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Get Your Final Fix of Strawberries With Strawberry Pie

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:00:03 -0700

The other day I was going on about wanting to make strawberry pie (I saw the recipe in Gourmet's June issue) when my friend interrupted me. She pointed out that sadly, strawberry season is almost over! Determined to make the pie, I headed to my local market in hopes of finding the last of the season's berries. Lucky me, they still had some left!This pie is sweet, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. It takes time to set and chill, so make it the night before you plan on serving it. If you want to taste this pie, make it soon, before strawberry season ends. To check out the recipe,

Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake

partysugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:15:06 -0700

Ever since I spoke to Pat and Gina Neely, I've wanted to make their famous strawberry shortcut cake. Last weekend, I finally got around to making this divinely delicious dessert that combines vanilla cake with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and strawberry gelatin.

Gina's recipe uses a store-bought cake mix, but I had extra time so I made a vanilla cake from scratch. Thanks to the strawberry jello, the cake is super moist and insanely luscious. If you need a Spring dessert to feed a crowd, I highly recommend this cake. To check out the recipe,

A Spring Pie For Any Season

YumSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 16:15:43 -0700

As you all know, I have a problem with pie crusts. I'm terrible with them, they're my baking Achilles' heel. Yet, I absolutely adore them. So when I found this pie on MyRecipes.com, I was over the moon. This springtime pie has a crushed-graham-cracker crust and is filled with a mixture of strawberries splashed with balsamic vinegar. There's no crust to mess up and the filling sounds amazing. If it sounds delectable to you, get the recipe when you

What's in Season: Artichokes

YumSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:00:12 -0700

My friend calamari recently asked me what was up with artichokes. He and his gal are having a hard time figuring out how to pick and eat them, so I thought I'd give him some advice. To see how to select the best artichokes in the bunch, and what to do once you've brought them home,

Yummy Link: White Bean, Roasted Red Pepper, and Arugula Salad

partysugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 15:28:19 -0700

Now that Summer is just around the corner, I've started eating lots more salads. This salad with white beans, roasted red peppers, and arugula is at the top of my to-make list. It looks fresh and delicious. — We Heart Food

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 —

Yummy Link: Spring Panzanella

partysugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:03:51 -0700

One of my favorite recipes is Michael Chiarello's winter panzanella with mushrooms. I hadn't really put much thought into doing a Spring variation, but when I found this recipe for just that, I couldn't help but be excited! This Spring panzanella is filled with fresh asparagus and crunchy croutons. — Smitten Kitchen

Off to Market Recap: Spring Placemats

partysugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 01:09:11 -0700

When the seasons change, I enjoy updating the mood of my kitchen with new placemats. Since Spring has sprung, it's time to soften my kitchen's look with Spring placemats! I asked you to help me search for lovely placemats with floral prints or pretty pastels. You bookmarked your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Spring Placemats.

I love the vibrant colors in the Marimekko Charles placemats, but I'm not feeling the gigantic rooster. However, this crazy daisy placemat that serenityspeaks saved is absolutely perfect. Its floral print is fun, girlie, and fabulous. For more Spring placemats browse the collection found below.

To learn more about the bookmarking feature please read geeksugar's explanation.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Pork Chops Primavera

partysugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:21:19 -0700

Primavera — which means Spring — also refers to an Italian cooking technique that involves fresh vegetable garnishes. Usually this culinary style applies to pasta, but in this case the primavera garnishes quick-cooked pork chops. The chops are brushed with soy sauce and seared in a pan. Then a simple sauce is made with apple butter. Green beans and grape tomatoes are the fresh vegetables that finish off the dish. If this sounds good, check out the recipe now, just

Sunday Dinner: Mascarpone-Stuffed Roast Chicken with Spring Herb Salad

partysugar — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:39:11 -0700

There is nothing quite as comforting as roast chicken. A great way to flavor the chicken is to stuff butter underneath the skin. While the chicken roasts, the butter melts, infusing the chicken with moist goodness. This recipe features a variation that uses mascarpone cheese instead of butter. The mascarpone is mixed with herbs to create a highly seasoned, super scrumptious roast chicken. The chicken is served atop a bed of Spring greens making it a seasonal meal, perfect for a Sunday night dinner. To take a look at the recipe — it pairs perfectly with a buttery Chardonnay —

Come Party With Me: Spring Picnic — The Look

partysugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:28:31 -0700

Let the beauty of the natural outdoors be the highlight of your Spring picnic's look. Spread out a picnic blanket in an area that is close to a pretty view or fresh beds of blooming flowers. Pack the non-perishable food in a picnic basket and the dishes that need to remain cold in a cooler. Bring folding lawn chairs to sit on. Fill plastic pitchers with the drinks and place upright in the cooler.

