Home cooks: how are your sauce smarts? If they're virtually nonexistent, consider advancing your skills with some hands-on practice at home; in this chilly weather, it's one great way to become a better saucier. Begin by familiarizing yourself with dishes that call for classic sauces. From rémoulade to romesco and chimichurri to caramel, we've got you covered. Here are 10 recipes with stellar Read more

I don't know about you, but phibit's photo of pork chops with mushroom sauce has me drooling! Simple, yet tasty. Served over rice. Interested in being featured on YumSugar? Get started by participating in the community! You can upload photos, recipes, tips, and questions. Read more

May is National Egg Month, and we've got them on the brain. In fact, you could say we're pretty egg-static about those little protein-packed packages. While they make breakfast beautiful, eggs dress up every meal with their simplicity and flexible form. Nestled in toast, wrapped into a breakfast burrito, baked in an exotically spiced tomato sauce . . . did we break through your shell? Here are Read more

You may vow to skip takeout in favor of cooking every weeknight dinner, but let's face it: regardless of how much you like to cook, if you've got a busy schedule, you probably don't want to spend hours in the kitchen every night. The secret? According to Allie Lewis Clapp, food director of Real Simple magazine and editor of the new book Real Simple: Easy, Delicious Home Cooking, the secret sauce Read more

With the right condiments, you can whip up gourmet, restaurant-quality dressings, marinades, and sauces in a snap. These 10 condiments are tried and true, but if you want to branch out, we've also pinpointed some of the most worthy brands you might not be familiar with. Apple cider vinegar, tahini, and Japanese mayonnaise are just a few items you should own if you don't already. To find out why, Read more

Happy Mardi Gras! Feast on New Orleans favorites far beyond Fat Tuesday by stocking your kitchen with these local food favorites. Online you can find a surprising number of New Orleans delicacies — from hot sauce and seasoning blends to beignets and café au laits — and they're ready to be shipped straight to your belly. Check out my 10 favorite New Orleans food essentials to fill the Read more

Although I maintain this tangy, orange hot sauce should be enjoyed all year long, it becomes quite a bit more popular every year around the Super Bowl. What's not to love? It's spicy, zesty, full of flavor, and sometimes a little bit messy, and it pairs perfectly with chicken and blue cheese. But buffalo sauce isn't just for wings. There are a plethora of ways to enjoy this game-day flavor. Here Read more

Just like the halftime show and cheerleaders, wings are considered to be a great component on game day, but who says they can't be the main event? If you're willing to travel beyond the buffalo, the poultry possibilities are boundless, and prepping a wing buffet is easy to boot. Just fry up enough wing parts to feed your crowd, and toss them in a variety of make-ahead sauces to keep palates Read more

Whether you're a rookie or an expert with sauces, one staple you won't be able to go without is the bouquet garni, a small bunch of classic French herbs used to infuse many European sauces, stews, and soups — as well as important holiday roasts. I know that they can be bought ready-made, but in my opinion, the notion goes against common sense. Why would you buy them when they are cheaper, Read more

No roux for you? Try these five wheat-free alternatives for thickening your gravy this Thanksgiving. We'll school you on preparation, flavor notes, and brand recommendations, so you will feel confident trying out these new starches. Take a look, and tell us which is your go-to gluten-free starch. Source: Thinkstock Read more