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In Season: Long Beans

YumSugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 09:00:12 -0700

Yard-long beans, or asparagus beans, are at the peak of their season right now, which runs from late Summer to early Fall, with the exception of places such as California and Mexico where they grow year-round. They've been springing up in local farmers markets, but you can also find them at most Asian grocery stores. Do you know much about these leggy legumes, which are a relative of the black-eyed pea? To find out what to look for,

Throw Some Fruit on the Barbie

YumSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:15:41 -0700

I've always loved barbecued fruit, such as grilled pineapples and peaches. So for a recent dinner party, I fused shish-kebab style skewers with fruit to create a warm, juicy dessert! I used figs, nectarines, and pineapple, but other fruit such as apricots, mangoes, and cantaloupe would be equally delicious. As the fruit grills, the natural sugar caramelizes, enhancing the sweetness and creating perfect grill marks.

My guests gobbled up all of the kebabs. They were such a hit that my next gathering is going to be a three-course skewered meal!

I'll start with Party's Caprese skewers, follow with a simple meat and veggie kebab, and finish with these scrumptious fruit kebabs! To throw a little fruit of your own on the barbie,

A Perfect Summer Bite: Caprese Skewers

partysugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 03:00:52 -0700

A delightful alternative to the classic caprese salad, these skewers are bite-sized pieces of heaven. The recipe couldn't be easier, and the simplicity highlights the pure flavor of ripe tomatoes and fresh cheese. To make these easy appetizers, I tossed pieces of bocconcini, or mozzarella balls, with homemade pesto. The next time I make them, I want to use longer, fancy toothpicks. To get the recipe to this delicious dish,

Yum's September Must Haves

YumSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 16:01:31 -0700

For me, September means hoarding as much Summer produce as possible before it's gone and savoring each day of beautiful weather — while we still have it— with pool parties, picnics, and fireside campouts. On the social front, this month also brings more political banter as we approach the presidential election. Here are five of my essentials for September.

Icy, Spicy Cantaloupe and Cucumber Paletas

YumSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:15:56 -0700

With the end of Summer fast approaching, I made a Popsicle inspired by Mexican paletas, a mostly pureed frozen fruit dessert that's either ice- or cream-based. After chopping up a cantaloupe last week, I wanted to combine it with a crisp cucumber and spicy jalapeño to create a refreshing yet snappy paleta.Zealous with my jalapeño, I chopped up an entire thing, seeds and all, and threw it in the blender. The result was too spicy for my taste, so I balanced the heat by adding a touch of sugar. Depending on your personal taste, I would recommend removing the seeds and the white flesh, the spiciest part of a jalapeño, before blending. These peppery paletas are perfect for a scorching hot day, so to learn how to make them,

Do You Own a Grill Pan?

YumSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 11:45:05 -0700

In the Summer, I prefer to eat light flavors and — especially if it's as hot as it is in San Francisco today — avoid the oven as much as possible. For these reasons, I'm obsessed with my Calphalon grill pan, possibly the best $40 investment in the world. What about you? Are you a frequent user of the grill pan?

Do You Own a Grill Pan?

Yes — I am as obsessed as you are!

Yes, but it's collecting dust in my kitchen.

I've got an indoor grill that I use instead.

No, but I want one!

No — I don't think I'd use it.

7 Fearless Fig Recipes

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:15:36 -0700

Are you afraid of figs? If you've never tried one, I liken them to nature's candy, because they're so sweet and have a firm texture on the outside and a soft, crunchy inside. They are in season and delicious at this time of year — don't miss them! Don't know how to cook with them? Here are seven different suggestions.

Make Use of Your Summer Vegetables with a Skillet Stir-Fry

YumSugar — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 08:00:57 -0700

At the farmers market this week, there was so much gorgeous Summer produce — okra, fresh corn, English peas, tomatoes, zucchini — that I bought it all. Then I got home and wondered: What should I do with this Summer bounty?

