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Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Potpie Empanadas

partysugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:45:08 -0700

The classic chicken potpie gets a portable makeover in this delicious recipe. Although a traditional potpie, with its homemade dough and slow-cooked chicken, takes time to make, this shortcut version uses refrigerated pie crusts and rotisserie chicken to cut the cook time. Kids will especially enjoy these empanadas because they require no eating utensils. For the recipe please,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Deep-Dish Polenta Pizza

partysugar — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 10:30:38 -0700

I was surprised that several of you have never tasted deep-dish pizza, so I found this shortcut recipe to share. Although it's simple enough to make at the end of the week, it's delicious and filling. The traditional heavy tomato sauce is replaced with a mixture of sun-dried tomatoes, radicchio, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. If you dislike this combination of toppings, get creative: Italian sausage and garlic, or pancetta and mushrooms would be scrumptious.

To learn the technique,

Sunday Slow Cooker: Seafood Gumbo

YumSugar — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 06:00:59 -0700

When cooking with a slow cooker, it's easy to overlook the fact that shellfish like shrimp and crab are just as simple to make as any other protein.

Gumbo can be time intensive and require a lot of expensive spices, but this recipe turns the Southern favorite into a realistic meal. To round out the menu, serve it over rice. Get the recipe:

Monday's Leftovers: Flash Fajitas

YumSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:45:00 -0700

If you've got skirt steak left over in your fridge, transform them into a quick meal for a busy Monday night: fajitas. Not only are skirt steaks the cut of choice for fajitas because of their smoky, deep flavor, but they are also thin enough that they cook extremely quickly. To get this easy, breezy, in-a-jiffy meal onto your table,

Banana Nut Bread Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 03:00:22 -0700

Growing up, dessert nut breads were family favorites, and at a young age I discovered that these loaves make great gifts for many occasions. With the first recipe below, you don't have to worry about spending hours in the kitchen to make a delicious, pretty treat for yourself or someone else. Or, if you're feeling more adventurous (and patient), you can opt for a recipe that starts from scratch. To see both,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Polenta With Chard

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:45:30 -0700

A member of the beet family, Swiss chard is a dark, leafy green that's in season now. Chard's somewhat bitter taste can be neutralized by cooking.

In this vegetarian recipe, chard, the stellar ingredient, is sautéed with garlic. Placed on a bed of creamy polenta and topped with tangy blue cheese, this dish is filling and soothing. Bring Fall into your kitchen with this recipe when you

Sunday BBQ: Grilled Pork and Pistachio Couscous

YumSugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:00:12 -0700

Pork tenderloin may not be the first thing that comes to mind when barbecuing, but it's just as easy to grill as other meats like chicken breast. In this rendition, grilled lemon and pork tenderloin are served with broccoli rabe and pistachio couscous. As this cut of meat is fairly lean, it makes for a healthy, well-rounded meal. To get the recipe, which is perfect for both Summer and Fall,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Tortilla-Crusted Cod Cakes

partysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:30:13 -0700

Make cooking more exciting with recipes that feature everyday ingredients in creative, new ways. In this recipe crushed tortilla chips replace boring breadcrumbs as a coating for fish cakes. The cakes are seared and finished off in the oven, resulting in a crisp, crunchy exterior and flaky, soft filling. A cilantro-orange-onion salsa adds a unique freshness to the cakes. This recipe is highly adaptable: salmon or crab can replace the cod, and parsley or mint are delicious substitutes for the cilantro.

To look at the recipe,

Easy Weeknight Meal: Ham and Cheese Quesadillas

YumSugar — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 08:00:08 -0700

You'd be hard pressed to find a simpler dinner than these quesadillas served alongside melon. The quesadillas, with their flour tortillas encasing oozy, gooey melted mozzarella, are inspired by Mexican and Italian cuisines. Next time, for even more of an Italian twist, I'll swap the ham for prosciutto to balance out the mozzarella, which is mild and doesn't contain much salt. The cantaloupe proves to be a sweet, aromatic complement to the prosciutto.

