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Roundup: American-Bred Design

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 10:00:23 -0800

I wanted to find an appropriate way to celebrate inauguration day here on CasaSugar without pushing red, white, and blue items at you or suggesting you buy Obama-inspired artwork. I know you don't want your homes looking like a Fourth of July parade, and you may not be interested in political figure art, or President-elect Barack Obama, for that matter. So, I thought I'd round up some work by a few of my favorite American designers. It might surprise you how many classic, iconic designs were born and raised right here in the US of A. For instance, the Cherner Arm Chair ($959), which was a recent Crave Worthy of mine, has "Danish modern" written all over it. But in fact, Norman Cherner was an American who studied and taught at Columbia University, was an instructor at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and designed for a Massachusetts-based manufacturing company! Check out the rest of my American-bred design finds when you read more.

Wee TV: Nickelodeon to Cover Inauguration

LilSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 08:00:32 -0800

If last night's inaugural concert for kids got your lil one excited about today's historic events, be sure to keep your boob tube tuned to Nickelodeon throughout the day today. The network best known for its slime machine continues its 'Kids Pick the President' campaign by sending three young reporters, including Phil Collins' daughter Lily, to our nation's capital to report on the transfer of power from their perspective. The coverage will include retrospectives of past inaugurations, interviews with tots attending the event and highlights of President Obama's inaugural address. It will appear during commercial breaks throughout the day and between regularly scheduled prime time programming until the end of the month - plenty of time for Sasha and Malia to catch it once the hoopla dies down.

Snack Like Obama: Fruit and Nuts

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:00:00 -0800

Today we inaugurate a new president. The man who will be president not only works out six days a week; Obama also believes in healthy snacking. I vote for that!

Barack Obama makes snacks of fruits and nuts. Pistachios, known to lower cholesterol, are his favorite nut. As for the fruit we can only figure that he eats seasonally, which means these days he is enjoying citrus fruits of all kinds.

It has been mentioned, and recorded on film, that Obama likes Fiji water - not necessarily the drink of the masses. I appreciate the need to stay hydrated when running on a tight schedule, but bottled water shipped from halfway around the planet seems like a double eco no-no. Today, I will be snacking for our new president with a couple of tangerines, my favorite citrus fruit, and some yummy pistachios. What about you?

If you're still trying to figure out a menu for your own inaugural ball, my pal Yum has some ideas for you.

Source

Politikids: Kids' Inaugural

LilSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:00:22 -0800

Though tomorrow's inaugural balls may call for black ties and heels, your lil one doesn't need to get all decked out to celebrate like the Obamas. Get the party started at home with some festive food, and then tune into the Kids' Inaugural: We Are the Future Concert this evening. The concert, which will be attended by Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and their families, will honor military families with live performances by Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Levato, and Bow Wow. Usher, Keke Palmer, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Shaquille O'Neal are all scheduled to appear as well.

Be sure your lil partiers have their dancing shoes on by 8 p.m. (EST) tonight, as the concert will be shown on the Disney Channel and simulcast on Radio Disney then.

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Tell Mommy: How Did You Spend This National Day of Service?

LilSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:00:29 -0800

The inaugural festivities are not only focused on the swearing in ceremony and balls that will take place tomorrow, the Obama-Biden transition team has designated today as the nation's first National Day of Service. The President-elect and Vice-President-elect will be participating in several DC-area projects and are encouraging Americans to go into their communities and volunteer in a variety of ways - from donating blood at a local hospital, to cleaning neighborhood parks or working at a soup kitchen. There's no time like the present to introduce your tots the importance of giving back to your community. If you are still looking for opportunities in your area, be sure to check out the USA Service site, where you can search for activities by proximity to your home.

Tell Mommy, what are you doing to celebrate the National Day of Service?

What's on the Menu at the Inauguration Luncheon?

YumSugar — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 05:30:00 -0800

Next Tuesday, after Barack Obama is sworn in as the nation's leader, he will be served a meal fit for a president at the inauguration luncheon. Held at the US capitol's Statuary Hall, the event, which is hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies, is catered by the Arlington, VA-based catering company Design Cuisine.

I've taken a sneak peek at the official menu. This year, the cuisine is based on the personal favorites of Abraham Lincoln. Since you all did so well guessing what was served at this year's Golden Globes, I figured you would do well predicting what items would please the presidential palate. Find out when you take our quiz!

Source

Take the quiz

All the News That's Fit to Eat - Jan. 14, 2009

YumSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 12:30:58 -0800

For an inexpensive dinner or hearty Super Bowl snack, reach for these spicy drumsticks. - Boston Globe
Presidential inaugurations have had a long history of celebrations. - Chicago Tribune
Why Community Supported Fisheries may keep small, floundering fisheries alive. - Washington Post
How to elevate the modest meatball. - The Oregonian
Cracked wheat, or bulgur, is cheap, healthful, versatile, fast, and delicious. - San Francisco Chronicle
This year, learn how to properly read a wine label. - Wall Street Journal
Eateries in Washington are hoping Obama's frequent dining-out habits will be good news for the restaurant scene. - New York Times
What's the appeal of food-competition programming?- Los Angeles Times

Source

Come Party With Me: Inauguration - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:15:58 -0800

Although the Inauguration isn't until next Tuesday, I'm inviting friends over to kick off the ceremony on Sunday. Since Barack Obama was senator in Chicago, the menu has a Chicago theme. After finishing the deep-dish pizzas, wait an hour before serving this decadent dessert. Eli's is the Windy City's famous bakery known for its chocolate chip cheesecake. While you could order a cheesecake from Eli's and have it delivered, I recommend whipping up a homemade variation. This recipe features sour cream (like most Chicago-style cheesecakes) and results in a cake that is firm on the outside, but deliciously creamy on the inside.

