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Sweet Potato Casserole Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:30:20 -0800

For Thanksgiving, sweet potato casserole is a surefire winner: those who don't eat vegetables and kids who won't eat yams will happily sink their forks into this delicious casserole. While the toppings vary based on the recipe, the concept is the same: creamy, puréed, sugar-tinged sweet potatoes with nuts, glaze, or marshmallows on top. These two variations are similar, but the expert version, with its nutty topping, requires an extra step and a food processor. To see both recipes,

Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:15:56 -0800

Some people hate it, and others may stress over it, but I love this flavorful sauce on virtually everything in my Thanksgiving meal. Do you know what it's called?

Thanksgiving Side: Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts?

partysugar — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:30:22 -0800

Source

Thanksgiving Side: Green Beans or Brussels Sprouts?

Green beans, especially if in a green bean casserole.

Brussels sprouts!

Neither, I prefer _______ (fill us in below).

Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:15:17 -0800

This classic steakhouse side would make for a comforting, nostalgic Thanksgiving dish. Do you know what it's called?

Green Bean Casserole Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:45:52 -0800

I mentioned last week that I've noticed casseroles making a comeback. What better time to bring them back than during the holidays? If you've got a lot to plan this Thanksgiving, stick with a no-muss, no-fuss recipe that'll be ready in around half an hour. If you're feeling a bit more ambitious, however, we've got just the expert green bean casserole for you, complete with homemade fried leek chips on top. To scope out both recipes,

Yummy Links: From a Vegetarian Thanksgiving to Top Chef

partysugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 06:45:23 -0800

Ten vegetarian dishes perfect for Thanksgiving. — Chow
Countdown to Thanksgiving with turkey expert Rick Rogers. — Epicurious
How to roast pumpkin seeds. — Cookthink
Cook's Illustrated's vodka pie crust gets put to the test. — The Kitchn
Making biscuits from scratch versus making biscuits from a box. — Serious Eats
Find out where your favorite Top Chefs like to eat. — Bravo

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Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 16:15:20 -0800

If you're looking for a comforting carbohydrate that's a change from pasta or rice, opt for a bed of these with meat and gravy, or panfried with butter and onions. Do you know what this dish is called?

Chestnut Stuffing Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 03:00:19 -0800

There are few things that can top stuffing as my comfort food of choice around this time of year. Is there anything more blissful than eating the chewy, savory goodness, warm and right out of the oven?

Dressing made with chestnuts is a tradition that remains popular in certain parts of New England, as the nuts impart rich, roasted flavor and starchy body. Chestnuts are also in season during the Fall, so they make the perfect accent to this timely side dish. To see both a basic and a slightly more challenging recipe,

Yummy Links: From Side Dishes to Sweet Potato Pie

partysugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:46:06 -0800

Twelve sensational, make-ahead sides. — Bon Appétit
Cooking secrets from David Chang. — Cooking With Amy
Learn the difference between shrimp and prawns. — Chow
Simple and delicious: butternut squash, sage, and browned butter. — The Kitchn
How to make cottage cheese. — Serious Eats
This Thanksgiving, serve buttermilk sweet potato pie for dessert. — Baking Bites

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The Amazing Rice: Cilantro-Lime Rice

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:15:52 -0700

In many cases, white rice is served alongside a saucy dish. When this happens, the rice is normally overlooked. However, white rice doesn't have to be boring, it can be delicious! Especially if you jazz it up with a simple stir-in of cilantro and lime juice. This recipe is incredibly easy — almost as uncomplicated as making white rice. Cilantro, garlic, and lime juice is blended with olive oil before being mixed into the cooked rice. If you don't like cilantro, get creative, white rice would be divine with a basil-lemon or parsley-orange oil folded in. To learn the technique,

What Side Do You Enjoy With a Sandwich?

partysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:45:00 -0700

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Quick Pickling: Spicy Pickled Vegetables

YumSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:45:34 -0700

I am a diehard pickle fanatic, but I realize the same doesn't apply for everyone. This easy pickling recipe for spicy vegetables, however, could convert even the biggest pickle skeptic. The medley of crisp haricots verts and pearl onions goes well in conjunction with meaty carrots and a subtle jalapeño bite.
These veggies are the perfect accessory for a Bloody Mary or lunchtime sandwich. Although this recipe makes a large amount of pickles, my supply is dwindling fast! To stock up on your own,

