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Linguine With Clams Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:00:35 -0700

Linguine with clams: The dish is an Italian classic for a reason — because it's a crowd pleaser. Once upon a time, I didn't enjoy eating clams, but I would make an exception for linguine con vongole. The bounciness of the clams, the briny flavors, the chewy linguine flavored with white wine all come together to make the ultimate comfort dish. Both of these dishes are relatively simple, but the second recipe calls for fresh clams, which then get a treatment on the grill. If you're unsure of your cooking level, you might try the first recipe, and then follow it up a few weeks later with the second. To see both,

Chicken Enchiladas Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:17 -0700

Can't make your way to Mexico? Take a hiatus with a Monterrey-inspired meal. While the basic chicken enchilada recipe calls for salsa verde, which often already includes roasted poblano chiles, the second recipe requires roasting the peppers yourself. Don't be intimidated by the task —it's as simple as holding the poblanos for a few minutes over a flame and then peeling off the charred skin — but this roasting technique adds another complex layer of flavor to an already delicious dish. To get both recipes,

Greek Salad Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:00:09 -0700

A Greek salad is a dish every home cook should master: In Summer the hearty dish is a meal of its own! While a Greek salad traditionally has certain key ingredients, such as tomato, feta cheese, olives, and onions, the term can be used liberally, and you can experiment by adding Mediterranean elements like cucumbers, spinach, shrimp, lamb, etc.

To get you started, I've found two recipes. The first is perfect for someone who has limited time or patience in the kitchen; it simply requires chopping and tossing. The second salad toys with texture, employing gelatin to whip the feta into an airy mousse. Get both recipes when you

Paella Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:00:21 -0700

Now is the time to eat specialties like shrimp and King salmon in season, and — as this chef knows —there's no better way to enjoy the bounty of the sea than preparing a seafood rendition of the traditional Spanish dish paella.

Paella has a reputation for being difficult to make because of its long cooking time, but the beginner recipe below takes 45 minutes or less to prepare from start to finish. If you've got a paella pan and a little more time on your hands, take a stab at the more advanced version, which is made on the grill. To check out both variations,

Grilled Lobster Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:01:05 -0700

Fresh lobster with its sweet, succulent meat, is the quintessential Summer dish. Whether you're new to cooking lobster or a seasoned expert, this shellfish is an opulent meal for alfresco entertaining. If you're a beginner, simply grill the store-bought tails for an impressive meal. Ready for something more challenging? The expert meal calls for cooking live lobsters and serving them alongside simple, elegant sauces. To get both recipes,

Watermelon Bombe Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 13:00:56 -0700

With its layers of colorful ice cream and pretty shape, a bombe is a stunning Summer dessert. Bombes are made by spreading softened ice cream into a mold, one flavor at a time. After the entire dessert is frozen solid, the bombe is unmolded, sliced, and served. A watermelon bombe is such a fun and popular style that I've found two recipes for you to check out. The first, more simple version involves sherbet and chocolate chips. The second, more sophisticated variation involves ice cream and chocolate wafers. Both make a visually cool dessert so get the recipes when you

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,

Boston Cream Pie Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:30:48 -0700

Boston Cream Pie is a weirdly misunderstood dessert. It says it's a pie, but in actuality it's a cake. It also gets the reputation for being rather finicky to deal with. Yet every baker should learn how to make one some day.

Because pastry cream can be difficult to work with, I've found a recipe that uses instant pudding instead. If your skill level is beyond that, don't worry, there's a from-scratch one for you as well.

To check out the two recipes — one is easy, you could even whip it up after work, while the other is a bit more challenging — all you have to do is

Chinese Chicken Salad Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 11:31:19 -0700

When the weather warms up, I crave fresh, flavorful dishes like Chinese chicken salad. It makes a great meal because it's filling, crunchy, and delicious.

Every home cook should master a couple of basic salad recipes, and since Chinese chicken is so popular, it's a great dish to add to your repertoire.

