yumsugar -- To die for.

Monday's Leftovers: Arroz con Pollo

YumSugar — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 06:45:57 -0800

The meal known as arroz con pollo is popular around the world. With tender chicken, tomato-tinged vegetables, and savory rice, it happens to be well-balanced and delectable,

While the name may sound sophisticated, all you really need are some leftover chicken breasts and thighs, combined with other staples that you likely have on hand. To learn how easy it is to make this Latin favorite,

The Amazing Rice: Wild Rice and Goat Cheese Stuffing

partysugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 10:15:45 -0800

During his Thanksgiving demonstration at the Food Network NYC Wine and Food Festival, Bobby Flay made a scrumptious-sounding stuffing. I've been looking for an exciting new recipe to include on my Thanksgiving day menu, so I decided to give his recipe for wild rice and goat cheese stuffing a try. The rich stuffing is packed with delicious flavors: fragrant chorizo, milky cheese, and fresh herbs that combine to create a dish full of contrasts. It's moist yet crunchy, spicy yet creamy, and incredibly addictive. I'm contemplating doing a Southwestern-themed dinner, so I can make this stuffing, it's that good. To look at Bobby's recipe,

The Amazing Rice: Chicken Rice Salad

partysugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:15:54 -0700

Rice isn't just for dinner; the staple grain also makes a delicious lunch salad. In this healthy recipe the rice is mixed with roasted chicken and nuts. A fresh cranberry vinaigrette brightens up the flavor of the dish. Although this salad takes time, it makes a huge batch. Put it together while you cook Sunday dinner and the entire family can eat it for lunch during the week. It's a versatile recipe that's easily adaptable to your needs. Don't like hazelnuts? Stir in almonds. The day after Thanksgiving it would be an excellent way to use leftover turkey and cranberry sauce. To look at the recipe,

The Amazing Rice: Parmesan Crab Risotto

partysugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 10:15:35 -0700

With the holidays around the corner, its a good time to start bookmarking elegant and delicious recipes. A simple but stunning parmesan crab risotto is the perfect starter for an intimate dinner party. Or, pair it with a crisp green salad for a great luncheon menu. Risotto requires that you stand over the stove for 20 minutes so invite everyone into the kitchen. Use fresh-cracked crab meat for a rich, luxurious-tasting risotto. The recipe is quite basic, so feel free to get creative. Onions instead of shallots, parsley in place of sage, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. To look at how I made it,

Noteworthy Nibbles — Oct. 14-20, 2008

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 14:00:42 -0700

It's only Tuesday, but I'm already looking forward to the multitude of festivals this weekend.

There are so many in the Bay Area alone that I can't decide whether to hit up the Santana Row Pear Festival, the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival, or the Monterey Wine Festival. I suppose I might just rock them all!

Have we left something out? If so, please drop us a line in the comments below!

San Francisco, CA: Wine & Spirits Top 100 Tasting — Oct. 14
New York, NY: At the Table: New York — Oct. 14
Torrance, CA: Oktoberfest at Alpine Village — Oct. 14-20
Circleville, OH: Circleville Pumpkin Show — Oct. 15-18
Monterey, CA: Monterey Wine Festival — Oct. 16-18
Tulsa, OK: Tulsa Oktoberfest — Oct. 16-19
Crowley, LA: International Rice Festival — Oct. 16-19
New York, NY: 6th Annual Gourmet Institute — Oct. 17-19
Paso Robles, CA: Harvest Wine Weekend — Oct. 17-19

To see the rest,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Fragrant Fish Soup

partysugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:45:01 -0700

This interesting recipe combines four elements to make a healthy and balanced meal. Lemony rice, poached fish, steaming broth, and fresh vegetables are layered in deep soup bowls.

If your grocery store doesn't have tilapia, substitute another budget-friendly firm white fish. This dish is also a great way to use leftover fish fillets. Cut the fish into chunks, stir into broth, and simply cook until warmed through. Get the delicious recipe and

The Amazing Rice: Cilantro-Lime Rice

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:15:52 -0700

In many cases, white rice is served alongside a saucy dish. When this happens, the rice is normally overlooked. However, white rice doesn't have to be boring, it can be delicious! Especially if you jazz it up with a simple stir-in of cilantro and lime juice. This recipe is incredibly easy — almost as uncomplicated as making white rice. Cilantro, garlic, and lime juice is blended with olive oil before being mixed into the cooked rice. If you don't like cilantro, get creative, white rice would be divine with a basil-lemon or parsley-orange oil folded in. To learn the technique,

Do You Own a Rice Cooker?

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:45:49 -0700

Last week, the New York Times discussed the versatility of cooking with a rice cooker. I couldn't agree more: A rice cooker has always been standard equipment in my family's kitchen. Plus, rice has been making a comeback — so it doesn't hurt to have one for that reason, either. I love the convenience of owning one. I simply dump the rice and water in together, hit a button, and about half an hour later my grains are ready. What are your thoughts? Source

Do You Own a Rice Cooker?

Yes — I love it!

Yes, but I rarely use it.

No — but I really wish I did!

No, but I don't think I need one. (Tell us why below.)

The Amazing Rice: Rice, Chorizo, Shrimp Stuffed Poblanos

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:15:06 -0700

My rice journey continues with these scrumptious stuffed poblanos. I had chorizo in my fridge, so when I stumbled across this recipe I knew I had to make it. The chorizo is cooked with spicy and sweet peppers making for a flavorful rice base. Shrimp is stirred in at the last minute adding a surf-and-turf layer to the dish. Although the recipe doesn't call for it, I mixed a couple of tablespoons of cheese in with the rice before stuffing the peppers. The final stuffed pepper is a meal in itself that would be delicious at a Mexican fiesta. To see how I made it,

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Oct. 1, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Early autumn is a perfect time to try some of Italy's most charming reds. — Boston Globe

Satisfy the football fans

Los Angeles Times

Why Tom Colicchio's newest restaurant concept is sure to be one of the toughest reservations in town. — Diner's Journal
Top choices and worst picks for sustainable seafood found on sushi menus. — San Francisco Chronicle
Enter the fascinating realm of faux food. — Chicago Tribune
Meet Jen Lin-Liu, one of America's experts on Chinese cuisine. — Washington Post
The time is ripe for enjoying green tomatoes. — The Oregonian
Why a rice cooker ought to be standard equipment in your kitchen. — New York Times

Source