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Yum's September Must Haves

partysugar — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:15:07 -0700

As much as I hate to see the Summer go, I always enjoy September. San Francisco's weather finally warms up and it's my birthday! The month also marks the start of Fall, which means heading back to school and a new season of fruits and vegetables. Here are seven items that you must have to make the most of the next 30 days.

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Thanksgiving Tip: Send Them Home With Leftovers

YumSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 12:03:33 -0800

The big feast is just a few days away, and while all of your thoughts are on shopping and prepping, be sure you don't overlook the leftovers. If you're like most Americans, your fridge is going to be crammed with leftovers the day after. To avoid this, why not send some of them home with your friends and family? If you can, head over to your local craft store and pick up some fun Take-Out Boxes. If you don't have access to a craft store, then pick up some cheap plastic containers such as Gladware or Ziploc. This way, when your guests are ready to hit the road, you can send them home with some of the food, and not have to worry about whether or not you'll see that bowl again.

If all else fails and there are no containers to be had, use Ziptop plastic bags. It's not very glamorous, but it will definitely make transportation a lot easier.

Alternatively, if you're a guest at someone else's dinner, consider bringing your own containers. It does sound a bit presumptuous, but if your hosts are not prepared, it will make things much easier. Plus you'll be able to avoid the, "Oops! We still have so-and-so's plates."

Do you have any other ideas on how to send folks home with leftovers? Share your tips below!

Come Party With Me: Tailgate - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:15:58 -0700

When planning a tailgate, start by checking out your team's online shop. You can find all sorts of fun stuff like folding chairs and snack helmets, which are ideal for holding shrimp artichoke dip. Then head to a local party store to pick up color-coordinated supplies: paper plates, napkins, plastic cups, and balloons.

Pack a folding table and tablecloth in your trunk and ask a guest to bring a bouquet of flowers. To ensure that they don't get crushed, store the oatmeal cookies in tupperware. Don't forget a knife and cutting board so you can slice the sandwiches and quesadillas.

What do you bring when tailgating?

Top Chef Masters: Episode 4

partysugar — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:01:39 -0700

After a week hiatus, Top Chef Masters was back last night with Douglas Rodriguez, John Besh, Anita Lo, and Mark Peel competing for their respective charities. Eggs, magic, Tom Colicchio, and Doogie Howser played supporting roles. Did you watch? Want to discuss the episode? Keep reading.

Simple Tip: Save Old Glass Jars

partysugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 10:30:16 -0700

Instead of recycling glass jars, go eco chic and place them in the dishwasher. Once they're clean, hold onto them. I started doing this last year and have come to rely on the glass jars for a variety of uses. They're incredibly convenient for mixing salad vinaigrettes and can hold simple syrups, homemade marinated artichokes, or quick pickles. They also make a great substitute for tupperware when filled with leftover sauce or gravy. If cooking isn't your forte, employ the glass jars as whimsical candle holders!

Is anyone else addicted to saving glass jars?

Bobby Flay's Sandwich Tips

partysugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 08:00:01 -0700

Yesterday we brought you a fun little video of Bobby Flay making sandwiches, and today we've got his tips for crafting the best 'wich! While Flay is known for his superior grill skills, he's also a sponsor for Best Foods mayonnaise and a master of sandwich making. Here's how the Iron Chef recommends building a better sandwich:

When a sandwich contains several moist ingredients (mayonnaise, tomatoes, etc), use a thick, crusty bread like ciabatta.
When putting together a simple sandwich with fewer ingredients, like ham and cheese, select thinly sliced bread.

Get the rest of Flay's fabulous suggestions when you read more.

For sandwiches on the go, separate the elements: Put the bread in one baggy, the condiments in a small Tupperware or squirt bottle, and the veggies in another baggy. Assemble just before eating.
Get creative! Instead of using lettuce, opt for other crunchy vegetables. When they come in contact with oil-based condiments, sliced cucumber and fennel won't wilt or turn soggy.
Add a kick to any sandwich with strong flavors like smoked Spanish paprika, fresh ground black pepper, chili powder, or fresh lime juice.
Make sure your sandwich is full of color. Incorporate fresh vibrant elements such as parsley leaves, finely diced red onions, or green, yellow, and red peppers.
Don't forget to have fun with your ingredients! Who says you can’t enjoy the crunch of blue corn chips on your sandwich? Why not include chopped toasted walnuts or pecans? How about dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins? The sky is the limit.
Think outside the box. By adding a creamy lemon-chive vinaigrette, you can take the classic egg sandwich from breakfast to dinner.
Make your own custom sauces. Jazz up store-made condiments with fresh herbs, citrus juice, horseradish, roasted tomatoes, olives, or chiles.

How do you make the ultimate sandwich? Share your tips with us below!