I've found two recipes — both are straight forward, simple, and scrumptious — for you to check out so

Cream Puffs Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:31:35 -0700

Ever since I saw the March cover of Gourmet magazine, I've been craving cream puffs. However, the recipe the cover featured had ice cream and I prefer my cream puffs filled with lusciously smooth cream — like the ones seen here. Cream puffs are a classic dish that every home baker should artfully master. They are lovely with a cappuccino, delightful with a glass of bubbly, and complete crowd-pleasers.

I've found two recipes, one is super easy and the other is a little more time consuming. Experiment with one, both, or combine the two to make your own version! To get started,

Huevos Rancheros Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:21:57 -0700

Usually I order eggs Benedict at brunch, but lately I've been hungry for huevos rancheros. Huevos rancheros — which translates to rancher's eggs — are tortillas topped with fried eggs and salsa making for a spicy, scrumptious breakfast. The eggs are so filling they also make a wonderful dinner. Having a huevos ranchero recipe in your arsenal is a must if you love Mexican food, so I've found two recipes for you to experiment with. To give one or both of the recipes a try — the first is for beginning cooks and the second is for advanced cooks —

Chicken Cacciatore Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:01:31 -0700

Chicken Cacciatore is Italian-American comfort food at its best. In this classic dish, chicken is slow cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce, with mushrooms and onions, until it falls off the bone and melts in your mouth. While chicken cacciatore is a regular on Italian restaurants menus, it can easily be made in the comfort of your own home.

It's a versatile dish that is delicious over rice, pasta, polenta, or potatoes. I browsed tons of recipes in search of one simple and one complex recipe, but both are actually straight forward and uncomplicated. Take a look and decide which one suits your needs as a home cook. Whichever you choose, don't forget the garlic bread on the side!

Pineapple Upside Down Cake Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 11:01:11 -0700

Although you can make an upside down cake with virtually any type of fruit, the most traditional is the pineapple upside down cake. This delicious cake is made by placing a layer of fruit in the bottom of the pan and then covering it with batter. After the cake is baked, the pan is inverted and the sugar and fruit juices combine to make a sweet, caramelized cake topping. This is a classic that every home cook should experience making. I've found two recipes — one that's simple and another that's more complicated — so read both and decide which one suits you and your culinary needs. For the recipes,

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,

Irish Stew Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

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

Irish stew is a great dish to serve at a St. Patrick's Day dinner party. In general, stews make wonderful dinner party fare because they're a one-pot meal that must be made in advance. Originally a peasant's meal, Irish stew normally consists of lamb, potatoes, and onions. To encourage that you experiment with this traditional recipe, I've found two versions. Both are straight forward, but one cooks the stew on the stove and the other bakes it in the oven. Choose which one suits your culinary needs or combine the two to make a delicious masterpiece. For both recipes please

Trifle Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:56:11 -0800

If you are sick of heavy chocolate desserts, consider making a trifle for your next dinner party. A cold dish that is best when made in advance, a trifle consists of layers of cake, custard, fruits, whipped cream, and syrup. While the variations are endless, most trifles are served in a large, clear glass dish. I've found two recipes for you to experiment with — one uses help from the grocery store and the other is one hundred percent homemade — give both a try or combine elements from each recipe to make your own special trifle. To get started,

Chicken Lettuce Wraps Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:01:19 -0800

The other day DearSugar asked me to check out a recipe she was considering making. While the dish — chicken lettuce wraps with Asian flavors — sounded delicious, the recipe was unclear and difficult to follow.

Later that same day, I found myself grubbing on Betelnut's lettuce wraps thinking, I need to find a better recipe! Luckily, I've found two recipes. They are both straight-forward and delectable. One involves more ingredients, making it a little more complicated. Check out the two and choose which appetizer recipe suits your needs when you

Cheese Straws Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:45:51 -0800

If you're planning an Oscar-watching party, be sure to include cheese straws on the menu. An elegant and crowd-pleasing dessert (or appetizer), cheese straws are wonderful for a party because they can be made in advance. I have two recipes here, both are pretty simple. One builds upon a premade dough, while the other uses a homemade version. To take a look at both and choose the one that suits your needs as a hostess,

