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Silicone Cupcake Holders: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 04:00:34 -0700

Although I've never been interested in the silicone craze, recently I was curious to experiment with pliable bakeware. At first, I felt happily eco-friendly using the silicone cupcake holders. However, one of the reasons a cupcake is so wildly popular is because it's a portable individual cake that requires no utensils or cleanup. Not true with silicone cupcake holders.

When I brought the cupcakes into the office and invited the Sugar girls to enjoy one, there was a lot of confusion concerning the silicone cups, and a couple gals almost threw them in the trash! In the end, I had to send an email out to everyone asking them to kindly return the cups.

How do you feel about silicone bakeware?

Sealing Silicone Lids: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:12:51 -0800

As I was browsing the new Napastyle catalog, I came across these interesting silicone sealing lids. Apparently they can fit almost every kitchen vessel from salad serving bowl to sauté pan. While they look a little bulky, I love the idea of the lids as they omit the need for tupperware! My only concern is they come in such large sizes with no lid smaller than eight inches. Still, I'm curious to see how functional these are. What do you think of the lids? Useful or useless?

The Ultimate Kitchen: Colander

YumSugar — Sat, 10 Feb 2007 05:12:01 -0800

In the kitchen there are usually a bunch of things that people take for granted and never think twice about. They get taken out to do their function and then put back as soon as possible. One of these items is a colander. When choosing a colander, you should look for one that is well balanced, not too big for your sink, fits in your cupboard, and has a nice solid base. You can pay over $50 for a great one, or find a surprising one for less than $10.

If money and space is no objection, then definitely look into the All-Clad Stainless 5 Quart Colander ($69.99). The large capacity will allow you to strain almost anything and the heavy stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and non-reacitve to acidic food. The handles have been sized for a firm grip and have re-inforced rivets for strength. Oh and did I mention that it's actually dishwasher safe?

Three more colanders, including one for a tiny apartment, so read more

If you're constantly running out of cupboard space, you may want to consider a collapsible silicone colander ($29.95). This uniquely designed colander has collapsible legs and strainer. This way it will slide into almost any cupboard. It's also heat resistant to 500F and is completely dishwasher safe. I haven't personally tried it, but with a tiny kitchen, it has definitely crossed my mind.

If you're looking for a heavy-duty day to day, but inexpensive option, then look for the OXO Good Grips Plastic Colander. At only $8.99 (and it's actually on sale now for $6.74), this colander gives you good quality for a cheap price. It holds three quarts and utilizes OXO's "Good Grip" soft and comfortable handles. If I was going to go for a sub $10 option, I would definitely look at the OXO brand since most of their products tend to carry the same standard for quality.

Finally, if you have more interest in putting the colander on display, then I'd definitely look into a Calypso Basics Colander. Although it strains just wonderfully and is sturdily built, the real difference lies in all of the color options. Available in over 10 colors (including pink, ice blue, and lemon), the enamel coated colander will look beautiful filled with fruit and placed on a dining table. 3qt capacity available for $17.99, 5 qt for $21.99 and 7qt $25.99.

Wilton Silly Feet Baking Cup: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 03:03:31 -0700

I was cruising through the YumMarket when I came across these Silly Feet Baking Cups that bfly1133 bookmarked. I'm usually all about whimsy, but I actually really hate these. I think the awful clown cupcake in the photograph is ruining it for me, but I'm not sure. What do you guys think? Am I crazy, or are they terrible?

Noteworthy Nibbles - June 9-16, 2009

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:07 -0700

From Dr Pepper to pork to Philly cheesesteaks, this week's noteworthy nibbles seem to pay homage to time-honored American food traditions. We can't wait for the first ever Great American Food & Music Fest in Silicon Valley, which will feature guests like Bobby Flay and Guy Fieri, as well as famous regional specialties from all across the United States. Know of anything we've left off the list? Please feel free to chime in below!

Ithaca, NY: Taste of the Nation Ithaca - June 9
New York, NY: Wine Enthusiast Toast of the Town - June 15
Emporia, VA: Virginia Pork Festival - June 10
Lockhart, TX: Chisholm Trail Roundup - June 11-13
Kapalua, HI: Kapalua Wine & Food Festival - June 11-14
Winston-Salem, NC: Hot Ribs, Cool Music - June 11-14
Minneapolis, MN: Taste of the Nation Minneapolis - June 12
Salem, OR: Wine, Chocolate, and More! - June 12-13
Las Vegas, NV: Coffee Fest Las Vegas - June 12-14
Mountain View, CA: Great American Food & Music Festival - June 13

To see the rest, read more.

Oak Grove, VA: Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival - June 13
Minneapolis, MN: Famous Dave's BBQ & Blues Festival - June 13
Dublin, TX: Dr Pepper Birthday Celebration - June 13
Richmond, VA: St. Joseph's Italian Festival - June 13-14
Cockeysville, MD: Great Grapes! Wine, Art, and Food Festival - June 13-14
San Francisco, CA: Cochon 555 - June 14
Los Angeles, CA: Taste of the Nation LA - June 14
Ojai, CA: Ojai Wine Festival - June 14
Sedona, AZ: Dine in Sedona Restaurant Fest - June 15-30

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How to Choose the Right Kitchen Registry For You

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:15:35 -0700

If you've got a wedding in the works, you've probably begun looking into a crucial element of the event - the registry. This retail service will help you determine what cookware, dinnerware, servingware, drinkware, tools, and appliances will be stocked in your kitchen. But with dozens of retail outlets, where should you sign up? Get tips for selecting the right registry for your kitchen when you read more.