Easy Pickling: Farm-Stand Tomatoes

YumSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:15:03 -0700

As a continuation of my (and America's) recent fascination with pickling, I decided to try a recipe in this month's Food and Wine magazine for quick pickled tomatoes. I love the fact that, like my double-dill cucumbers, this recipe only required a few hours before it was ready to eat. These pickled tomatoes have a smoky, slightly spicy flavor that comes from cumin, fresh ginger, and jalapeños. The high proportion of olive oil in the base imparts a mild flavor on the tomatoes (although you can play with the proportions for a more pickled taste), and the tomatoes last up to three days when refrigerated. To see the recipe with step-by-step photos,

Pickles in Under Three Hours

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:00:13 -0700

National Pickle Month may be coming to a close, but pickles are delicious in any month. With a bounty of Summer produce and the rising costs of prepared food, more and more people are taking up home canning. Because pickles happen to be one of my favorite snacks, I decided to take a stab at making them. However, I'm an impatient cook, an attribute that isn't conducive to making pickles. When I came across this recipe for quick dill pickles, I knew it was perfect. To see how these spears went from cucumbers to pickles in under three hours,

Would You Rather Eat Cole Slaw or Potato Salad?

YumSugar — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 01:30:11 -0700

As we get ready to feed on all sorts of Fourth of July goodness, I want to know which of these picnic sides you would pick.Source and Source

Would You Rather Eat Cole Slaw or Potato Salad?

Cole slaw

Potato salad

Neither — I'd rather have ____________. (Tell me below.)

Smoky Side: Wheat Berry-Smoked Gouda Salad

YumSugar — Sat, 10 May 2008 04:33:00 -0700

I never think to cook with wheat berries, but every time I have them I'm won over by their flavor and texture. It's an interesting grain that works well as a side dish to almost any meal. This recipe for a wheat berry, smoked gouda salad is packed with olives, walnuts, and parsley.

If you're looking for a new side dish to add to your repertoire, then give this one a try. Just be warned, it takes a bit of prep as the berries need to be soaked overnight and the olives need twenty four hours to marinate. To get the recipe, please

Mini Forest Side: Broccoli, Chickpea, and Tomato Salad

YumSugar — Sat, 03 May 2008 04:30:08 -0700

For some reason, I never seem to buy broccoli. It's not that I don't like it, it's that I never seem to purchase it. However, I've decided to hunt down some new recipes that will force me to eat more broccoli.

This weekend I'm thinking of making this broccoli, chickpea, and cherry tomato salad. The broccoli is steamed, and a mustard vinaigrette holds it all together.

To try this recipe out with me,

Outdoor Salad Side: Summer Greens and Herbs with Roasted Beets and Hazelnuts

YumSugar — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:28:33 -0700

This week, I picked up some amazing looking beets at the farmers market. I've been saving them to make this weekend, as the weather is supposed to be great, and I want to invite folks over for a little gathering in my backyard. We'll have cool drinks and barbeque, but to start things off, I'm going to serve them a salad of summer greens, herbs, roasted beets and hazelnuts. To get the recipe,

Reader Recipe: Beloved Bean Salad

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 16:03:11 -0700

One of my favorite things to do in Spring is go on picnics. I pack up a small sack — making sure to add a bottle opener! — text some friends, grab YumJimmy and head to the park. One of the best parts is all the random snacks everyone brings. I'm always looking for a new addition to our usual repertoire, and when I saw this bean salad from TeamSugar member audreystar, I knew I had found a winner. Her recipe is handed down from her aunt, and it looks easy to throw together and great for any sort of get together. To get the recipe for her auntie's beloved bean salad, just

Passover Side: Passover Pasta Primavera

YumSugar — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 03:33:33 -0700

If you're looking for a great side dish for your Seder dinner, then give this Passover Pasta Primavera a try. In this April's issue of Gourmet magazine, Melissa Roberts uses matzo cake meal to create thin strips of pasta. Accompanied by a medley of great veg, it's a dish that everyone can enjoy. To get the recipe,

Get Caught in a Pickle!

YumSugar — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 06:18:33 -0700

Every time I visit my mom, she always sends me home with jars of her homemade pao tsai, aka pickled vegetables. Hers are sort of like kimchee and they're a little bit spicy and a little bit sweet. Last week, when I visited my mom, she only had one jar to hand over and demanded that I give it to my sister. Her reasoning was that my sister was busy and that I could just make my own. I couldn't really argue with her and decided to prove to her that I could. The technique is actually really simple and quick — it took about 15 minutes to make, plus a day to sit — and the results are pretty nice. See the recipe I used — just tweak it to suit your own palate — when you

