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Cat Cora's Party Pointers

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 05:50:06 -0700

In addition to a simple recipe for barbecued beans, Iron Chef Cat Cora - who has her own barbecue joint, CCQ - also happens to have plenty of party advice. Whether you're hosting a Come Together dinner for charity or simply throwing a backyard bash, there are a number of steps you can take to make your party more festive and easier on yourself! Here are a few key pointers to keep in mind, courtesy of Cat.

Source: WireImage

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Ming Tsai on Best Meals, Food Politics, and What's Next

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:30:41 -0700

If it hasn't become apparent over the last few days, I'm an enthusiastic fan of Ming Tsai's. Last week, the Simply Ming chef stopped into San Francisco to host a party for the Macy's Come Together campaign. While demonstrating how to make potstickers, Ming, an exceptional storyteller, made fun of his parents who were present in the audience, told tales of mischief in France's Michelin-starred restaurants, and recalled his win against Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America ("rumor has it that I may soon face off against Iron Chef Morimoto," he told the crowd).

I got to kick back with Chef Ming, who, in between his thoughts on joining Top Chef Masters, must-have kitchen ingredients, and tips for keeping cool when hosting a party, had more surprising thoughts to share! Learn what they are when you read more

Ming Tsai Talks Food, Cooking, and Top Chef Masters

YumSugar — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:50:32 -0700

I've been sold on Ming Tsai ever since he was a barrel of laughs in Aspen, so when I heard he was headed west, I knew I had to meet him. Ming was in town hosting a benefit for Macy's Come Together, a campaign to provide 10 million meals for families in need. I caught up with him in the green room before his demo, where he shared his thoughts on the importance of cooking for others, why you shouldn't buy a $4.99 skillet, and whether we're likely to see him on Top Chef Masters. Read his thoughts after the jump

Introducing ShopStyle Living and a Chance to Win $500!

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:28:31 -0700

The geeks behind ShopStyle have a big announcement that I could barely keep under wraps. They've just launched ShopStyle Living! It's the perfect place to solve all your home shopping desires in one easily searchable and incredibly fun format. Personally I'm really into the dining and kitchen portions - although the furniture is great too. From cutlery to table linens, it's time to decorate that kitchen you've always dreamed of.

To celebrate the launch, we're giving away five $500 giftcards to some of our favorite home stores including Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn and Macy's. To enter the contest all you have to do is create a look on ShopStyle Living. Click here to learn more about the contest. Here are some things I would buy with the $500 giftcards.

Plus, if you're a registered Sugar user, you're already all signed in on ShopStyle with your same username and password - plus, your wonderful Sugar friends are all there as your "followers" (and you theirs, too). If not you should totally get on that, sign up either on TeamSugar or ShopStyle to be automatically logged into both. So easy!

Martha Expands Her Empire

partysugar — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 10:57:53 -0700

With a brand new home collection at Macy's under her belt - have you seen the commercials with Tim Gunn? - Martha Stewart has announced another partnership, this time with E.J. Gallo Winery. In this partnership, she will be producing her own collection of wines known as Martha Stewart Vintage. According to USA Today, a spokeswoman for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia explained why the venture was a natural fit.

Wine is an important part of entertaining and cooking. We have a lot of credibility and a strong brand equity in these categories.

The wines, a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvingon, and Merlot, are all produced in Sonoma County, but will only be available in select cities nationwide. If you live in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix, or Portland, come January you can have a taste of Martha's wine. It will retail for $15 a bottle.

I'm wondering what's next for Martha? What hasn't she done? A line of solar powered cars?

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PartySugar Behind the Bash: Macy's Culinary Council

partysugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:30:42 -0700

On Saturday night at the Food Network's NYC Wine and Food Festival, Macy's hosted a a delightful party at The Xchange. The ninth-floor space was packed with party-goers and celebrity chefs. I was lucky enough to attend the soiree. Here, you'll find my backstage guide to the event.

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Come Together With Cat Cora's Barbecued Beans

partysugar — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:50:30 -0700

To coincide with Hunger Action Month, Macy's has launched a new campaign, entitled Come Together, that urges people to host a dinner party. However, when guests ask the inevitable, "what should I bring?" the answer is nothing. The money that guests would spend on the requisite bottle of wine should be donated to the cause. Although Macy's has created a special website where you can make and send invites and put together a menu, we've partnered with Iron Chef Cat Cora to bring you an exclusive party idea! Cat's menu consists of barbecue classics like brisket sandwiches and coleslaw, so I recommend inviting a big group of people over on a Sunday for a football-viewing party. Cheer on your favorite team while enjoying a delicious, informal meal. To get you started, we've got Cat's variation of baked beans. She combines three types of beans with barbecue sauce and a touch of cinnamon. The resulting beans are my new favorite: they're slightly sweet and depending on the sauce you use, sticky and spicy. The addition of garbanzo beans is genius. To use Cat's recipe to host a Come Together party, read more.