Although you can use any type of mozzarella, I recommend the fresh kind over the low-moisture variety because it melts differently. Since I had them on hand, I replaced the mozzarella with bocconcini, or small mozzarella balls. Regardless of what mozzarella you use, I recommend patting it dry with a cloth or paper towel, so your cheese doesn't seep moisture, resulting in a soggy quesadilla. To get the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Greek Melt

partysugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 07:45:56 -0700

Filled with Greek flavors, this delicious dinner is part salad, part pizza. A crisp pita is topped with sautéed spinach and roasted tomatoes. A creamy yogurt feta sauce, scented with fresh lemon juice, finishes off the open-faced dish.

Light yet hearty, this vegetarian meal is perfect for a hot night. Get the simple recipe when you

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:45:07 -0700

A housewarming party is similar to an open house in that guests will stop by at random times. Instead of slaving over the stove, serve a simple menu of Spanish style tapas that are delicious warm, cold, or at room temperature. Start by putting together a large antipasto platter with your favorite cheese, crackers, marinated vegetables, and charcuterie. Supplement this with a few homemade nibbles. Warm rosemary olives, stuffed mushrooms, and eggplant mozzarella roll-ups are scrumptious and filling. To learn how to make these tasty appetizers,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Grilled BLT Pizza

partysugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 06:45:57 -0700

Just because a cooking technique is new doesn't mean you can't test it out on a weeknight. This recipe for a grilled pizza is simple and quick. It gets you out of the kitchen and experimenting with the grill.

The BL of the classic BLT is replaced with prosciutto and arugula making for a delicious gourmet alternative. This pizza is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant because no cheese is involved. To look at the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Teriyaki Salmon

partysugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:30:37 -0700

If you aren't familiar with cooking with Asian flavors or fish, experiment with this simple recipe. The classic Teriyaki flavors are mild and crowd pleasing. There's no need to head to a specialty store for hard-to-find ingredients, the components are common pantry staples. Sliced salmon fillets are coated with a mixture of soy, fresh ginger, and wasabi before being placed under a broiler. This dish comes together in minutes, making it ideal for the end of the week. To learn how it's done,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Jerk Chicken With Corn Bread

partysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 10:30:19 -0700

Why not start the weekend with a spicy, fragrant chicken? This chicken is rubbed with a mixture of spices typical to Jerk seasoning: paprika, allspice, cayenne, and garlic powder. Although the recipe roasts the chicken in the oven, it would be equally delicious cooked on a grill. The corn bread accompaniment is simply a jazzed-up box variation. Paired with an icy cold beer, this makes a delicious dinner. Get the recipe now and

Fish Tacos Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Fri, 16 May 2008 13:00:01 -0700

With their crisp, crunchy skin and flaky, hot flesh, fish tacos are sublimely delicious. I always order fish tacos out but rarely make them in. To encourage both you and I to experiment with fish tacos at home, I've found two recipes.

One is quite simple and the other is quite complicated. Because deep frying fish fillets is not for everyone, the first recipe uses premade crunchy fish tenders. Feel free to take components of each recipe to make your own appetizing variation. For both recipes,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Kitchen-Sink Quesadillas

partysugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:56:19 -0700

Quesadillas are the perfect simple and quick dinner because they can be filled with anything, take little time to make, and are crowd pleasers. When paired with a leafy green salad, they make a satisfying meal. Tonight make vegetarian quesadillas filled with bean and corn salsa and lots of grated cheese. To make things even easier, bake the quesadillas in the oven instead of frying them on the stove. If this sounds appetizing to you, take a look at the recipe and

Let's Make Ice Cream Cake!

partysugar — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:18:11 -0700

When we asked your opinion of ice cream cakes, the overwhelming response was positive. I'm with all of you, I love ice cream cakes. In fact, when I was in high school my bff and I were famous for our homemade ice cream cakes.