Textured Side: Sautéed Spinach with Pine Nuts & Golden Raisins

YumSugar — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 04:28:31 -0700

Spinach is one of my favorite things to cook. Whether it's put into a salad or cooked into a casserole, I absolutely love the way it tastes. I recently came across a simple recipe for spinach sautéed with pine nuts and golden raisins. While I have put raisins in many a spinach salad, I've never put them in cooked spinach. I think the squishy texture of the raisins will go nicely with the slightly wilted spinach. To get the recipe and try it for yourself,

1080 Side: Potatoes with Bacon and Chorizo

YumSugar — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:28:11 -0700

I came across this recipe from 1080 Recipes — Spain's "answer to Joy of Cooking," which was recently translated into English — and knew I had to share it with you. Partly because it looks so beautiful and partly because it involves bacon — sorry vegetarians, this one's pretty unfriendly. If you're looking for something to accompany your dinner tonight, then look no further. Get the recipe for Potatoes with Chorizo and Bacon after the jump. I guarantee you'll be drooling once you

Holiday Side: Easter Salad

YumSugar — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 04:01:51 -0700

If you're looking for a great opener for your Easter feast, or just a dish that will wow everyone, then turn to this lovely Easter Salad. This salad is a great combo of greens combined with grapefruit, avocado and papaya. The color screams Spring and the flavor screams delicious! To get the recipe,

Green Side: Spring Pea Salad

YumSugar — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 04:03:31 -0700

Soups and salads are a great way to transition from Winter to Spring — it's true, even the San Francisco Chronicle thinks so. If you're not so keen on pea soup, then maybe this tantalizing Spring pea salad will entice you instead. It's minty and refreshing, with a hint of lemon to give it just the right zing. Also, the color is perfect for any St. Patrick's Day celebration, so get the recipe, just

Spring Forward Side: Slow-Sautéed Asparagus with Pancetta

YumSugar — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:03:31 -0800

Spring is starting to peek its little head out from the blanket of Winter. Spring vegetables — like asparagus — are starting to show up at markets, and tonight we spring the clocks forward. To get ready for all this springing about, I dug up a recipe for slow-sautéed asparagus with pancetta. The Spring veggie lightens up the meal, but the pancetta makes it rather comforting — a plus for those of you not ready to give up Winter. To check out the recipe for a simple but delicious dish,

Seasonal Side: Chard with Green Olives, Currants and Goat Cheese

YumSugar — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 04:18:31 -0800

I used to dislike chard; I thought it was too bitter and potent for an everyday meal. However, I've recently learned that when prepared correctly it can be wonderfully delicious. In this seasonal side, the sometimes overbearing chard melds with tangy green olives, plump currants, and creamy goat cheese in order to create a very refined dish. Sound delicious? Get the recipe, just

Red Carpet Side: Roasted Red Pepper-Tomato Soup

YumSugar — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:41:18 -0800

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate the Oscars, then try this zesty side. The color of the red peppers, evokes the red carpet. And much like the menu the stars will be eating, this recipe is simple but refined. If the sound of roasted veggies turned into a soup is intriguing to you, then get the recipe, just

Crumbly Side: Leek Cheese Crumble

YumSugar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 04:10:39 -0800

I was looking for a dish to bring to a potluck, when I stumbled upon this Leek Cheese Crumble. I've been crazy for leeks lately — they're in season right now — and pairing them with cheese sounds heavenly. The hazelnut in this dish should add an interesting flavor profile and the whole thing looks like it will come together easily. If you want to whip up a version along with me, check out the recipe, just

Valentine Side: Beet and Fennel Salad

YumSugar — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 04:01:31 -0800

If you're looking for a fun Valentine's Day side, look no further than this Beet and Fennel Salad with Fried Capers. The beets provide a vibrant red color and the fennel brings the zing. You could even make it super-cutesy by cutting the beets into heart shapes. To check out this deliciously lovely salad,

Yummy Link: Goat Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes

partysugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 05:18:31 -0800

Although tomatoes aren't in season, these goat cheese stuffed tomatoes are gorgeous! They would be an excellent side to a simple roast chicken. — Running With Tweezers

Decadent Breakfast Side: Chocolate Gravy

YumSugar — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 04:18:31 -0800

I was looking for delicious side dishes that would help us celebrate chocolate month when I came across this recipe for chocolate gravy. It sounds a bit crazy, but the concept of biscuits and chocolate gravy looks really delicious. It is actually more of a dessert, or breakfast pudding, than a side, but how thrilled will your guests be when you slather their biscuits in creamy chocolate? To get the recipe,