Heart Cake Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:43:31 -0800

Baking up a heart cake is a delicious way to celebrate Valentine's Day. The only difference a heart cake has from a regular cake is the shape — which makes the cake festive and special. I've found two recipes for you to experiment with. One is simple and requires no extra equipment. The other is a little more difficult and involves a heart-shaped cookie cutter. Take a look at both when you

Jambalaya Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:41:31 -0800

I make chili around the Super Bowl and I enjoy cooking up jambalaya to celebrate Fat Tuesday. Jambalaya is a signature Creole dish that combines a variety of ingredients ranging from poultry and sausage to shellfish and green peppers. This classic one-pot rice dish is a must for every cook's recipe collection. It's hearty, scrumptious, and great for entertaining a crowd. I've got two recipes for you to choose from, all you have to do is

Pulled Pork Sandwiches Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:08:31 -0800

If you are searching for something to serve a crowd on Super Bowl Sunday, think about making pulled pork sandwiches. Super-moist, melt-in-your-mouth pork piled high on a soft bun is both filling and celebratory. The pork is slow cooked and best made in advance, giving you plenty of time to enjoy company and the game. You don't have to be a chef to make these hearty sandwiches, a home cook with elementary culinary skills can master them. For two recipes — one easy and another that requires a little more time —

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

Coffee Cake Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:27:31 -0800

Having an excellent recipe for coffee cake in your repertoire is a must. Coffee cake is wonderful on many occasions, it's delicious at brunch, scrumptious in the afternoon, and tasty after dinner. Basically, it's good anytime you would want to drink coffee. Coffee cake is also a wonderful gift because it is simple to make and easy to transport. To ensure you add a recipe to your collection, I've found two — a really easy one for beginners and another for experts — so choose one and

Classic Eggs Benedict Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 11:43:31 -0800

Classic Eggs Benedict is the ultimate brunch comfort food. Toasty English muffins, topped with crispy ham, delicate eggs, and a luxurious hollandaise sauce is like heaven on a plate. Oddly, it's one dish that I consume on a regular basis, but don't know how to make! I've decided to change that by experimenting with some recipes. Once I have mastered the beginner version, I will move onto the more challenging expert recipe. To learn how to make Eggs Benedict,

Crab Cakes Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 14:48:11 -0800

Crab is a lovely Christmastime luxury. While I love it freshly cracked, there is something undeniably glamorous about crispy, flaky crab cakes. Miniature crab cakes are scrumptious, bite-size appetizers and the larger version is delicious as a first course served over a bed of greens. Perhaps it's because my mother was born in Maryland, but I feel every home cook should know how to make crab cakes. For that reason I've found two recipes for you to enjoy; one is simple and the other a little more challenging. To check them out,

Chocolate Fudge Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:27:31 -0800

Chocolate fudge is my mom's all-time favorite holiday sweet. She's not much of a cook, so we usually make it together. It's an excellent dessert to make with loved ones because the final result is decadently rewarding. There are a million fudge recipes out there, but I prefer one that highlights the pure chocolate flavor by omitting walnuts.

I've found two recipes, one that is simple and another that takes a little more time, equipment, and expertise. Whichever you choose, whip up a batch soon. Fudge is delicious on a holiday dessert buffet and divine wrapped in cellophane and presented as a homemade gift. For the recipes,

Minestrone Soup Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 16:21:39 -0800

When I was a little girl, my parents would often take us on a ride out to Bodega Bay. The highlight of these trips was always a stop at a little Italian dive restaurant where we would get minestrone soup. After a day at the beach nothing tasted better than the warm, hearty soup. To re-create these memories, I now enjoy making minestrone in my own kitchen.