Although it's a stunning dessert that looks like it's hard to make, ice cream cake is actually super simple to put together. The recipe here features a yellow cake with coffee ice cream, but feel free to use the technique described to make any flavored cake and ice cream combination. To take a look at the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Low-Fat Fettuccine Alfredo

partysugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:11:39 -0700

I love everything about creamy, decadent pasta sauces. However, I know they're incredibly unhealthy. That's why I enjoy making lighter versions like this low-fat fettuccine Alfredo. The recipe calls for skim milk and tons of crunchy, green broccoli. A small amount of good quality parmesan cheese adds depth and flavor. To recreate this classic pasta dish in a more healthful manner,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Garlicky Hoisin Beef

partysugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:17:59 -0700

There is nothing better than making a quick-cooking, one pot meal; dinner is ready in a flash and there's minimal clean up! In this delicious recipe, bell peppers and sweet potatoes are tossed with stir-fried beef and a fragrant, salty sauce. It's a straightforward and uncomplicated technique that results in a well balanced, scrumptious meal. To take a look at how it's done,

Rhubarb Tart Is a Scrumptious Spring Dessert

partysugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 16:18:32 -0700

Are you familiar with rhubarb? Rhubarb is a celery-like vegetable that is consumed as a fruit. While the leaves of rhubarb are toxic, the pretty stalks are completely edible. Because of its natural tartness, rhubarb is usually combined with sugar to make a delicious dessert. This raspberry rhubarb tart is a wonderful recipe to use if you're interested in experimenting with rhubarb. A rustic, simple pastry dough is filled with a sweet rhubarb-raspberry mixture.

Although the recipe calls for fresh raspberries, frozen ones would work just as well. To take a look at the recipe — it pairs perfectly with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream —

Fast & Easy Dinner: Black Beans and Rice

partysugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:01:57 -0700

Rice and beans are a delicious classic food combination. Chock full of vegetables, this recipe highlights the flavor of black beans. A pinch of cumin adds smokiness and a splash of red wine vinegar provides a tang. Serve the beans over your favorite type of rice for a hearty meal. To take a look at the recipe,

Sunday Dinner: Ginger-Aled Ham

partysugar — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 01:28:51 -0700

Nothing says Easter dinner more than a delicious baked ham. There are many liquids that you could glaze an Easter ham with — whiskey, coke, orange juice, etc. — but this recipe uses ginger ale. Isn't it a fun name? I want to make this ham because Ginger-Aled Ham sounds so delicious. Not to mention that brown sugar and mustard enhance the glaze resulting in a ham that is succulent and delicious. To get the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Greek Pizza with Feta

partysugar — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 09:03:31 -0700

I have a weakness for pizza, it's one of my favorite foods and I love it in all forms. Tonight I am treating myself to a Greek style pizza. Meat seasoned with cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and oregano is baked atop a store bought dough. Red onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese finish off the tasty dish. To take a look at the recipe I'll be using,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Poached Halibut with Green Beans and Potatoes

partysugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 05:47:39 -0700

Poaching is a delicious technique when applied to fish. Simmered lightly in dry white wine, this halibut is delicate, flaky, and flavorful. A drizzle of chive butter adds a rich finish. Paired with crisp green beans and boiled red potatoes, this makes a lovely balanced dinner. If you prefer to use another type of fish, choose a firm fleshed white fish like mahi-mahi or swordfish. For the recipe that would also make an elegant entertaining meal,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Fettucine with Bolognese Sauce

partysugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:01:31 -0800

Bolognese is a classic, kid-friendly crowd pleaser. Who could resist a bowl of piping hot pasta coated in a chunky, flavorful meat and tomato sauce? It's also great because you throw all the ingredients into a large pot and forget about them until the sauce is done. This recipe calls for fettuccine, but you could serve the fragrant bolognese over any pasta you have on hand. Serve with a glass of Italian red wine and let the weekend begin! Sound scrumptious? Wait until you see the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Basic Quiche

partysugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:47:41 -0800

Although you could take the time to make a pastry crust, for a super quick, weeknight version of quiche, use a store bought piecrust. The simple filling — eggs, sautéed onions, grated cheese, and fresh parsley — can easily be modified to your liking. Leftover vegetables, ends of cheeses, and mixed herbs can all be stirred into the egg mixture before being baked in the crust. For a more hearty version, add cooked ham, bacon, or roasted chicken.

