Featured
Starters
Sugar Editorial Picks
Must Read: Pestos, Tapenades, & Spreads
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?
Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Two Ways — Beginner and Expert
Rustic, woodsy cremini mushrooms are the perfect flavor this time of year, and they make a killer app for gatherings big and small — especially when combined with the nuttiness of aged, hard Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.
Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned expert, stuffed mushrooms are an ideal start to any meal, and many versions are vegetarian! Keep it simple by baking 'shroom caps with a cold cheese mixture, or opt for a more sophisticated variation by making your own breadcrumbs, then adding sautéed vegetables into the stuffing before sticking the bites into the oven.
10 Killer Vegetarian Appetizers
With the last few days of Summer upon us, and the start of football season, there are a multitude of reasons why I've been pulling all the best killer apps out of my hat. But in an attempt to lighten my carbon footprint, eat healthier, and gear up for National Vegetarian Month in October, I've also tried to steer clear of eating too much meat. Thankfully, my vegetarian options are so superb that I'm not missing out on the meat at all!
Sunday BBQ: Grilled Peaches and Goat Cheese Crostinis
This week we've fixed up a great 4th of July bbq menu including good ol' bbq ribs. Since there are already a bunch of bbq entrees at your fingertips, I thought I'd try something new for this week's Sunday BBQ. Sweet tangy peaches and creamy goat cheese make for a perfect start (or finish) to any meal.
Cup Noodles Gets Greener
Even the biggest foodies among us have consumed our fair share of instant Ramen — I did go to college, after all. But I always steered clear of Cup Noodles, the Ramen you cook by adding hot water to a styrofoam cup, which you then throw away. It just seems wasteful, and the fact that the cup is made of styrofoam makes it even worse!
Thanksgiving Tip: Calculate How Much Food You'll Need
For an elaborate meal like Thanksgiving, it's crucial to consider how much food you'll serve. Too little, and you'll leave guests wishing they could gobble up more; too much, and you'll wind up with Thanksgiving leftovers for weeks. To make sure your food doesn't go to waste, take time to do some adequate planning.
Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving — Menu
From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party. In 2007, I threw a huge Halloween bash, and last year, I didn't do anything!
Now, I've decided it's time to bring back my beloved pumpkin carving dinner.
What's Yummy This Week — YumSugar Weekly Recap
- Bacon-wrapped dates may just be the world's most perfect sweet-salty combo.
- Quiz: what do you know about the Food Network's newer chefs?
- Oktoberfest starts this weekend, and Party kicks it off with a German meal at her haus.
- Ten ways to make it rain meatballs after watching the new movie.
- Ring in the Jewish New Year with sweet honey cake.
- Were you in the know about this week's Top Chef battle on the range?
- Ten meatless starters that are always tops for entertaining.
Burning Question: Why Does Spinach Make Your Teeth Gritty?
Not too long ago, I enjoyed my favorite steakhouse side, creamed spinach, with a reliable hunk of aged meat at the House of Prime Rib. I hadn't had the dish in a while, and when I took my first bite I instantly remembered what it felt like to have "spinach teeth" — a gritty, uncomfortable sensation that one experiences after eating spinach. Why, I wondered, does spinach leave your teeth feeling rough?For starters, spinach grows best in sandy soil, so the grittiness may very well come from actual sand if it's not been thoroughly washed.
More on YumSugar
Fall Award Season
Top Brands
Emporio Armani
DKNY
Valentino