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6 Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

partysugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 07:50:37 -0800

Planning a Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting task. To make it more manageable, start thinking about the meal now and take things one-step at a time. First, select a menu. Chances are you're still seeking recipe inspiration. Thus, I've created six fabulous menus for you to browse. From a meat-less vegetarian feast to an easy dinner that's perfect for beginners, here you'll find something for everyone.

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Live Chat: Top Chef, Party Ideas and More!

YumSugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 10:33:27 -0800

Oh my, oh my.
What can I say about last night's Top Chef other than we've got a lot to talk about, now don't we?

Join us in the Live Chat at 11am PT / 2pm ET. We'll be there until around 11:30am.

And if you don't watch Top Chef, don't worry. We can chat about upcoming Super Bowl party ideas, your favorite recipes, or anything else you want to chat about.

To join us, just click here. We'll see you at 11am PT / 2pm ET!

Source: Bravo TV

Happy Hour: Nailed It! and Papa Bear (Colbert vs. O'Reilly)

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 12:47:51 -0800

So all of your friends will be gathered around your TV for the big Colbert vs O'Reilly face off. You can't possibly be thinking about serving them just plain beer, now can you? I mean come on, this is a BIG EVENT. This would be like inviting your friends over for a fancy dinner party and serving them "crumb-believable" Kraft Crumbles as an appetizer.

So to get ready for the big night, I set out to create two specialty drinks. Now, I think I've come up with a couple of winners, which I've dubbed "Papa Bear" and "Nailed It!" - but I'm no mixologist, so give them a try and let me know! To check out my creations, and get a few other party tips (music, invites, food) for the big night, read more

First of all, let everyone know about your shindig! geeksugar found this great site where you can create your own On Notice Board. Fill it in and email it to all of your friends! After all, this event is going to be best enjoyed with friends.

Once your guests arrive, treat them to one of the following drinks:

Nailed It!
This drink is for the man's man. Well the man's man who also has a softy fuzzy sensitive side. And besides, South Carolina is the "true" peach state, right?

2 parts Whiskey
1 1/2 parts Peach Schnapps
Fresh Peach Juice

Pour whiskey and peach schnapps over ice cubes into old-fashioned style glass. Top with peach juice and gently stir.

Note* I actually grated fresh peaches right into the drink and gave it a stir.

Alternatively, you could pour all ingredients into shaker full of ice, shake and strain into glass.

Print recipe with images | without images

Papa Bear
Just like our beloved Papa Bear himself, this drink is tough and manly, but with a bite and a bit of a temper.

1 oz Whiskey
1/2 oz Cinnamon Schnapps
Root Beer (about 2 oz)

Pour whiskey and schnapps over ice cubes into old-fashioned style glass. Top with root beer. Stir.

Print recipe with images | without images

Another drink to offer everyone is something called the Fourth of July. It's a layered red, white and blue shot, but be careful, you want to remember this awesome face-off, not hear about it at work the next day.

While you're waiting for the event to begin, entertain your guests with this perfectly themed playlist put together by our very own BuzzSugar.

To round out your evening, be sure to decorate your home in a red, white and blue theme (balloons, streamers, confetti) and be sure to offer everyone plenty of things to eat (eagle shaped sugar cookies, bowls of red, white and blue corn chips with salsa, "freedom fries") and unlike a fancy dinner party, this time bowls of "crumb-believable" Kraft Crumbles are highly appropriate.

Got any other great ideas for the big night? Let us know in the comments below.

Come Party With Me: All Hallows' Eve - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:50:08 -0700

It's easy to go all-out crazy with the decorations for a Halloween party. Think black rats, spiderwebs, glittery skulls, and hanging jack-o'-lanterns.

Throw in orange lights and lots of candles for spooky intimate lighting. Cover the table with a festive printed cloth.

Serve the food on black platters and in black bowls. Place skull glasses near the punch cauldron. Lastly, don't forget lots of your favorite Halloween candy!

How are you decorating for Halloween? Share your ideas below!

