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Yummy Links: From Chinese Noodles to the Pork Party

partysugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 06:50:45 -0700

Chinese noodles are a simple and delicious meal.- Cooking With Amy
Costco is now accepting food stamps at two New York City locations. - Serious Eats
A new movie, Fresh, puts the food industry into perspective. - Epicurious
Should teens be taught more about alcohol? - Alcademics
Don't miss this crazy video of the 2009 Cheese Roll. - Eat Me Daily
Move over margarita, here's 10 other tequila cocktails to enjoy this Summer. - Chow
The latest on the frozen yogurt front: the Pinkberry Fruit Parfait. - Eater
Wouldn't you love to eat at this pork party for the ages? - The Feedbag

Disney Backs Down On Ratatouille Themed Wine

partysugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:27:31 -0700

Ratatouille, one of the summer's most entertaining movies (I checked with BuzzSugar), has been so successful in the theaters that Disney jumped at the chance to sell foodie related products. Among them, a California brand of Ratatouille wine with Remy, the cute little rat, on the label. However Disney's plans to introduce the wine at Costco have run into so many road blocks, that they have decided to drop the wine. According to spokesman Gary Foster,

We've decided to just not go through with it. We've been getting a trickle of inquiries and complaints.

Turns out the California Wine Institute was upset about having a California wine represent a movie that encourages and promotes all things French. Also the idea of having a wine based around a children's cartoon outraged the opponents of underage drinking.

I thought the idea of a wine based on the movie was clever and cute, but maybe that's because I always select wines based on their labels... what do you guys think? Are you glad Disney has put a stop to the plans?

Source: LA Times

Even Better Than The "Real Thing"

YumSugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 13:13:13 -0700

Holy Cannoli Batman! Get us to Costco stat!

Just in time for Cinco De Mayo, cases of authentic Mexican Coca Cola have been spotted at Costco. They're able to sell it since they've conformed to the US and California's regulations, such as labeling the CRV (the recycling deposit) and nutrition facts.

So why is this news? Well it tastes different, it's made from sugar instead of corn syrup, and people even say that the fizz lasts longer due to the glass bottle. The Atlanta based Coca-Cola Co. considers Mexican Coke in America to be a form of "bootlegging."

"We believe that the appeal of Mexican Coke is as much about nostalgia as it is about anything," says Martin. "It's like getting a piece of home in a bottle. You can't deny the fact that it's in a tall glass bottle, something you just can't find in most parts of the United States."

But it's the "same exact product," and Mexican bottlers are buying the ingredients straight from the company, says Martin.

If it's the same product, then tell me why they sell a kosher Coke during Passover that uses sugar, and tastes more like Mexican Coke?

Also, I wonder where the folks at Costco are getting their Mexican Coke from.

"[The non-Coca-Cola distributors are] trespassing on the territory rights of many U.S. bottlers," said Coke spokesman Martin. "Bringing it into the country is not illegal. But what it does do from the Coca-Cola standpoint is it violates contractual rights that we have with our bottlers. And it has potential trademark right infringements as well."

Hrmm... I better get myself to Costco while it's still available!

Source: SFist and Santa Cruz Sentinel
Image Source: slworking2 on Flickr - Thanks for documenting this for us!

Best Buys at Warehouse Clubs

SavvySugar — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 06:00:30 -0700

Almost every list of saving tips includes some mention of buying things in bulk. But if you’re not the Gosselins or the Duggars, are warehouse clubs (like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale) really that great of a deal? The answer is yes - if you know how to shop smart. Read on to see which products make sense to buy in bulk.

Source: Getty

View Slideshow ›

Do You Buy in Bulk?

babysugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:00:17 -0700

Once upon a time, a trip to the grocery amounted to two brown bags and a $70 tab. Then came baby and the bill doubled along with the loot. More mouths to feed means more food to buy, making bulk purchases more attractive. On any given Saturday, moms can be seen sweeping the aisles of Costco or Sam's heaving packs of toilet paper and diapers into her cart. She can avoid multiple trips and escape the exorbitant bills of the local grocer. And if disaster strikes, chances are she'll have enough toilet paper and prepared foods to get her family through a storm.

Do you buy your groceries in bulk?

Crab Cakes Are an All-American, Unexpected Appetizer

partysugar — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:00:25 -0700

Since your guests are anticipating an array of grilled and classic appetizers that scream Fourth of July, this weekend, why not do something different? Surprise them with a platter of mini crab cakes! They're a luxurious appetizer and all-American favorite.

While I've never met a crab cake I didn't like, when I make them at home, I prefer to use a traditional Maryland-style recipe. My grandfather was born in Baltimore and his cakes are always wildly delicious, but insanely simple. Stirring in too many seasonings takes away from the pure flavor of the crab. Garnished with a dollop of garlicky aioli, these cakes are light and satisfying, and pair with everything from a glass of wine to an icy beer.

They're exceptional with fresh crab; however, if you don't have access to it, Costco sells a stellar can of crabmeat. Get the recipe.

Food Review: South of the Border Pistachios

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 11:13:18 -0700

We all crave junk food every once in a while, but there are healthy substitutions out there. If you crave Spicy Nacho Doritios you should give the South of the Border Pistachios by Everybody's Nuts a try.