Once you know the basic recipe — which is absolutely delicious on its own — the creative possibilities for quiche are endless. Get it now and

Fast & Easy Dinner: Arroz con Pollo with Apples

partysugar — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 05:28:11 -0800

Arroz con Pollo — chicken with rice — is a pretty basic meal that is made all over the world. Ingredients differ from culture to culture, but the staples — rice and chicken — remain constant. Tonight make a tasty variation with a hint of sweet tartness. The secret ingredient? Crisp apples. The apples will have your family wondering, hmmm what is that? To keep them guessing with this fragrant one pot meal, get the recipe, just

Fast & Easy Dinner: Baked Eggs with Spinach and Tomatoes

partysugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:47:18 -0800

If your dearest happens to be a vegetarian, make him baked eggs for a romantic dinner tonight. Baked eggs — while not overly glamorous — are delicately delicious. Their simple elegance is sexy, especially when cooked with a garlic, tomato, and spinach mixture. A dollop of cream cheese is a decadent finish. For a full meal start with a cheese plate paired with dried fruit, honey, and crackers; finish with chocolate molten cakes. To drink? It's Valentine's Day so celebrate with a bottle of bubbly!

To take a look at the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Butternut Squash with Couscous

partysugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 09:45:31 -0800

I hate to say it, but pretty soon the peak season for butternut squash will be over. Butternut squash are best from early Fall to Winter, and although Spring means a plethora of appetizing vegetables, it's sad to see the squash go. To make the most of it while we can, serve a curried version of the veggie tonight. It's a delicious meal atop couscous, flavored with peanuts and chutney. This recipe is perfect for the vegetarian in your life, so get it now and

Fast & Easy Dinner: Cannellini Bean and Sausage Gratin

partysugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:18:31 -0800

I'm ga-ga for gratins — especially at this time of year — and got really excited when I found this recipe for a dinner gratin. Usually gratins are served as a side dish because they highlight the flavor of one ingredient. However in this case, beans, greens, and sausage are tossed with fennel, onions, and fresh sage before being baked in the oven. Plus, this recipe uses chicken broth instead of cream making it a lighter version. Bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese give the gratin a crisp, gorgeous finish. To discover a new gratin,

Coq au Vin Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:01:21 -0800

When one goes to culinary school, the basic, French-cooking techniques are essential to master. Coq au vin, (pronounced coke-oh-vahn) is a classic French dish that all home cooks should learn. Tender poultry, mushrooms, onions, and bacon are cooked together in red wine. The final result is a marvelous meal, perfect for a cold Winter night. For two recipes — one that's simple and another that's more difficult — to choose from

Rustic Apple Tart Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:27:33 -0800

Nothing is as comforting as an old-fashioned apple tart. When warm, gooey, and fresh from the oven, a dessert of this magnitude has the ability to alter moods and capture hearts. There are a million different recipes available and it's easy to find one that suits your experience level as a home cook. Whatever recipe you use, don't forget to serve the tart with vanilla ice cream! For two recipes for the classic dessert — both highlight the simple and pure flavor of apples —

Fast & Easy Dinner: French-Fry Pie

partysugar — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:03:33 -0700

Some Fridays, I arrive home exhausted from a hectic and busy week. I'm not afraid to admit that on these days, I receive a lot of help from the grocery store. Tonight's meal consists of only three easy ingredients and makes for a filling, effortless meal. Flavor ground beef with marinara sauce, and top the whole thing with shoe string French fries. It's a deconstructed version of the classic shepherd's pie, but without all the chopping and stirring. Get the recipe now,

Perfect October Dessert: Caramel Apples

partysugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 16:13:18 -0700

Although they are messy and difficult to eat, caramel apples are super easy to make! All you do is jam a stick into the apples and dip them into melted caramel squares.