It's a classic soup that is simple to prepare and always delicious. It's wonderful as a first course or scrumptious as an entrée. I found two recipes one is easy and quick, and the other is difficult and slow. If you are short on time, prepare the beginner, but if you have a Sunday stretched out in front of you, give the expert version a whirl. For both vegetarian recipes all you have to do is

Lasagna Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

partysugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 13:01:18 -0800

There is nothing quite like a big plate of comforting lasagna. Perfect on a cold, Winters night, it makes for a delicious meal this time of year. With its many layers — thick tomato sauce, chunks of meat, melty cheese — lasagna can be an intimidating task. It doesn't have to be though! I've got two recipes for you to choose from, one for the beginners and one for the experts. All you need is a bit of time, a glass of wine, and a baguette for garlic bread. Let's get cooking, just

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 —

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,

Cornbread Dressing Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 14:28:33 -0800

Dressings and stuffings made with cornbread have become increasingly popular for Thanksgiving. Last year I jumped on the bandwagon and created my own version of cornbread dressing. I was worried because the cornbread alone was beyond bland and horribly dry. However, when mixed with vegetables and herbs and soaked with chicken broth, the dressing ended up being fantastically delicious and surprisingly moist. I recommend you experiment with cornbread dressing — if you haven't already — and have found two recipes to help you do so. One is easy and one is a little more difficult, so take a look at both and decide which one best suits your skills as a cook. To take a look please

Tiramisu Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:28:31 -0700

Tiramisu is one of my favorite desserts. I love the smooth, creamy filling and the light, melt in your mouth cake. I order tiramisu when eating at restaurants, but have only attempted to make it at home twice. Both times, I failed miserably and was unhappy with the end result. But practice makes perfect and I've finally built up the courage to experiment with tiramisu.

I've found two recipes — one for cooks new to the kitchen and another for more experienced chefs — so you should be able to make the tiramisu that suits your style. All you have to do is

Scrambled Eggs Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:30:37 -0700

Scrambled eggs are one of the world's simplest recipes. Once you've mastered the technique of cooking plain scrambled eggs, the possibilities of flavor combinations are endless. For best results, don't over-beat the eggs, and cook in a heavy nonstick or well-seasoned pan to prevent sticking. Be sure to use the correct size pan, since cooking too few eggs in an oversized pan will result in burning. To see a recipe for basic scrambled eggs and another for scrambled eggs with Canadian bacon and chives,

Turkey Chili Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:30:00 -0700

In my opinion, every home cook should know how to make a good chili. With its hearty beans and spicy sauce, it's a comforting American classic that can be served at many different functions, so it's insane not to have a recipe (or three) in your repertoire. It's easy to adjust the quantity of a chili recipe, it travels well, and the stuff is a genuine crowd pleaser. If you are short on time and skill, try my beginner recipe, and if you have time to soak the beans over night, practice with the expert recipe. Choose which one suits your needs when you

Pumpkin Cake Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:21:59 -0700

I didn't realize the importance of having an excellent pumpkin cake recipe until last year. I had to make a dessert for a potluck, and was told it couldn't be a pie or cheesecake. The solution to my problem was a delicious pumpkin spice layer cake with whipped cream cheese frosting. If you enjoy baking for the holidays, you must add a pumpkin cake to your arsenal of recipes. It's a surprising alternative to pumpkin pie and perfectly highlights the flavors of Fall. While I prefer to make the cake from scratch, you can always jazz up a boxed mix and call it your own. To take a look at two tasty recipes,

Pizza Margherita Two Ways — Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:32:33 -0700

Eating a perfectly cooked pizza margherita at an outdoor cafe on the streets of Naples is a luxury that I am lucky enough to have experienced. However, just because you won't be heading to Southern Italy anytime soon doesn't mean you can't enjoy a deliciously simple pizza. I've found two stimulating recipes: one for the novice cook, and another for the foodie elitist. However, both recipes require the best quality ingredients you can find. Once you have mastered the pizza margherita, use these recipes as a base for more creative pizzas. Sound divine? Wait till you read the recipes.

Chicken Pot Pie Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 15:30:18 -0700

The days are getting shorter, and I've noticed a cold nip in the air. While it's not yet time to bring out my boot collection, it is time to start making delicious comfort foods. Chicken pot pie, with its creamy filling and flaky crust, is one of my all time fall favorites. It's classic, retro, and soothing-to-the-soul. As tempting as it is to pop a frozen pot pie in the oven, why not take a few extra minutes to make your own homemade version? I've found two tasty recipes: one that comes together easily, and another that is much more challenging. Choose the one that best suits your needs and skills as a cook.