My question got answered as soon as I came across this dish while browsing The Kitchen Sink. I was drawn to the vibrant colors, the seasonality of the vegetables, and the effortlessness of throwing them all together in one skillet. The original recipe didn't include peas, and called for more okra, but I modified it to my own personal tastes, as can you. To get my version of this scrumptious skillet,

Perfect Summer Appetizer: Pancetta-Wrapped Peaches

partysugar — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 09:30:15 -0700

When I saw this recipe for pancetta-wrapped peaches in the July issue of Food and Wine magazine, I knew I had to make it. The recipe takes four simple ingredients — peaches, pancetta, basil, and balsamic vinegar — and turns them into one incredibly delicious, perfectly balanced dish. The peaches are sweet and juicy, the pancetta is crisp and salty, and the basil is fresh and fragrant. The vinegar adds a light tanginess that makes this appetizer superbly gourmet. I brought them to a barbecue where they were paired with the host's refreshing, potent sangria. The coupling was the hit of the party! If there is one recipe you make this summer, make this one. To learn the technique,

In Season: Okra

YumSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 14:22:23 -0700

Today at the farmers market the okra looked so fresh that I had to buy some. Right now is the perfect time to purchase a seasonal ingredient like okra, which is only available through early fall. The folks at Padao Farms, the stand where I got my beloved okra, gave me a few tips for picking the pods. To get pointers for picking okra,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Grilled Eggplant Salad

partysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 07:45:48 -0700

Although jarred roasted red peppers are readily available in grocery stores, I find the flavor of fresh roasted peppers superior to their supermarket counterparts. During the Summer, take advantage of the grill and char them over the fire. The grill will impart a subtle smokiness that is hard to mimic in mass produced variations. When combined with grilled eggplants, the peppers make a delicious and filling salad.

Packed with plenty of fresh herbs, this vegetarian dish is a wonderful way to use up the bounty of a Summer harvest. To look at the recipe,

Do You Like Figs?

partysugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 06:45:04 -0700

Source

Do You Like Figs?

Yes, I love them!

No, I can't stand them.

It depends, I can have them in a dish, but not alone.

It depends, I can have them alone, but not in a dish.

I'll tell you what I think of figs below.

What Is Your Favorite Summer Fruit Pie?

partysugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 10:15:40 -0700

Rice Pudding: A Perfect Dessert For Your Summer Fruits

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:45:02 -0700

During a recent endeavor to make peach rice pudding popsicles, I loved the rice pudding so much (a good amount of it wound up in my stomach instead of the freezer!) that I decided it was time to make a batch.

Enter this rice pudding recipe, which highlights all the freshest Summer fruits. It's comfort food to the max, with a glutinous bite and creamy, vanilla undertones. Make sure you keep the saucepan at arm's length and stir the rice continuously. I got distracted watching the Olympics, and my saucepan overflowed on me! To get this simple recipe,

So You Think You Know Eggplant?

YumSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:30:26 -0700

While it's available year-round, eggplant is best during its peak season, which begins in July and extends through October. I could shower you with eggplant recipes, but decided it would be more fun to see what you can recall about this purple plant (which was once thought to possess transformative love properties). So you think you know the aubergine? Take our quiz to find out!

Source

Peach Rice Pudding Pops

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:15:13 -0700

I'm not the only one obsessed with Popsicles; so is Krystia Castella, the author of the recently released Pops! Icy Treats for Everyone. The book is full of frozen delights, but I was completely intrigued by her recipe for rice pudding Popsicles. For a Summer twist, I replaced the raisins and orange zest with fresh local peaches to complement the creamy and cinnamony rice pudding. I truly enjoyed the flavor of these Popsicles, however, the frozen grains of rice were slightly chewy and interfered with the otherwise smooth texture. During the next heatwave, I'll experiment with pureeing the rice pudding for a more horchata-like consistency. To learn how to make these delicious and original Popsicles,

Would You Rather Eat Peaches or Plums?

partysugar — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 01:30:36 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Eat Peaches or Plums?

Peaches

Plums

Please don't make me choose, I love both.

Neither, I prefer _____.

I don't eat stone fruit.