Barbecued Pit Beans
From Cat Cora

Ingredients

2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans chickpeas
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans kidney beans
2 (15 1/2-ounce) cans pinto beans
2 cups good-quality barbecue sauce, without a smoky flavor
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 scallions, white and tender green parts, thinly sliced

Directions

In a saucepan, combine all of the beans, including their liquid, and the barbecue sauce. Place over medium heat, and stir until the mixture comes to a simmer.
Add the cinnamon and simmer, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced to a sauce consistency.
Remove from the heat and spoon the beans into a warmed serving bowl. Garnish with the scallions and serve immediately.

Serves 8.

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Cat Cora's Ultimate Barbecue Brisket Sandwich

partysugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 14:30:59 -0700

Looking for a fun weekend project? How about making a delectable brisket sandwich? With its fall-apart beef and tangy sauce, this sandwich is so good you'll be licking your fingers for every last bite. Along with her hostess tips, and as part of Macy's Come Together campaign, chef Cat Cora shared this delicious exclusive recipe with us! The brisket is on the menu at her classic barbecue restaurant, CCQ in Costa Mesa, CA.

While there are several components to the sandwich, taking the time to make each element results in a restaurant-worthy 'wich that's sure to impress friends. If you start marinating the brisket now, you can enjoy the sandwiches over the weekend. Cat recommends plating the sandwich with barbecued potato chips, but I paired it with my dad's famous macaroni salad instead. Whatever you serve on the side, you'll need the sandwich recipe, so keep reading.

Ming's Tips For Hosting - and Enjoying! - Your Own Party

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:00:58 -0700

Last week, I caught up with East-West cooking authority Ming Tsai. He hosted an event at Macy's to encourage home cooks to get involved in their Come Together campaign, a fundraising effort that aims to feed 10 million people suffering from hunger. The concept: host a dinner party, but in lieu of accepting gifts, ask guests to make a donation.

Chef Ming is a huge supporter of the idea. "Not every corporation's doing this, especially during these economic times," he says. In addition to dishing on his pantry essentials, he also shared tips on throwing a worry-free dinner party at your place. Want to stress less at your own soirées? Then keep reading.

Tyler Florence's 7 Kitchen Essentials

YumSugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 13:00:07 -0700

Yesterday, I dropped by a Macy's Culinary Council event to see Food Network star Tyler Florence. He was kicking off the tour for his two latest books, Stirring the Pot and Dinner at My Place. He talked to a packed audience about his recent move to California, his upcoming plans in the television, wine, and restaurant industries. My favorite part of the discussion, however, was when Tyler talked kitchen essentials.

"I can cook a meal on the top of a car in a junkyard," he declared. He believes anyone can cook with seven essential kitchen tools:

Skillet, for omelets and eggs
Saucepan, for soups and sauces
Larger pot for cooking steaks, tenderloin, and pork chops
Chef's knife, for cutting meat and vegetables
Paring knife, for cutting fruit and smaller items
Bread knife, with serrated edges
Cutting board, for all purposes

Not only were Tyler's tips helpful for those who are new to cooking, but he also demonstrated that one doesn't need to have a bunch of fancy tools to cook a fabulous meal. Are your kitchen essentials the same as Tyler's?

Source

Villeroy & Boch "New Wave" Cafe Espresso Cup - $18.00	Marquis by Waterford "Vintage Garden" Dessert Dish, Set of 2 - $59.00
Martha Stewart Collection Blue Enameled Cast Iron Chili Pot, 5.5 Qt. - $99.99	Calvin Klein Khaki Collection Graffiti 4-Piece Place Setting - $70.00
The Cellar "Premium" Pilsner, Set of 4 - $24.99	Mikasa "Cocoa Blossom" Rectangular Tray, 14" - $115.00
kate spade "Beacon Street" Iced Beverage 13 oz. - $40.00	Le Creuset Enameled Steel Stock Pot, 8 Qt. - $74.99
Amco Mixing Bowl, 12-Qt. - $19.97	OXO Angled Measuring Cup Set - $19.99
Martha Stewart Baking Handbook - $40.00	Michael Aram "Heart" Cake Server - $65.00