At the park, serve the food on plastic white plates with pink silverware and yellow linen napkins. Pour the drinks into clear plastic cups. Don't forget to bring a fun park activity that everyone can partake in after the picnic. A couple of Frisbees or kites are highly amusing.

Source

10 Recipes to Celebrate Spring

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 06:51:31 -0700

Spring has just begun and my local market has some mighty fine looking produce. To celebrate the arrival of spring, I've rounded up 10 tasty spring recipes. To see what they are just click the "Start Slideshow" button below!

Off to Market: Spring Placemats

partysugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:23:11 -0700

When the seasons change, I enjoy updating the mood of my kitchen with new placemats. Since Spring has sprung, it's time to soften my kitchen's look with Spring placemats! Let's head off to market in search of lovely placemats with floral printed motifs or pretty pastels. Bookmark your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Spring Placemats. I am excited to see what you find!

To learn more about the bookmarking feature of TeamSugar please read GeekSugar's explanation.
Don't know where to start searching? Check out a list of my favorite online stores when you,

Come Party With Me: Spring Picnic — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:13:11 -0700

Spring has sprung! To celebrate, I'm gathering up some friends, heading to Crissy Field, and having a picnic. Spring is a great time to have a picnic because the weather is warm without being too hot. However, the success of the picnic depends on good weather, so be sure to check out the local forecast when you start to plan. Once the weatherman has given you the go ahead, send the invitations. To see how I made these grassy green invites,

Do You Enjoy Shopping at Farmer's Markets?

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 07:01:31 -0700

The Sugar HQ just recently moved into a new building. I'm super excited because on Thursdays there's a farmer's market right downstairs! Yesterday I took advantage of that fact and got some early season strawberries — about half were really sweet and half just so-so — to snack on. I have a feeling it's going to be my new thing to do on Thursdays! So tell me, do you like going to farmer's markets?

Do You Enjoy Shopping at Farmer's Markets?

Yes, I love them so much!

Sort of, I just wish I could buy everything I needed in one place.

There aren't any farmer's markets near me.

No, I don't understand the fascination.

Other — I'll tell you my thoughts on farmer's markets below.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:29:51 -0700

It's the first day of spring, and my thoughts are turning towards fresh veggies and bright colors. Normally it's the appetizers and main courses that get the spring treatment, but this year, dessert can play along too. This Garden Patch Cakelet Pan ($34) is a garden-themed cake pan that features rows of carrots, cauliflower, radishes and peas. It would make the most adorable petit-fours and hey, maybe it'll get your little ones (or big ones) to finally eat their veggies.

How Well Do You Know Spring's Vegetables?

partysugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:43:31 -0700

Happy first day of Spring! I am so excited for Spring's bounty of fresh vegetables that I have put together a quiz about them. To test your knowledge of these delicious veggies, take the quiz now.

Source

Off to Market Recap: Green Kitchen

partysugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:13:31 -0700

To celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the arrival of Spring, I've decided to add some green accents to my kitchen decor. I asked you to help me search for green — in color or state of mind — accessories. You looked for anything and everything and bookmarked your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Green Kitchen.

I was very surprised by the overwhelming amount of cool green kitchenware! I love the artistic Dom Perignon Champagne cooler. What I don't love is the $1000 price tag.

Something like this pretty paisley printed dishtowel is more up my alley. Serenityspeaks discovered this item that is affordable, stylish, and fresh in a lovely green color scheme. To go gaga for green, browse all of the collection below.

Read geeksugar's guide to bookmarking on TeamSugar to better understand how to use this fun feature.

What Would You Make?

partysugar — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:18:51 -0700

Here's the scenario: you are at home and hungry. You have to cook up something scrumptious for you and your boyfriend/girlfriend/ spouse/child/friend, but have limited ingredients on hand.

You have eggs, fresh chives, and a new pepper-mill filled with black peppercorns. Using these products, along with whatever you currently have on hand in your cupboard and refrigerator, what would you make?

To see what I would make,

Yummy Link: The Spring Table

partysugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:28:31 -0700

Wondering how to set the table for Easter or Passover? When creating the look for your next event, get inspired by the colors of Spring, pretty blooming flowers, and oversized green leaves. — Epicurious

Spring Is in the Air!

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:43:19 -0700

The weather has been getting warmer here in San Francisco, and there's no doubt about it, Spring is just around the corner. In fact it starts this Thursday, Mar. 20.

To ring it in, and to celebrate that Easter is also this week, I've rounded up a bunch of Spring finds. From butterfly-shaped egg platters to flower-farm measuring cups, I've got 32 Spring finds for you to check out. Just scroll through the list below.