7 Unconventional Watermelon Recipes

YumSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:00:23 -0700

A slice of watermelon may be the standard for a hot Summer day, but this vegetable (which is actually related to the cucumber) can be enjoyed in a multitude of unconventional ways. If you aren't ready to go all out with a watermelon recipe, add salt to a slice, as it brings out the sweetness of the fruit! But if you are ready to experiment with watermelon, here we introduce to you seven watermelon ideas that are far from ordinary.

Sweet 'n' Tart Shortbread Cookies

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:15:19 -0700

Overcome by a cookie craving, I baked up something light and summery to suit the season. These cookies are perfect for hot months when chocolate-laden desserts are too heavy. Flavored with lots of lime, these scrumptious cookies are sweet yet sour with a light, crumbly texture. The bite-sized treats are the ideal finish to a picnic or BBQ.
The recipe is simple, but be sure to bake the cookies to a light golden perfection, otherwise, the zesty lime flavor is lost to the buttery shortbread. To learn how to make these shortbread cookies with a refreshing lime twist

What's In Season: Peaches

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 15:00:41 -0700

Peaches are my favorite stone fruit. I love everything about them: their floral aroma, fuzzy skin, and juicy flesh. To take full advantage of the fact that right now is the apex of their season, I stopped by San Jose's J&P Orchards — quite possibly the last fruit orchard in Silicon Valley. After taking a stroll through his orchard, I spoke with owner Phil Cosentino about peach season. Find out what to look for in peaches when you

Get Your Grill On: Enter to Win Our Ultimate Barbecue Giveaway!

partysugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 11:30:24 -0700

Nothing signifies Summer more than the smoky smell of barbecue lingering in the warm evening air. From sticky, sweet ribs to juicy, burst-in-your mouth tomatoes, a grill can cook up something delicious for every palette. To celebrate the Summer grilling season, we're giving away the ultimate barbecue prize package worth $218.55!

Get excited because one lucky winner will be sent this stylish Summer grill and all of the fabulous accessories! The winner will receive this adorable green Weber Barbecue ($49.95), Applewood Grilling Planks ($14.95), and a Grill Basket with Lid ($24.95). But that's not all, you'll also get a matching basting brush, hamburger spatula, and tongs; a pizza stone for grilling pies; a charcoal chimney to get the grill going, and Mario Batali's Italian Grill cookbook full of inspiring recipes.

To enter to win this incredible prize, you must log in and take the barbecue quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, completing the quiz once you are logged in makes you eligible to win. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on Monday Aug. 4, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Click here for official rules. Good luck!

Yum's August Must Haves

partysugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 05:30:08 -0700

The dog days of Summer are upon us, and August is an exciting month this year. Not only is it a time for Summer vacations, but both the Beijing Olympics and Slow Food Nation are happening. Here's my list of everything you need to survive (and celebrate!) August in the most fabulous foodie style.

How Do You Take Your Iced Tea?

partysugar — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:45:38 -0700

Source

How Do You Take Your Iced Tea?

Sweetened

Unsweetened

Mixed with lemonade.

In an exotic flavor.

I don't like iced tea.

Other — I'll explain how I make iced tea below.

Tropical Mango Dreamsicle

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:15:55 -0700

With their tart, sorbet-like outside and smooth center, I love classic orange creamsicles. As I continue my popsicle obsession, I decided to experiment with my own variation. Using mangoes and lime, I made creamsicles with a tropical twist!

The tartness of the lime zest perfectly complements the sweetness of the mango and the creaminess of the vanilla ice cream. Replicating the ice cream center of a creamsicle proved extremely difficult (believe me I tried!) so instead, I opted for a swirl effect by alternating layers of mango-lime puree and ice cream.

If you love the flavor of fresh tropical fruit and want to learn how to make these exotic creamsicles,

Seven Stunning Tomato Dishes

YumSugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:30:13 -0700

For those of you who like tomatoes and know how to appreciate them, you know that tomato season is fleeting and oh-so-sweet. How to make the most of it? Here are seven different ways that come to mind . . .

7 Easy No-Bake Desserts

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:30:06 -0700

Let's face it: some days, it's too hot to even consider turning the oven on. However, the heat shouldn't hold you back from making delicious desserts. Here are seven sans-oven options (even cookies and tarts!) that you can turn to when the heat is on.