Establish priorities. If your place is small, are you looking for kitchen tools to do double duty? Is eco-friendliness a must? If you want to mix and match tableware, make sure that's an option.
Choose a national registry that takes orders online, by fax, over the phone, and in person. That way, both your cousin in Silicon Valley and your computer-challenged great aunt in Baltimore can shop happy.
Your registry should offer a wide range of price points, so your guests can select gifts within their means.
Look for a large assortment of styles as well, from traditional to contemporary and basic to ornate.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the return and exchange policy, as well as the overall terms of service. For instance: Is there a service charge? How long will the registry be kept active?
Some questions to consider: How much attention is paid to customer service? Is there a representative who can help you resolve any logistical issues? Does the registry alert you when gifts have been purchased? Will updates be reflected on your registry within 11 minutes, or 11 hours? Is the registry flexible with shipping locations?
Don't overlook perks. Some registries offer a completion program, which allows couples to fill in incomplete kitchen sets at a discount. Other sites will donate to a charity of your choice every time a gift is purchased.

If you've got any helpful tips for finding the perfect registry, please feel free to chime in below!

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Last Chance to Win: The Ultimate Easter Baking Giveaway Ends Today!

partysugar — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 07:50:30 -0700

Looks like the cupcake craze isn't over yet: we were so excited about the overwhelming response to our last giveaway, we decided to offer another lucky reader the chance to win the ultimate baking package. This time, we've partnered with Williams-Sonoma to provide everything you'll need for an Easter baking extravaganza. We're giving away a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer and all of the necessary tools for baking the best cupcakes. Yellow melamine mixing bowls? Check. Yellow silicone spatulas in three sizes? Of course. Yellow apron to ensure that your clothes don't get dirty? Done. If you're not the most sophisticated baker, don't fret; we're including four (chocolate, red velvet, vanilla, and banana) Sprinkles cupcakes mixes and a set of 12 Silicups. To help you channel your inner ace of cakes, we're also giving away beautifully colored decorating sugars.

No prize package is complete without pretty platters; you can place the cakes on vintage bunny band plates or a cupcake stand. Finally, you'll be able to take your baked goods on the go with the ingenious cupcake courier. All of these prizes combine to make a total package worth over $500!

To enter to win this incredible prize, you must log in and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct; completing the quiz once you are logged in makes you eligible to win. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on Wednesday, April 8, at 12:00 noon, PDT. Click here for official rules. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Last Chance to Enter: The YumSugar Sweet Valentine's Day Giveaway Ends Today!

partysugar — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:45:19 -0800

Since Valentine's Day is a holiday that celebrates love, we decided to express our love for you readers - with a sweet giveaway! We've partnered with the fabulous folks at Williams-Sonoma® to put together the ultimate prize package. Get excited because you could soon be mixing up sweets for your sweetheart. We're giving away a KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer in Empire Red and all the wonderful accessories necessary for baking. There are Melamine Mixing Bowls and a set of Melamine measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements.

A set of Silicone Spatulas are perfect for stirring and smoothing the batter. With the Copper Cookie Cutter Heart Set you can make cookies that are too pretty to eat. Not the most experienced baker? No worries. With the Bouchon Mold and exclusive Bouchon Mix developed by Thomas Keller of French Laundry restaurant you can easily whip up delicious mini chocolate cakes. When it's time to clean up reach for Williams-Sonoma Logo Towels. All of these wonderful products come in Valentine red.

To enter to win this incredible prize, you must log in and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, completing the quiz once you are logged in makes you eligible to win. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on Tuesday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m. PST. Click here for official rules. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Happy Birthday Cake Mold: Love It or Hate It?

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 05:30:28 -0800

In your attempt to get organized in the New Year, perhaps I can interest you in this birthday cake mold. Not only does it save you the time and effort of having to write "Happy Birthday John Doe," but the microwave-safe silicon mold - heatproof up to 300ºF - has a recipe embossed on the rim for a cake that's ready in a mere six minutes! Procrastinators may think it's worth the $39.50 price tag, but I wonder whether traditionalists will miss spelling out "Happy Birthday" in loopy pink icing.

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What's In Season: Peaches

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:00:41 -0700

Peaches are my favorite stone fruit. I love everything about them: their floral aroma, fuzzy skin, and juicy flesh. To take full advantage of the fact that right now is the apex of their season, I stopped by San Jose's J&P Orchards - quite possibly the last fruit orchard in Silicon Valley. After taking a stroll through his orchard, I spoke with owner Phil Cosentino about peach season. Find out what to look for in peaches when you read more.

While peaches are ready as early as May and available until late September, peach season is at its peak in July and August.
When selecting peaches at the fruit stand or grocery store, examine the area around the stem, as it indicates ripeness when picked. The stem cavity should be wide and open rather than narrow and restricted.
To select the sweetest peaches, take a look at the peach's base color. The peach's lightest color, regardless of shade (cream, yellow, orange, etc.), should be a warm hue. The best peaches will have no green undertones.
Whenever possible, visit a local peach orchard or fruit stand, as many large commercial grocery giants select peaches before they are meant to be plucked from the vine.
Don't squeeze peaches when selecting them; you'll simply bruise them. That said, it is perfectly fine to pick a bruised peach, as many of them are extremely sweet, and the bruises are harmless.

Do you have peach stands near your house? If you have other peach tips to offer, share them with me below!