To take a look and make one of these scrumptious recipes this fall, please

Bread Pudding Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:45:31 -0700

When I went to dinner for my dad's birthday, one of the desserts we sampled was a delicious bread pudding. An uncomplicated peasant's dessert, bread pudding is baked, cubed bread soaked in a custard-like mixture of milk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla. It's a dessert that you may not think to make at home, but one whose comforting simplicity is worth it. To encourage that everyone give bread pudding an experimental try in their kitchen, I've found two recipes — one for the inexperienced and one for the pro — so check them out, just

Corn Chowder Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:43:19 -0700

Corn chowder is one of my favorite early fall soups. Fresh, late summer corn can be used to create a tasty, thick and delicious chowder. Bacon, cheddar cheese, potatoes, and peppers can all be added to enhance this hearty meal. If you've never made chowder before, definitely give the easy recipe a try. You'll find homemade soups are super satisfying and simple to put together — all you need is time. To give one, or both, of these chowders a taste,

Spaghetti & Meatballs Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 13:03:31 -0700

Spaghetti & meatballs is a classic meal that is equally pleasing to both kids and adults. Kids love its tomato sauce and cheesy pasta, while adults love its comforting aroma and familiar flavor. It's such a crowd pleaser that everyone should know how to make it. If you haven't got a lot of time, cut to the chase and make the easy recipe. However if you have some time and want to give a more difficult recipe a try, make the harder version. No matter which one you choose, be sure to serve it with a green salad, garlic bread, and a glass of Italian wine! For both recipes,

Banana Cream Pie Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 14:48:31 -0700

Last week YumSugar asked what kind of pie you preferred. While the majority opted for the classic apple or holiday pumpkin, there were quite a few, myself included, who declared banana cream pie as their fave. With its delicious vanilla custard and peaks of billowing whipped cream, BCP is a dessert that can be enjoyed any time of year. I like BCP because it's not as common as peach, cherry or pecan pies, so when you do stumble upon a slice it's that much more of a sweet treat.

But why wait when you can make and enjoy BCP in your kitchen today?? I've got two recipes, one easy and one a little more challenging, so take a look and make it tonight! Check out the recipes,

Barbequed Chicken Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:32:47 -0700

Nothing smells more delicious than barbecued chicken. When the sweet, syrupy smell wafts through the air, images of summer, campfires, and lake side picnics instantly come to mind. If you've never made homemade barbeque sauce you haven't lived. Simple to make and seriously satisfying, these recipes will take your campground dinner to a whole new place. I've got two recipes, one quick and easy, while the other is a little more difficult and time consuming. Try one, or the other, or both — get the recipes just

Tuna Melts Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:43:31 -0700

In terms of deliciously simple sandwiches the best, in my opinion, after the grilled cheese is the tuna melt. A quintessential American sandwich, the tuna melt is sublimely good tuna smashed with oozy cheese between two slices of crisped, buttery bread. It makes an excellent afternoon snack, fast & easy dinner, or late night treat. An advanced level of culinary skill is not necessary unless you want to get fancy and use homemade mayonnaise. For tuna melts two ways

Ice Cream Sundaes Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:48:30 -0700

When I go out to eat, I'm too full of tasty appetizers, scrumptious entrees, and full bodied wines to order a decadent dessert. On occasion I'll order a tiramisu or creme brulee to share with my mom, but I never really find myself ordering something as simple as an ice cream sundae. Why? Well because I treat myself to them at home! My dad and I are big time sundae fans, and when we get a craving we enjoy them in the comfort of our very own living room. If it's just us, I make a quick sundae with store bought ingredients, but if I'm serving them at a dinner party, I go all out making homemade ice cream and homemade chocolate fudge. Whether you are skilled in the culinary arts, or still learning how to hold a knife, you should have an ice cream sundae recipe up your sleeve. So take your pick, just