Scape: The Other Side of Garlic

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:47 -0700

When browsing the farmers market, I'm drawn to things I don't recognize. The minute I saw these beauties, I stopped to learn what they were. Called scapes, these vegetables are flowering stalks of still-developing garlic.Only certain varieties of garlic produce these delicate shoots. They are similar to the stems you find on leeks, scallions, and chives. When young, scapes are tender and have similar properties to green onions; when scapes mature, their stems grow too woody to eat, but they develop edible seed pods. To learn how I experimented with scapes in the kitchen,

Off to Market Recap: Indoor Grills

YumSugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:00:00 -0700

While I love to barbecue with friends, I don't have a grill to call my own — yet. There isn't room outside my apartment for a grill, so I asked you to point me towards indoor options. You looked for indoor electric grills in any color, shape, or size and you bookmarked everything you found in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Indoor Grills.

I love this Griddler by Cuisinart, because it has four separate grilling options: a contact grilll, a flat grill, a griddle, and a panini press. The plates are also removable, so they can be easily cleaned! For more grilling ideas, check out the appliances below.

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

It's Blackberry Season!

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:00:44 -0700

Since we're in the midst of prime blackberry season, I recently went blackberry picking! Some wild blackberry brambles grow near my house, so I decided to harvest my own crop. If you have blackberries growing nearby or plan to visit a u-pick farm, be sure to check out my blackberry pointers when you

The Juice on Lemonade Stands

partysugar — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:10:48 -0700

The Juice on Lemonade Stands
Thumbing through the most recent issue of New York magazine, I got nostalgic about the lemonade stands I set up each Summer at my parents’ garage sales. The kids interviewed in the article talked about how the increase in the price of lemons and sugar has forced them to raise prices this Summer – some from 25 cents to $1 per cup.

Off to Market Recap: Popsicle Molds

partysugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:00:14 -0700

This summer popsicles are all the rage. While YumSugar's been experimenting with them for weeks now, I have yet to join her on this icy adventure. The reason I haven't made popsicles is because I don't own any popsicle molds. However, I'm dying to whip up some fabulous frozen treats, so you helped me by finding some popsicle molds! You looked for popsicle molds in any color, shape, or size and you bookmarked everything you found in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Popsicle Molds.

I've already ordered this bright blue, silicone mold. It's dishwasher safe, can be folded for easy storage during the Winter and makes fabulously shaped pops! For more pop molds, browse the collection below.

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Do You Have the Dirt (and Sand) on Shoreside Seafood?

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:15:47 -0700

From clambakes on the East Coast to crab boils in the Northwest, right now is the season for shellfish social events. These parties are all about the fresh, unadulterated seafood, eaten with nothing save a pair of hands.

Do you attend any of these Summer seafood boils? Dig up your knowledge about shoreside gatherings to see how well you do on our quiz.

Source

Off to Market: Indoor Grills

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:30:30 -0700

Summer is all about grilling. But if you live in an apartment with limited space like I do, there isn't always room to grill outside. To bring the grilling inside, I'm looking for an indoor grill. Wanna help? Look for electric, indoor grills (like this powerful All-Clad Indoor Electric Grill by Williams-Sonoma) in any color, shape, or size. Bookmark everything you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Indoor Grills. Thanks for your help and happy hunting!

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you

How Well Can You Say "Tomato"?

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:00:58 -0700

Dining alfresco, running outside, and having tan legs are all reasons why I love Summer. But my top reason for loving the season? Fresh, ripe, sweet, juicy tomatoes — the uglier and more colorful, the tastier. Small and yellow, bulbous and purple, big and orange: I enjoy them all. Which begs the question: How well do you know your tomatoes?

I've found images of different types of tomatoes. Can you identify them? Find out now and take the quiz!

Source

Off to Market Recap: Iced Tea Glasses

partysugar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:30:28 -0700

During the Summer I crave iced teas on a regular basis. While I'm not picky about the type of iced tea, I am particular about the type of glass. I like a glass that's large enough to hold a lot of ice and a lot of liquid, so I asked you to help me find them. You looked for large, colorful iced tea glasses perfect for sipping on the back porch. You bookmarked the glasses in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Iced Tea Glasses.