Asparagus Tart Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:01:31 -0700

One way to take advantage of Spring's glorious bounty of asparagus is to make a tart. A savory tart that highlights the pure flavor of asparagus is welcome on any Easter menu. Both scrumptious and versatile, an asparagus tart can be served as a side, a dinner, or as a part of a brunch buffet.

Since we all have different levels of culinary confidence, I've found two delicious recipes. One takes advantage of frozen puff pastry and the other makes it from scratch. Choose which one suits your cookery needs or get inspired and make your own variation. For the recipes,

Soup's On: Sweet Pea Soup

partysugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:33:31 -0700

I couldn't let St. Patrick's Day pass without making a vibrantly green soup. This soup gets its brilliant color from peas. The recipe involves minimal chopping so it's super simple to make. The texture is smooth and velvety, and the flavor is rich and comforting. This soup would be an elegant starter to a St. Patrick's Day dinner or Spring-themed shower. To make it vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. To see how I made it,

Spring For Florals

partysugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:18:51 -0700

I'm totally ready for Spring and it looks like you are too! The Yum Market on TeamSugar is blooming with Spring florals. This season, florals are a popular runway trend that has carried over to kitchen ware. Flowers are lush, pretty, and smile-inducing so incorporate some into your kitchen.

You could make flower shaped cakes or serve food on flower printed plates.

I personally love this tea strainer that amh678 bookmarked. It turns a boring kitchen tool into a pretty conversation starter. For more florals, check out the collection below.

Off to Market Recap: Spice Organizers

partysugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:18:51 -0700

Spring is just around the corner and that means it's time for Spring cleaning. While I don't like cleaning, I love cleanliness, and this year I want to organize my kitchen cabinets, specifically the spices. So I asked you to help me by searching for spice racks, sugar containers, and anything else that will make my cupboards more organized. You saved your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Spice Organizers. I really could use some of these stainless steel canisters. Moderngirl saved these containers that are perfect for storage and organization, while being sleek and aesthetically pleasing. I appreciate your discovery! For more browse through below.

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,

What's in Season: Asparagus

partysugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:01:31 -0800

Last week I had my first asparagus of the season! I was surprised to see it in the local supermarket and couldn't resist serving it at an impromptu dinner party. In my opinion, asparagus is best roasted or grilled rather than steamed or blanched. To see my tips for enjoying Spring's asparagus to the fullest,

Easy Spring Centerpiece: Wheatgrass

partysugar — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 10:01:31 -0800

With Spring around the corner, there are lots of cheaper alternatives to fresh cut flowers. You could use petals, or you could skip the flowers all together. How simply elegant is this vibrant wheatgrass and lemon centerpiece?

I came across it last weekend while at a crab-feed fund raiser for the 49ers. Instantly hundreds of varieties come to mind: place limes in the middle for a St. Patrick's Day party or scatter dyed eggs in the grass for an Easter brunch. At only $11.00 a tray, fresh wheatgrass is affordable and fabulous.

Yum's March Must Haves

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:13:31 -0800

This year March is home to quite a few things. St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, as is Easter and the first day of Spring. To see what items we think you need in order to have a fabulous March, click "Start Slideshow" below!

Off to Market: Spice Organizers

partysugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:13:31 -0800

Spring is just around the corner and that means it's time for Spring cleaning. While I don't like cleaning, I love cleanliness, and this year I want to organize my kitchen cabinets better, specifically the spices. Can you help me? Let's all head off to market in search of spice racks, containers for sugar, and anything else that will make my cupboards more organized. Save your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Spice Organizers. Thanks for your help!

Get more info on bookmarking when you read geeksugar's informative article. To check out a list of my favorite online shops,

Girl Scout Cookies Have Landed!

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:13:31 -0800

On Friday afternoon, as I was strolling around town, I noticed the first real signs of Spring: Girl Scout Cookies! So unless you've already ordered yours, you've got 13 days to get your hands on this year's offerings. From now until Mar. 16, you'll be able to find Girl Scouts on nearly every major street corner and grocery store parking lot. Some troops are on a different schedule, but you can find a troop near you and indulge!

Personally, I've got a thing for the Samoas, I love the toasted coconut, caramel, and chocolate. Although I wouldn't turn down a Thin Mint or a Tagalong (peanut butter and chocolate) either. And I always end up buying at least one box (they should be $3.50 a box).

So tell me, do you end up buying Girl Scout Cookies? Or do you think they're overrated?