Sunny Side: Braised Carrots with Orange and Capers

YumSugar — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 04:17:19 -0800

The other day, I decided to shred up a carrot for my fried rice. Ever since then, I have been craving carrots like crazy. I recently came across this recipe for braised carrots with orange and capers. The flavor sounds fantastic and the color will really brighten the gloomy winter weather. To get the recipe,

Colorful Side: Red Cabbage, Cranberry, and Apple Slaw

YumSugar — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 04:01:33 -0800

I was listening to a recent episode of Good Food, when chef Mark Peel started talking about a delicious cabbage slaw. It all sounded amazing, but it was his addition of thinly sliced apples that sealed the deal for me. I couldn't find his exact recipe, but I did discover this delicious looking red cabbage, cranberry and apple slaw. To make this colorful side today,

Theirs vs. Mine: Potato Latkes With Watercress Salad

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 10:18:31 -0800

Recently my best friend asked me to help her make potato pancakes. She came to me, Bon Appétit magazine in hand, and said, "I want to make these." Their picture displayed a delectable dish with crisp, flaky potato pancakes.

In our version the pancakes were chunkier because we ran into food-processing problems. Instead of serving the latkes on the side, we plated the pancakes on top of the salad. Although the picture might not have been as artistic, the salad was delicious, and it was something I would definitely make again. To experiment with your own version, get the recipe;

Scrumptious Side: Mushroom, Apple, and Goat Cheese Salad

partysugar — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 04:01:18 -0800

Like shoes in a closet, one can never have too many salad recipes in her repertoire. The latest addition to my collection is this recipe for a mushroom, apple, and goat cheese salad. Doesn't it sound crisp and delicious? Toasted walnuts add a nice crunch to the peppery arugula. The apple provides a flash of color, and the meaty mushrooms are coated with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette. Pair this salad with roast poultry, pork, or a bowl of soup. To get the recipe,

Modern Side: Orzo With Lemon and Parsley

partysugar — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 04:01:18 -0800

One of my New Year's resolutions is to experiment with new ingredients. Orzo, the Italian rice shaped pasta, is on the top of my list. It's simple to make, easily flavored, and makes a great substitute for rice. In this recipe it's tossed with fresh chopped parsley and tart lemon zest. It would be marvelous with pork tenderloin or roast chicken. To check out the recipe,

Classic Side: Corn Pudding

partysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 04:18:31 -0800

Corn pudding is a superbly comforting side dish. With a creamy texture and sweet taste, it's a highly versatile side. It pairs nicely with many different things including roasted meat for a holiday meal, a big green salad for a vegetarian dinner, or a plate of chicken enchiladas at a Mexican feast. This recipe is basic, so feel free to jazz it up to match your menu. Fresh herbs, grated cheeses, and finely chopped veggies are excellent additions. Fragrant basil and white cheddar cheese are my favorite choices. To take a look at the recipe, please

Decadent Side: Potato Mushroom Pie

partysugar — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 04:18:31 -0800

The holidays call for delicious and rich sides. Adding mushrooms to potatoes au gratin makes for a decadent and varied take on the classic side dish. The potatoes form a crispy crust on a pie filled with wild mushrooms and two types of cheese.

This is a great dish to make if you have to bring a side to a holiday dinner. It can be assembled the day before the party and travels easily. It also pairs nicely with roast poultry and braised meats.

For the recipe,

Green Side: Roasted Broccoli

partysugar — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:39:11 -0800

Who says broccoli has to be boring? Broccoli is a vegetable whose brilliant color brightens any dinner plate. Instead of sautéing broccoli on the stove, roast it in the oven for a caramelized, delicious flavor. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes this manchego topped broccoli dish is simple to make and scrumptious to eat. Pair with a holiday roast beef, pork tenderloin or chicken. To get the recipe please,

Trendy Side: Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges

partysugar — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:18:18 -0800

Sweet potato fries are totally having a moment. They're a more festive alternative to regular russet potatoes and don't necessarily have to be fried. This particular variation is baked in the oven and are seasoned with a soy chili oil before being placed in a pan. They are a lovely companion to roast meats and poultry and they jazz up the classic burger. They would also be wonderful as an appetizer at a holiday cocktail party. Take a look at the recipe now, just

Wintery Side: Leafy Green Salad

partysugar — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 04:18:39 -0800

A large bowl filled with leafy green salad is a great way to brighten up a drab dining table. Celery and apple add crunch, while shaved parmesan gives a smooth and salty bite. The classic cider shallot vinaigrette is mild, making this salad good for a potluck or holiday dinner. It pairs with a variety of things from hearty lasagna to oysters to steak and potatoes. Get the versatile recipe now,