Caesar Salad Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 14:43:11 -0700

Although it may not technically be American, I consider Caesar salad to be typical American cuisine. It's by far the most popular salad in the United States and is served everywhere from fast food chains to high-end restaurants. There is something about the combination of crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and tangy dressing that we just can't get enough of. Satisfying and delicious, every home cook should have a fabulous Caesar recipe in their repertoire. Novice cooks can mix one quickly by jazzing up plain mayonnaise and experienced foodies can shine by making homemade parmesan croutons. Take your pick: find the recipe that suits your culinary level and time frame, just

Nachos Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 15:13:39 -0700

More tex-mex than authentic Mexican food, nachos are one of my all time favorite foods. What could be better than crunchy chips, melted cheese, and creamy toppings? Seriously just thinking about nachos gets me all excited! There are endless varieties and ways to make them, but whatever way you do it, every home cook must master nachos. If you are short on time and skill, pop open a few cans (refried beans, salsa, jalapenos, etc.), pour the contents over a bag of chips, zap it in the microwave and within minutes you have a heavenly, gooey treat. If you have tons of time and lots of culinary experience, fry up some tortilla chips, mix up some guac, salsa, and an oozing cheese sauce in order to create a gourmet version of this stadium standby. Check out both recipes to decide which one suits your needs, just

Cherry Pie Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:38:39 -0700

Just as I have to have pumpkin pie in winter, no summer can pass without a delicious cherry pie. With the help of canned cherries and premade pie crust, a simple pie can be assembled in a matter of minutes. If you aren't much of a baker, serve guests this beginner's pie and tell them you made everything homemade. Trust me no one will know the difference! If you are like me, an experienced baker with many a scrumptious pies under her apron's tightly knotted belt, make a flaky pastry dough and release some stress pitting fresh cherries. Whatever your cooking level, every home cook can wow guests with one of these amazing cherry pie recipes. This fruity dessert is divine after a barbeque and pairs perfectly with a cold glass of champy. Tempted? Wait till you see the recipes:

Pancakes Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 14:28:39 -0700

Nothing says breakfast more than a stack full of warmed pancakes. Although I'm more of an eggs and bacon type of girl, every once in awhile, even I get a craving for delicious breakfast treats doused in gooey maple syrup. Sure you can make them with a box of Bisquick, but it really only takes a few minutes more to mix your own dry ingredients - something that the most novice of cooks can masterfully measure out. A dish that can be altered to your level of culinary expertise, pancakes are a must have in your recipe collection. To keep it simple, use the beginner recipe or challenge yourself with the expert recipe (that's actually not that much more difficult!) just

Flag Cake Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 13:11:19 -0700

No dessert says 4th Of July more than the good old flag cake. A cake decorated to resemble the American flag - with its white frosting, blue and red berries - is the ideal 4th of July dessert. It can be made in the morning before the bbq, kept chilled in the fridge until after dinner, and doubles as a part of the decoration. When sliced into small portions, sheet cakes can easily feed a crowd. To be fair to all of our readers - from the successful baker to the novice apprentice - I've found a recipe a beginner can perfectly execute, as well as a multiple step recipe for the baking expert. Choose which one suits your style, needs, and time, just

Chicken Enchiladas Two Ways - Beginner & Expert

partysugar — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:28:39 -0700

Enchiladas, the quintessential Tex-Mex main, are a great dish because they feed a crowd. Shredded chicken, melty cheese, gooey sauce, and soft tortillas: what's not to love about them? Excellent for entertaining, it's easy to create an entire Mexican themed meal around enchiladas. Enchiladas are like lasagna in that they have so many steps - poaching chicken, simmering the sauce, assembling the tortillas - and can seem like a huge project to make. However, they are quickly and simply put together by even the most beginner of cooks. If you have the time and skills, it's incredibly rewarding to go through the whole process with both the chicken and homemade sauce. Whichever way you make them, you should master enchiladas - so get the recipe that suits your level of cooking -