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Burning Question: What Keeps Food Fresher, Foil or Plastic?

YumSugar — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 09:30:35 -0800

To foil or to plastic wrap: that is the age-old question that's been around longer than I've known how to cook. So which keeps food fresher longer? The answer is that it all depends on what you're aiming to preserve.

Foil has a much more substantial thickness. It's preferable for aromatic, heavily scented foods like curries. It also prevents freezer burn, so use it for items that you're storing for a lengthy period of time in the freezer.
For fresh foods, opt for plastic; it's capable of sealing produce tighter than foil and is ideal for things like avocados and apples, which turn color when exposed. Aluminum reacts badly with acidic fruits and foods, whereas plastic wrap doesn't. Plastic wrap can even help to accelerate the marinating process.

It's important to keep in mind how you'll be reheating the food. It goes without saying that foil can't be microwaved, but heats well in the oven. While plastic wrap would melt under the heat of an oven, it seals in moisture in the microwave. If all else fails, there's always tupperware.

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Lunchtime Tips

partysugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 11:03:11 -0700

My little sister Trish recently began her career as a working woman. Now that she is confined to an office for eight hours a day she has realized the importance of packing a filling and healthy lunch. To help her out I've put together a bunch of lunchtime tips. These helpful hints can be applied to both those who are in the work force and those who are in school.

Maintaining variety is vital to brown bagging. Having the same lunch every day can be incredibly depressing. With creativity, a delicious lunch can totally brighten your day.
Make your food more alluring than the nearby fast food chains. Sandwiches with quality ingredients like proscuitto, mozzarella, and fresh herbs will have you looking forward to lunch in the morning.
Don't buy single serving packs of chips. Instead pack a small amount in a zip lok baggy. This discourages over eating and saves money.

For the rest of my tips, including how to stop sandwich sogginess, read more

Make lunches in separate compartments to avoid soggy lettuce or soggy bread in sandwiches. For example if you bring a salad, put greens in a large tupperware. Stick each of the ingredients (chopped tomatoes, garbanzo beans, sliced mushrooms, etc) in small plastic baggies. Wrap any cheeses in foil. Place the dressing in a small tupperware container. Add the baggies to the tupperware of greens when packing the lunch. Do the same with sandwiches.
Keep fast food packets of mustard, ketchup, mayo, salt, and pepper in your desk drawer for days when meals lack luster.
Jazz up sandwiches with interesting condiments. Olive tapenades, sun dried tomato pestos, or horseradish mayonnaise will add excitement to turkey and cheese.
Pack lunch in a cute fun container. It will make an emotional difference and is a nicer presentation than a brown bag.

If your office has a microwave or toaster oven, bring leftovers for reheating.
Invest in a thermos because they can retain both heat and cold. Before filling the thermos, pre-fill with either boiling water or ice to ensure maximum warmth or coolness.
Don't forget to wash your lunch containers!
If you are making a lunch for a family member or loved one, include a simple note or clipping inside. Sometimes, all it takes is an, "Enjoy your lunch!" to turn someone's day around.

Remember we all need to eat lots of fruits and veggies, so pack them in your lunch.
If you are friends with some folks in the office, organize a lunch pool where everyone makes lunch one day of the week. You'll only have to make lunch one day and it's easier to make five of the same lunch rather than five different lunches.
If you stick to your meals, reward yourself every once in awhile. Go out to eat with a friend or treat yourself with a cookie from a local bakery. Likewise, allow kids to get lunch from the school cafeteria every once in awhile.

What do you do to make your lunchtime more exciting? Please share your tips and ideas below!

Dove Chocolatier: The Next Avon Lady?

YumSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:45:19 -0700

You've heard of the door-to-door Avon lady, and been to Tupperware parties. But have you ever been to a Dove Chocolate party?

Now you can. Two weeks ago, candy giant Mars launched its newest venture, a direct-selling company called Dove Chocolate Discoveries.

The company is targeting women and men who want to start an at-home business to become independent sales consultants. These "chocolatiers" then throw "tasting parties" where they teach friends how to make everything from chocolate martinis to chocolate truffles. The goal? To convince guests to buy chocolate rimmers, cupcake baking kits, and chocolate-covered graham crackers, among other things.

With Halloween around the corner, everyone has candy on the brain, so the prospects could be bright. Sales consultants make at least 25 percent of everything they sell, so it could also be lucrative. What do you think of the concept? Would you buy lots of Mars products at a chocolate party?

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Do You Freeze Things?

partysugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 07:48:38 -0700

The only things in my freezer are ice, frozen berries, puff pastry, and vodka. There was a time when my freezer was full of tupperware, but I never ended up eating anything I froze, so I stopped. Although I make soups and casseroles, I prefer to eat the leftovers rather than freeze them for a later date. How about you?

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