Retro Side: Creamed Spinach

partysugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 04:01:19 -0800

This year instead of serving the requisite green beans at Thanksgiving, I've decided to reinvent a retro classic. Creamed spinach is a dish from my parents' past that is sure to tantalize the tastebuds. Fresh spinach is sautéed with a mixture of garlic, cream, and cheese. The end result is a side dish that is both nostalgic and rich. Creamed spinach is a delicious addition to the Thanksgiving table. It's also great in the company of roast chicken, pork tenderloin, meatloaf, or steak in red wine sauce. For the scrumptious recipe,

Come Party With Me: Vegetarian Thanksgiving — Menu (Part 2)

partysugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 14:28:33 -0800

No Thanksgiving is complete without a smorgasbord of sides to choose from, and this meat-free menu is no exception. There's no bacon, sausage, or pancetta to be found in these scrumptious side dishes, so vegetarians get your plates ready! All of these dishes pair nicely with the main dish: pumpkin lasagna. Start with a stuffing substitute in the form of a mushroom panzanella. Give mashed potatoes a gourmet makeover with caramelized shallots and fresh sage. Round out the menu with brussels sprouts and cranberry brown butter. Want a taste of these delicious recipes? Just

Cranberry Sauce Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 12:48:33 -0800

With its vibrant color and sweet, burst-in-your-mouth berries, cranberry sauce is the quintessential Thanksgiving side. If you've never made homemade cranberry sauce, I highly recommend you try it. The delicious fragrance will warm your house, and it's really not that difficult to make! Sure you could pop open a can, but why not experiment with one of these recipes? The first is super easy and the second is a teeny bit harder, so choose the recipe that best fits your holiday menu. For both recipes,

Bright Side: Carrot Cranberry Gratin

partysugar — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:02:33 -0800

Carrots are one of those veggies that I don't often cook with. Sure I throw them in a salad, but when I think of making a delicious side dish to pair with an extraordinary roast, carrots don't always come to mind. That is, until now! I came across this scrumptious recipe for a carrot and cranberry gratin and can't wait to give it a try.

This colorful side dish is an excellent addition to any holiday table. The honey slightly sweetens the carrots and the apple juice makes the cranberries burst. It's a wonderful accompaniment to pork, turkey, or duck. To get the recipe to this bright side,

Come Party With Me: Classic Thanksgiving — Menu (Other Sides)

partysugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 06:18:33 -0800

Besides mashed and sweet potato sides, no Thanksgiving meal is complete without the quintessential cranberry sauce. My fragrant recipe is flavored with fresh squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon sticks. The whole house will smell warm and delicious while this sauce bubbles away on the stove.

You could serve a crisp salad or creamed spinach, but sautéed green beans are the definitive Thanksgiving vegetable. Tossed with garlic, onion, and bread crumbs, these green beans are a crisp, melt in your mouth side dish. Get the recipes to both when you,

Come Party With Me: Classic Thanksgiving — Menu (Potato Sides)

partysugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:24:33 -0800

Once you have decided on a turkey recipe, it's time to think about the sides. Potatoes are the classic companion to the stuffed bird, so serve both mashed white potatoes and baked sweet potatoes. You could flavor the mashed potatoes with a variety of options, but if serving with gravy, keep them simple and make a roasted garlic version. For a delicious sweet potato casserole, mix the cooked flesh with sugar, butter, and bourbon topped with a pecan butter crumble. To look at these recipes,

Nostalgic Side: Applesauce

partysugar — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 04:10:33 -0700

Applesauce is a delicious side that is easily forgotten. Taking the time to make a homemade version is a truly rewarding experience. The apple flavor is stronger and the texture is more chunky and less baby-foody than the store bought version. While the apples simmer, your house will have a scrumptious, warm fragrance. Give jars as gifts or serve along side roast pork or chicken. It also makes an excellent accompaniment to oatmeal or yogurt. This recipe is a must have for your collection, so take a look now,

Healthy Side: Butternut and Barley Pilaf

partysugar — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 07:00:00 -0700

I don't really eat very much candy. I have the occasional chocolate here and there but on a daily basis, I try and steer clear from munching on lots of sweets. Halloween, however, is when I eat candy. To compensate for my indulgence I'll be consuming a lot of healthy foods like this butternut and barley pilaf.

This side gets its delicious flavor from chunks of melt in your mouth squash and fresh, zesty gremolata. It pairs nicely with a light chicken or pork. For a vegetarian meal serve with a crunchy spinach salad. Get the recipe to this scrumptious side when you