To look at the recipe, read more.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
From Ghirardelli

Ingredients

1 cup(s) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tablespoon(s) Unsweetened Cocoa
2 ounce(s) White Chocolate Baking Bar
2/3 cup(s) crushed graham crackers
1/4 cup(s) granulate white sugar
1/3 cup(s) (2/3 stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 1/4 cup(s) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 teaspoon(s) pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup(s) granulated white sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup(s) sour cream

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch springform cake pan.
To make the crust, in a small bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, cocoa, and sugar. Stir in the butter. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan.
Press firmly to distribute the crust mixture onto the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan. Chill the crust while making the filling.
To make the filling, in a medium-size bowl, beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and sugar with an electric mixer at low speed until smooth.
Gradually beat in the eggs, increasing the speed slightly as the mixture softens.
Beat in the sour cream. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips with a large spoon.
Pour the filling into the chilled crust and set the pan on a baking tray. Bake for 75 minutes, or until firm. The cheesecake may deflate and crack as it cools, so turn off the oven and let cool slowly in the oven for about 1 hour with the oven door open.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight before removing from the pan.
Sprinkle the top with grated white chocolate. This cheesecake is best if eaten within 3 days of baking.

Serves 8-10.

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Lil Links: Obama Toppers For Your Tot's Inaugural Cupcakes

LilSugar — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 11:00:30 -0800

Downloadable Obama cupcake toppers for your inaugural fete - Alpha Mom
Marcia Cross and her giggling lil girls - Celebrity Baby Blog
Kate Hudson and family on vacation in Maui - Celebrity Baby Scoop
The tests are negative, but I still feel pregnant - CafeMom
Toxic 10 to avoid with savvy skincare - Fit Pregnancy
Leaking fluid during pregnancy - Health
Sleep tips for the whole family - Parent Dish
Rewatching children's classics . . . in horror and shame - The Poop
Win the Jennifer Meyer necklace the mom wore in Marly and Me! - CelebStyle
If you're a mama looking to get fit in 2009, this giveaway will make the task much easier! - FitSugar

Come Party With Me: Inauguration - Menu

partysugar — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:00:46 -0800

Next week Barack Obama will make history when he is sworn in as president. Naturally, this momentous occasion deserves a party! The ceremony takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 11:30 a.m. EST. Since most people will be working, I've decided to host my party the Sunday before. HBO is airing a special live program, We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial, to kick off the festivities, and I've invited my friends over to watch it with me. While my election night menu featured patriotic dishes, this party will highlight dishes from Barack Obama's old hometown, Chicago.

For appetizers offer guests Garrett Gourmet Popcorn, flown in fresh from the Windy City. Make mini Italian beef sandwiches topped with giardiniera peppers. For the main course, serve two nontraditional (they're square shaped - no special circular pans necessary) deep dish pizzas. A pepperoni, onion, and mushroom pie is perfectly hearty while a spinach-artichoke pizza will satiate the vegetarians in attendance. To check out these tantalizing recipes, read more.

Mini Italian Beef Sandwiches
From Midwest Living

Ingredients

1 17-oz. pkg. refrigerated cooked beef roast au jus
2 cups frozen peppers (yellow, green, and red) and onion stir-fry vegetables
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/8 to 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 cups shredded cabbage with carrot (coleslaw mix)
1/2 cup pepperoncini salad peppers, stemmed and chopped, plus 2 tablespoons drained liquid
16 2- to 3-inch rolls, split
giardiniera peppers (optional, for serving)

Directions

Place beef mixture in a medium saucepan, breaking up any large pieces. Add peppers, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Heat through just to boiling.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine coleslaw mix, 1/2 cup chopped pepperoncini and liquid, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
To serve, use a slotted spoon to divide meat mixture among roll bottoms. Top each with coleslaw mixture; add roll tops.
Serve with giardiniera peppers, if you like.

Makes 16 sandwiches.

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Deep-Dish Pizzas
From Everyday Food

Ingredients

Olive oil, for pans
All-purpose flour, for work surface
2 balls (1 pound each) store-bought pizza dough, thawed if frozen
1 1/2 cups jarred tomato sauce
6 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella (1 1/2 pounds)
Coarse salt and ground pepper
For Pepperoni-Onion Topping:
4 ounces thinly sliced pepperoni
1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
1 pound thinly sliced button mushrooms, sauteed (optional)
For Spinach-Artichoke Topping
1 package (10 ounces) frozen leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts in water, drained, quartered, and squeezed dry

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush bottom and sides of two 13-by-9-inch metal baking pans with oil.
On a lightly floured work surface, stretch each ball of dough into a 10-by-14-inch oval (if dough isn't holding its shape, let rest a few minutes).
Transfer each oval to a prepared pan, pressing to fit into corners, and one inch up sides to form a rim.
Dividing evenly, spread sauce over each oval of dough.
Using 3 cups of cheese per pizza, spread three layers each of cheese and topping, ending with topping (layering with cheese helps to hold each pizza together). Season with salt and pepper. (If making ahead, cover and refrigerate, up to 1 day.)
Bake pizzas side by side until cheese and crusts are golden brown, 30 to 40 minutes, rotating once (if refrigerated, add 10 minutes).
Let rest in pans 10 minutes. To serve, use two wide spatulas to transfer pizzas to cutting boards.

Serves 8.

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