?

YumSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:30:34 -0800

Every January, we are filled with renewed determination to be more organized, stop smoking, or lose weight. While I make plenty of common New Year's resolutions, since food and cooking are such an important part of my life, I make culinary resolutions as well. Whether it's sharpening my knife skills, learning an unknown kitchen technique, or experimenting with exotic cuisines, I always feel like I have something new to learn.

After reading Michael Ruhlman's Elements of Cooking, I've been wanting to make my own veal stock from scratch - a long, drawn-out process that takes more than a day. But the famous author and Next Iron Chef judge has made so many arguments about veal stock adding depth and body to sauce that I simply have to try incorporating it into my dishes.

What kitchen accomplishments are you determined to make in 2009?

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YumSugar Gift Guide: The Beginner Cook Co-Worker

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:15:43 -0800

Do you have a co-worker who also wants to learn how to cook? If so, encourage your teammate to cook more (and bring the best results into the office!). Start by drawing inspiration from Tyler Florence's top kitchen essentials.

According to TyFlo, your compadre needs a versatile pot. Next on the list should be an all-purpose cooking knife, with a sharpener thrown in to preserve its blade. Great Food Fast is a book that's simple to follow and produces tasty results.

Want more gift ideas? Browse the selection below or check out all the gift guides on HolidaySugar.

Off To Market: Knife Set

partysugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:13:33 -0800

I've decided to treat myself to a new set of knives this holiday season. My collection of knives is minimal; it's a makeshift grouping of lost and leftover knives. I don't have a sharpener so they rest jaggedly, unsharpened in the knife block. Can you help me by searching for a superb, sharply stylish knife set? Look for reasonably priced knives with a variety of knife types. Or, look for individual knives that I can use to create my own set. Bookmark your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Knife Set. Good luck!

Interested in bookmarking? Read GeekSugar's explanation of this fun sugar feature and learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you read more

Bed Bath & Beyond
CB2
Cooking.com
Crate & Barrel
Ikea
Linens and Things
NapaStyle
Pier 1
Plum Party
Pottery Barn
Sur La Table
Target
Restoration Hardware
Williams Sonoma
Wishing Fish
World Market

Yummy Links: From Ferran Adria to Kid's Menus

partysugar — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 07:45:16 -0700

Dining with Ferran Adria at Katz's Deli. - Serious Eats
Nine chefs share their bloody kitchen nightmares. - Metromix New York
Love to cook, but can't seem to find the time? The Sunday dinner project, hosted by Andrew Schloss, helps you make the components for multiple meals every Sunday evening. - Cookthink
The cruelest practical joke in food history. - The BA Foodist
Sharpen your knife skills with these books. - The Epi-Log
A look at Asia's tea harvest. - The Kitchn
Can grown-ups order off the kid's menu? - Chow

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