I love these high ball style glasses that jspeed saved. Not only are they ideal for iced tea, they are also great for mojitos or lemonade! To check out all of the glasses, browse the collection below.

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

Off to Market: Popsicle Molds

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:30:15 -0700

This summer popsicles are all the rage. While YumSugar's been experimenting with them for weeks now, I have yet to join her on this icy adventure. The reason I haven't made popsicles is because I don't own any popsicle molds. However, I'm dying to whip up some fabulous frozen treats, so can you help me find some popsicle molds? Look for popsicle molds in any color, shape, or size. If you find some cool sticks, save those as well! Bookmark everything you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Popsicle Molds. Thanks for your help and happy hunting!

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:00:57 -0700

Although I love a decadent chocolate cake, there is no place for rich desserts at a pool party. Guests will be in swimsuits, so serve something that's refreshing, cold, and not too sweet.

These sangria popsicles are a delicious grownup treat. Made with white wine, rum, pineapple chunks, and fresh orange juice, they're the perfect pool party crowd pleaser.

For the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Shrimp With Cherry Tomatoes and Feta

partysugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 06:45:23 -0700

During the Summer, I can't get enough of delicious, perfectly ripe tomatoes. I encourage you to take advantage of the burst-in-your-mouth cherry variety by making this dish.

Succulent shrimp is sautéed with garlic, oregano, and white wine. The tomatoes become juicy and warm. Salty feta cheese finishes off this scrumptious Summer meal. Serve with a green salad and a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc. Get the recipe when you

Do You Like Watermelon?

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:15:17 -0700

Before this weekend, I would have thought "do you like watermelon?" was a silly question. After all, everyone likes watermelon, right? Apparently not. At my Fourth of July party — which, like all good July 4th parties, featured watermelon — there were three people who claimed to dislike watermelon. I was shocked that such people existed. They complained that the fruit tastes watered down, whereas I think it's sweet as candy. So how about you?Source

Do You Like Watermelon?

Yes! How could anyone not like watermelon?!

It's not my favorite, but I enjoy it.

I could take it or leave it.

No. I just don't get what all the fuss is about.

Other — Share your comment below.

Open the Windows, Kick Off Your Shoes, Enjoy a Summer Cocktail!

Sponsor — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:45:22 -0700

This Summer, whether you are celebrating with family, entertaining friends, or going out, always drink appropriately. Here's 10 tasty drinks from thebar.com to help you do just that!

Win a Cuisinart Supreme Ice Cream Maker!

partysugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:15:11 -0700

There's nothing like deliciously creamy, homemade ice cream. While it's a treat almost everyone enjoys, it's not a dessert everyone makes, as it requires a special piece of culinary equipment.

If you can't live another Summer without an ice cream maker, get excited because we're giving away this Cuisinart Supreme Ice Cream Maker! Start researching ice cream, gelato, and frozen yogurt recipes because one lucky reader will win this stainless steel kitchen gadget. Imagine all of the ice cream sandwiches you can make!

To enter to win this incredible prize, you must log in and take the fun ice cream maker quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member, and you must log in before taking the quiz. If you're not already a member, register here for an account. One quiz entry per person, as all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on July 2, 2008, at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Click here for official rules. Enjoy and good luck!

The Barbecue Guru's Tips for Better Barbecue

YumSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 07:45:44 -0700

Those of you who are barbecue fanatics are probably familiar with barbecue guru Steven Raichlen. Steven is the author of over ten cookbooks, including the BBQ Bible, and is the host of the PBS show Primal Grill. He recently finished a world tour in promotion for his new book Planet BBQ, and his last stop was the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen. I watched his cooking demonstration and snagged a bunch of great grilling tips. To see Steven Raichlen's barbecue tips,

Off to Market: Ice Cream Bowls

partysugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 03:00:31 -0700

In case you didn't know, we're giving away an ice cream maker. Be warned, getting an ice cream maker is kind of like giving a mouse a cookie. Once you have the ice cream maker, you'll have to get new ice cream bowls. Let's help the winner by heading off to market in search of ice cream serving bowls. Look for small, round, pretty bowls that are perfect for displaying plump scoops of luscious ice cream. Bookmark the bowls in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Ice Cream Bowls. Good luck!