This nostalgic dessert is a fabulous way to welcome the arrival of October, and would be fun to make with kids. It takes at least an hour for the caramel to harden, so make these apples in advance. Get the scrumptious recipe when you

Blank Canvas Dessert: Buttermilk Pudding

partysugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 16:13:12 -0700

It's good to have a few blank canvas dessert recipes in your repertoire. By blank canvas, I mean desserts that are easy to make, may be prepared in advance, and can be creatively added to. For example, these buttermilk puddings are delicious alone, but are effortlessly jazzed up with a caramel sauce, fresh fruit, syrups, candies, or just about anything that floats your fancy! For a perfect Halloween dessert, use melted chocolate to give these individual puddings ghost faces or spider webs. With this dessert the possibilities are endless, so get the recipe,

Do You Fake It Instead of Make It?

YumSugar — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 11:43:18 -0700

Are you someone who prefers to fake it, not make it? Perhaps you even fancy yourself a budding Sandra Lee? If so, then I just heard about a contest you must enter. Real Simple magazine is hosting their first Fake It, Don't Make It recipe contest and they need your entries! If you've got a great super-simple recipe up your sleeve then submit it and you could win!

The catch is that your recipe "must use some premade, store-bought ingredients and go from package to plate in minimal time." My mom has an excellent fake it don't make it doughnut recipe that she'll have to enter, and I am really excited to see what everyone else contributes. How about you? What will you enter in the contest?

Fast & Easy Dinner: Linguine with Caper & Green Olive Sauce

partysugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 08:58:32 -0700

In the middle of a summer week, where the temperature is rising, motivation to cook a quick and healthy dinner is hard to find. On nights like these choose an elegant but simple pasta dish that can be put together in under 20 minutes. Light and vegetarian, this meal is made with briny olives, capers, and your favorite jarred marinara sauce. Fragrant green parsley and finely grated lemon zest add freshness and texture. Sound delicious? You can make this tonight - you'll find the recipe if you only

Fast & Easy Dinner: Salmon Burgers

partysugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:00:10 -0700

Unless there is something super special going on in the recipe, I'm not usually a fan of burgers. So when I found this recipe for salmon burgers, I actually got excited about making a burger. Perfect for the day before the 4th of July, these burgers are quick and simple to make. Top the burger with fresh greens, sliced red onions, and crumbly goat cheese for a real taste-treat. These make a nice alternative to ground beef and the lovely pink color of the salmon creates a beautiful presentation. If you aren't into burgers give these non-traditional burger a try. Get the recipe,

Real Simple Paper Food Constructions

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:01:39 -0700

One of my favorite things about Real Simple magazine is their beautifully bland photos. They're so stark and serene, I absolutely love them. However what I love more are those amazing paper contructions. Artist Matthew Sporzynski really does an amazing job, I mean he makes paper look droolworthy! In fact, I usually have to look twice before comprehending that it's entirely made from paper. I recently learned that Real Simple has beefed up their online content to include galleries of some of their projects including centerpieces, fall scenes, paper construction and more. I've included some of my favorite food constructions below, but be sure to check out the rest of the images when you have a chance.

Source: Decor8

Side Salad With Classic Vinaigrette & Cheese Chips

partysugar — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 04:00:05 -0700

Last week for 52 weeks of baking, YumSugar made cheese chips an undeniably easy taste treat. Warm, melted cheese that is crisped to perfection: how could anybody refuse? Several of you mentioned that you incorporate cheese chips into a very delectable salad. Cheese chips make a nice crunchy alternative to croutons. Pair this simple salad with grilled fish, meats, or seafood pasta. Stay away from pairing it with dishes that are heavy on cheese, you want to allow the flavorful cheese crisps to stand out. The basic vinaigrette is a classic that should be in every home cook's repertoire so get the recipe now and

Fast & Easy Dinner: Beef Stroganoff

partysugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:58:27 -0800

I know you had to work all day and are tired and are looking for a dinner that is quick, easy, and healthy. Well look no further than my beef stroganoff. Think beef stroganoff is a slow cooked meal that takes several hours to make? Think again. Mine is quick: ready in the amount of time it takes to cook rice (20 minutes), easy: minimal chopping, especially if you purchase pre sliced mushrooms, and healthy: it has one starch, one meat, and one vegetable. So grab a pen and pad and make a grocery list. Thursday night's special is hearty, creamy beef stroganoff. For the recipe,