Must Read: Pestos, Tapenades, & Spreads

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:00:48 -0800

Much like PartySugar, I'll be paying special attention to the oft-neglected starters when I host this year's Thanksgiving meal. I've not yet determined what they'll be: should I serve soup? Dip in a bread bowl? So I am excited for a new book, Pestos, Tapenades, & Spreads ($17) by Stacey Printz, which offers up an array of spreads to serve when entertaining on the run. Were its offerings worthy of being on the Thanksgiving table? Find out when you read more.

The Kitchen Goddesses Can Teach You How to Cook

partysugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:50:54 -0700

The Kitchen Goddess group in the YumSugar Community isn't just a place for browsing and sharing recipes. It's also your one-stop shop for any and every culinary question.

Reader RubyDreams was wondering how to make herbs de Provence. She questioned the goddesses by writing a quick and simple post and over the next couple of days five people responded.

FinnLover replied with wikipedia's definition, Fuzzles suggested purchasing the spice blend at Penzeys, and NotMeAnymore shared Cooking Light's recipe for homemade herbs de Provence.

Whether you're wondering what to do with extra cheesecake batter or need ideas for an around the world themed birthday party, remember the kitchen goddesses are here for you!

Source

Yummy Links: From Sustainable Seafood to Baconfest

partysugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:50:47 -0700

Is it too late to save the world's seafood population?- The Atlantic
Twenty-five reasons to love the spoon. - Mouthing Off
Hosting a party in San Francisco? Consider having it at one of these restaurants. - 7x7
Angelina Jolie is a fan of Sandra Lee's no-bake birthday cake. - Eat Me Daily
Catch up with New York City chefs via Twitter. - Eater NY
Haven't figured out what to serve on Halloween? Here are four awesome menu ideas. - Bon Appétit
Did anyone attend Baconfest in Chicago? - Serious Eats

Better Than Lollipops: Crispy Rice Treats on Sticks

YumSugar — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:30:10 -0700

At a baby shower this year, LilSugar sent everyone home with the most clever party favors: crispy rice treats on a stick! They were the perfect parting gift at the shower, but, when adorned with color-coordinated orange sprinkles and ribbons, they'd also make a charming alternative to serve trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

This delight takes less than 10 minutes to come together on the stove top. Evenly press the mixture into a pan coated with cooking spray, and let cool for about five minutes. Cut them to uniform size, roll each into the shape of a ball, and insert sticks through the middle. Wrap treats in individual cellophane bags, and tie with a pretty ribbon.

Got any other sweet ideas for Halloween? Share them below!

Come Party With Me: Gossip Girl Premiere - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 10:15:55 -0700

You don't need to go all out with crazy decorations for a Gossip Girl season premiere party, but I do recommend cleaning your living room. A neat space will make you and your guests feel more comfortable. Give everyone their own folding tray table and floral-printed serving tray. Stripped dish towels make chic and eco-friendly napkins. Place the appetizer on a large platter, serve the pasta in bowls, and sip the bellini in champagne flutes.

A simple bouquet of red flowers mimics the pattern on the trays and completes the look.

Photo courtesy of The CW

Get Involved in the YumSugar Community!

partysugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:50:55 -0700

Have you checked out our recently relaunched fabulous YumSugar Community? It's a great place to post and share recipes, cooking tips, and everything in-between. There's already a ton of groups you can join and explore, or feel free to start some new ones! Here's a taste of what the community has to offer.

Kitchen Goddess: This group is older than YumSugar, making it the original PopSugar Network recipe exchange suite. Post your favorite recipes or browse for meal inspiration.
Wedding Talk: The one-shop stop for discussing everything about the big day. Here you'll find ideas on the ceremony, stationary, flowers, hair, dresses, etc.
Super Special Occasion: This group is my baby, and I invite you to post pictures of the parties you attend and host. Discussion is welcome, so if you need help locating the perfect plates for an upcoming baby shower you're planning, this is your place to do it.
Savory Sights: Eat something wildly delicious looking? Snap a photo and post it in this group. Check out this insanely mouthwatering breakfast YumSugar had last weekend at Ad Hoc!
What's For Dinner?: Wondering what to make for dinner? This is your location to chat about quick chicken meals, one-pot wonders, and everything else fast and easy.
Burning Question: What foods are aphrodisiac? Why does brown sugar form clumps? This is the ultimate forum for asking and answering those food-related questions. We pick the most intriguing ones and answer them here.