Learn how to bookmark by reading geeksugar's directions.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:00:34 -0700

Every year on the Fourth of July, I like to make a red, white, and blue dessert. It's my personal salute to America. While a flag cake is festive, this year I'll wow guests with a red, white, and blueberry cheesecake tart.

The easy, crisp crust is a mixture of ground graham crackers and almonds. The filling is smooth, creamy, and classic. The red topping is a juicy syrup made with red plums. Garnished with plump, burst-in-your-mouth blueberries, this is one star-spangled dessert.

To learn how it's made,

Let's Dish: What Is Your Quintessential Summer Dinner?

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:30:31 -0700

The other day a girlfriend sent me an email titled "dinner question." Since I'm the residential foodie among our group of friends, I wasn't surprised to receive such an email. However, I was surprised at her thought provoking question: If you had to think of one quintessential Summer dinner, what would it be? Immediately barbecued ribs and Caprese salad came to mind. Several minutes later visions of succulent pulled pork sandwiches danced in my head and today I can't stop thinking about gourmet burgers and hot dogs with classic potato salad on the side.

While it's hard for me to select one quintessential meal, I've had a lot of fun coming up with possible menus. So in the spirit of dishing, tell me your definitive Summer dinner by leaving a comment below!

Source

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:15:53 -0700

Besides icy-cold beer and white wine at all of my dinner parties, I like to offer guests one refreshingly potent cocktail. Serving guests a drink right after they've walked through the door gives them something to do, puts them at ease, and sets the party mood. For a solstice dinner, select a cocktail that is quintessentially Summer. Made with chunks of ripe watermelon, fresh lime juice, and white rum, this watermelon cooler is thirst-quenchingly perfect.
To check out the recipe,

Off to Market: Picnic Gear

partysugar — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:00:12 -0700

Picnic season is in full swing and if you plan on packing a meal and heading to a local park, you'll need the proper picnic gear. From a basket to a blanket, planning a picnic requires the essential tools. To ensure that everyone hosts fabulous picnics, let's head off to market in search of the most perfect picnic gear. Look for picnic baskets, plastic serving ware, and anything else — like this canvas wine tote ($39.00) — in between. Bookmark your discoveries in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Picnic Gear.

Happy hunting!

Geeksugar has created an explanation on how TeamSugar's bookmarking feature works so check it out if you are feeling confused.

For a list of my favorite places to shop online,

Come Party With Me: Summer Solstice — Invite

partysugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 11:15:28 -0700

The longest day of the year, June 21, is this Saturday. To celebrate the official arrival of Summer, I'm hosting a Summer-themed dinner party. All this week, I'll provide the details to my outdoor extravaganza, so take my ideas and make them your own. Start by sending invitations. To see how I made these fun, lantern-inspired invites,

Off to Market Recap: Indoor Outdoor Basket

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:00:21 -0700

A light, portable basket is essential to outdoor entertaining. Instead of making a million trips from the kitchen to the patio, you can load the basket — with utensils, napkins, servingware, etc. — and make one quick trip. To ensure that we all have enjoyable al fresco-dining experiences, you headed off to market in search of indoor outdoor baskets. You looked for baskets made of any material that are fun yet functional. You bookmarked the baskets in the Yum Market on Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Indoor Outdoor Basket. I love this woven basket and tray set that hippiecowgirl discovered. It's practical but attractive and will go with most party themes. Awesome find! To look at all of the baskets, browse below.

GeekSugar has created an explanation on how TeamSugar's bookmarking feature works so check it out if you are feeling confused.

Would You Rather Eat Cherries or Strawberries?

YumSugar — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:30:51 -0700

Both cherries and strawberries are in season and juicy-sweet delicious right now. Since they won't be this perfect for long, I can't help but buy bunches of both every time I go to the market. But if given the choice to eat just one for the rest of my life, I'd definitely choose strawberries. How about you?Source

Would You Rather Eat Cherries or Strawberries?

Strawberries

Cherries

Neither — I'd take another type of fruit any day.