The flavor of these pistachios is as satisfying as the Doritos, but the nuts are so much healthier than corn chips, and nuts don't leave a neon coating on your fingers either. Speaking of hands, here is another reason to choose the nuts over chips: it takes two hands to eat pistachios, and only one hand to reach into a Doritos bag. This means you will eat the nuts more slowly, and not while driving, a bad snacking habit many of us are guilty of.

To see how these two nacho-flavored treats compare, read more.

	South of the Border pistachios 1/2 cup (no shells)	Nacho Cheese Doritios 1 ounce
Calories	170	140
Total Fat (g)	13	7
Saturated Fat (g)	1.5	1
Carbs (g)	9	18
Fiber (g)	3	under 1
Protein (g)	6	2
Iron	8 percent	2 percent
Vitamin B6	20 percent	4 percent

Yes, pistachios are higher in calories and fat, but the health benefits of the this nut are substantial. They help lower cholesterol as well as protect against breast and prostate cancers. Plus, they are high in protein, which means you will stay fuller longer.

The list of ingredients for the pistachios is considerably shorter than the list on the Doritos bag, but I thought you might be interested.

Ingredients: Dry roasted pistachios, salt, corn syrup solids, spice (includes chili paper), maltodextrin, citric acid, lime juice solids, garlic powder, dextrose, natural flavor, paprika extract.

You can find Everybody's Nuts at Costco, Kroger, Wegmans, and Kmart. Or you can buy them buy the case at the Everybody's Nuts website.

Weird Al Draws Inspiration From Craigslist For New Single

GeekSugar — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 07:33:00 -0700

I have a secret - I used to listen to Weird Al on a loop when I was younger, and still have a soft spot in my heart for his parodies. I mean, come on, "White and Nerdy"? I die. So when I heard that the music comedy genius has a new EP coming out (appropriately titled "Internet Leaks") I was already on board. The first single from the album is torn straight from the virtual pages of Craigslist (literally) and makes up one of the five songs on the upcoming release. Another song? Oh, just a little ditty about shopping at Costco called "Whatever You Like." Yup, it's a parody of T.I.'s song of the same name. They're both on iTunes now, and are of course, classic Weird Al.

Check out the video for "Craigslist," in which Weird Al channels Jim Morrison and The Doors for this five minute song (I know, but it wouldn't be an appropriate Doors parody if it was any shorter, right?). It really takes me back.

The Customer Service Halls of Shame and Fame

SavvySugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 08:30:26 -0700

Nobody wants a customer service experience that leaves you swearing under your breath, but these situations aren't exactly avoidable. MSN Money knows how important customer service is to consumers and conducts an annual survey that measures customer satisfaction.

It's named 10 companies that need a lot of improvement in the customer service department and 10 that would be good examples to the companies in the Hall of Shame. It's apparent from the rankings that banks in general could step it up.

Customer Service Hall of Shame

Citigroup
Bank of America
Abercrombie and Fitch
Qwest
HSBC
Time Warner Cable
Capital One
Sprint
Comcast
AOL

To see the companies that offer a happier customer experience, read more.
Customer Service Hall of Fame

Southwest Airlines
Costco
Apple
Whole Foods
Publix
Nordstrom
Amazon
Netflix
Trader Joe's
USAA

Source

Come Party With Me: High School Graduation - Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:30:27 -0700

Nothing says high school graduation like a classic sheet cake with "Congratulations Class of 2009" scrolled across the top in loopy, frosted letters. While you could order an insanely sugary cake with too-sweet frosting from Costco or Safeway, why not take the time to make your grad a homemade confection? This recipe for a rich, dense chocolate cake is simple, straightforward, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It calls for a fudge-like frosting, but if you have another icing you prefer, use that instead. Get the luscious recipe when you read more.

Black Chocolate Cake With Fudge Icing
From Saveur

Ingredients

For the cake:
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
5 tbsp. plus 1 tsp. unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups sifted flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup sugar
2 egg yolks
For the frosting:
2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
5 tbsp. cocoa
6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
5 tbsp. hot freshly brewed coffee
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Melt chocolate in a small heatproof bowl set over a small pot of gently simmering water over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Remove bowl from heat and set aside until chocolate is cool.
Meanwhile, grease an 8" square cake pan with 1 tsp. of the butter and set aside.
Sift flour and salt together in a small bowl and set aside. Stir baking soda into buttermilk in another small bowl and set aside.
Beat sugar and the remaining 5 tbsp. butter together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in egg yolks, then add melted chocolate and beat until thoroughly combined.
Add one third of the flour mixture, then one third of the buttermilk mixture, beating well after each addition. Repeat process to use all of both mixtures, then pour batter into prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 40–50 minutes. Transfer cake to a rack to cool in pan, then invert onto a cake plate.
For the frosting: Sift confectioners' sugar and cocoa together in a medium bowl. Stir in butter, then coffee, then vanilla, mixing well with a wooden spoon after each addition, until frosting is smooth.
Ice top and sides of cake with frosting.

Makes one 8-inch cake.

Print recipe with images | without images