Source

Yummy Links: Springtime Cookies

YumSugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:25:51 -0800

C is for cookie and here are a bunch of adorable Spring cookie decorating ideas. Looks like I better go cookie-cutter shopping! — Kuidaore

What Fruit Are You Most Looking Forward To Eating?

partysugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 09:57:57 -0700

Fresh Spring Side: Spinach & Strawberry Salad

partysugar — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 03:19:21 -0700

Last Sunday night I was in charge of making dinner. I sent my dad to the store with a list, but at the last minute I called him to change my mind about the side dish for my bacon and onion risotto. Dad, I said, how do you feel about a spinach and strawberry salad on the side? He loved the idea as much as I did. I love incorporating fruit into salads for a crisp and complex taste experience. This salad makes a great side for the aforementioned risotto, a lemony pasta dish, or a spice rubbed grilled chicken. Throw in a couple hard boiled eggs, some avocado, mushrooms, or crunchy bacon bits and this side salad can easily be turned into a quick and flavorful dinner. To bookmark this recipe - trust me it's one you are going to love -

Romantic Dessert: Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

partysugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:11:31 -0700

With all of the wedding planning I've been doing over the last couple of days I hate to admit it, but I have romance on the mind... and I'm in the mood for chocolate dipped strawberries. Every week we get a new batch of fruit in the office and two weeks ago heralded the arrival of spring strawberries! The berries were plump, juicy, cool and absolutely divine. Chocolate dipped strawberries are a simply and super elegant dessert. My dad would make them at the "adult" dinner parties I would host when I was in 8th-9th grade and I thought they were the chic-est of desserts. If you've never made them before, don't be afraid, all you have to do is melt some chocolate and plunge the berries in. Make sure that the strawberries are completely dry before dunking and use your favorite type of chocolate. You'll find the recipe if you,

52 Weeks of Baking: Springtime Lemonade Cupcakes

YumSugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:51:39 -0700

The other day I read about Julia's Easter Cake Bake challenge and decided that it would be a great theme for this week's baking project. I'd also been thinking about making a lemon cake using lemonade concentrate (like these cookies that PartySugar made a few weeks ago) and thought that lemonade and Easter seemed like a good match. So I headed to my kitchen and started brainstorming - I took a bunch of different cake recipes (along with some tips I've picked up along the way) and came up with a pretty decent lemonade cupcake (Julia's challenge originally said cake, but something about the bite size cupcakes seemed more fun). The cake itself was a bit too sweet and over crumbly, and I forgot to sift my powdered sugar so the frosting was a bit lumpy. However, the coconut "grass" hid the frosting, and the textures all seemed to work well together.

I'm excited to have created another original recipe that mostly worked, but I'm waaay excited about how the decorations turned out. Somehow I got it stuck in my mind that coconut dyed green would look really cute as grass, and (here I go: toot toot!) I think it is! To check out my recipe, and see more up close photos (I like the one of them all lined up in a row),

Off To Market: Picnic Basket

partysugar — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 09:48:32 -0700

At the end of April, I am heading down to Bakersfield for the Cattani family's annual Spring picnic. My girlfriend Laura and her family are people after my own heart, they know how to throw one fabulous party. Every April they invite all of their friends out to their ranch for some frolicking in the sun and every August they invite the same people to a reggae party at their beach house on the strip in Hermosa. Last August I spent the weekend at their house and had the most amazing time. So much so that I do not want to show up empty handed to their picnic. I want to get them a wonderful gift to thank them for inviting me to the parties and was thinking what could be more fitting than a picnic basket? I need you to help me find the most perfect picnic basket. Please save your finds in the Yum Market with the keyword tag Picnic Basket. I look forwarding to checking out what you find.

Read geeksugar's explanation to understand the Yum Market.

Yum Market Finds: Fun Florals For Spring

partysugar — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:48:31 -0700

What better way to embrace the arrival of springtime than to spruce up your kitchen with a few fun florals? I just remembered I've got to change my winter table setting into my spring one and substitute the black leather placemats for mint green satin ones and the white candles for pink and yellow ones. Changing your table scape is one way to freshen up the look of your kitchen, another way is to purchase a few essential items that scream spring with their floral patterns, pastel colors, and refreshing newness.

A perfect example of this is the printed flask that thoroughlymodern saved in the Yum Market on TeamSugar. This container is so beautiful that I may have to get one for myself, how chic would it be to pull this out at a romantic picnic?!

Two more flowery finds so

What Vegetables Are You Most Looking Forward To Eating This Spring?

partysugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 09:57:32 -0700

What Vegetables Are You Most Looking Forward To Eating This Spring?

Asparagus

Green Garlic

Artichokes

Arugula

Fresh herbs from the garden (mint, oregano, chives, etc)

All of the above

Other I'll tell you below