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Daily Tech: Sony Introduces the Webbie HD Camcorder

geeksugar — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 12:00:04 -0800

First it was the Sony Rolly and now it is the Sony Webbie, which can capture HD MPEG-4 video and 5-megapixel photos. The Webbie will be available for $200 tomorrow. — Engadget
LG is planning on unveiling a super-slim 15-inch OLED television this Summer. — Switched
Martha Stewart shows off her modernist, clean, and organized New York office in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living. — Unplggd
On Jan. 15, SCE Asia is coming out with two new PSP colors — radiant red and vibrant blue. — Kotaku
Polaroid just announced the Polaroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera, which allows you to crop or edit pics and print them up in seconds. — Gizmodo

New England Clam Chowder Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:00:31 -0800

For respite from the harshest Winter days, turn to the simple yet satiating Northeastern staple known as clam chowder. Not only will this soup provide you with warmth in the most bone-chilling weather, but its shellfish base will remind you that balmy Summer days at the beach aren't but several months away. This balanced, nutritious, one-pot meal can be made with shortcuts like bottled clam juice; or, for an extra-special soup, make the seafood base from scratch. To make either version of this New England classic,

The Martha Stewart Geek Health Tip I Can't Get Behind

geeksugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:00:42 -0800

Martha Stewart may be one of my idols, but a health tip she included in the January issue of her namesake magazine, Martha Stewart Living, has me disagreeing with her pretty profusely.

Here's what she says:
"Alongside every one of my computers, I have a pitcher of mineral water infused with lemon, lime, orange, or cucumber and mint. I find that I drink more if the pitcher is there as a reminder and I can freely pour a glass, rather than opening bottle after bottle of water during the day."

Martha, really, open pitchers of water right alongside your computers? Sure, you should drink plenty of water, but putting a large, open vessel of liquid right next to your computer is just inviting damage (don't those pitchers look foreboding rather than refreshing?). Careful as you may be, it only takes a little nudge to fry a keyboard or worse, a motherboard.

Unless you can afford to replace expensive tech easily, do as I do, and drink lots of water — just put a lid on it.

Come Party With Me: New Year's Day Lunch — Menu

partysugar — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:45:32 -0800

Instead of hosting a crazy party on New Year's Eve, invite friends and family over for a decadent lunch on Jan. 1. Begin the soirée in the early afternoon (around 2:30) to allow late-night partygoers plenty of time to recover. Serve a menu that is rich, satisfying, and luxurious.

Start with caviar on brioche toasts with creme fraiche. Slice smoked salmon and cream cheese frittata into bite-size pieces and serve as appetizers. Have guests sit down to a creamy leek and potato soup paired with a simple salad of mixed greens dressed with champagne vinaigrette.

This menu would also make a delightful first day of the year dinner. To check out the recipes,

Goat Cheese Endive Bites: A Simple and Fresh Party Pleaser

YumSugar — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 08:00:09 -0800

For New Year's Eve, my friend Jenny is hosting a party with appetizers, and she's asked me to bring something. I know that she's already going to have buffalo wings, nachos, and virtually every chip and dip combination. To be different, I'm going to bring these goat cheese and dill endive boats. My friends won't be able to resist the combination of the crisp, slightly bitter endive with creamy, tangy goat cheese. Compared to the rich, bold flavors of the other appetizers, these crudités will be a breath of fresh air. To make these for your next gathering,

Come Party With Me: Latke Party — Menu

partysugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

This year instead of hosting a formal Hanukkah dinner, invite friends over for a festive happy hour. Serve guests a selection of vegetable latkes with a buffet of traditional toppings like applesauce, sour cream, and smoked salmon.

Classic potato latkes are delicious alongside cauliflower curry latkes. Zucchini latkes with red pepper jelly and smoked trout add a touch of elegant sophistication to the menu. Spinach latkes with feta-yogurt sauce are original and unexpected. For these recipes,

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Stout Spice Bread

YumSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 16:00:22 -0800

I've been longing to make my friends baked goods in some form other than Christmas cookies, and decided this stout spiced bread was different yet delicious.

I love the idea of individually sized breads, as well as the eco-friendly concept of reusing something disposable. To prevent sticking, remember to butter the canisters and let them cool slightly but not entirely before removing them from their cans. Your home will be filled with the aroma of sugar and spice — and your friends will all be indebted to you! To see the recipe,

Top Chef Quiz: It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

partysugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 11:15:57 -0800

Although I found last night's episode of Top Chef to be disappointing, I paid pretty close attention to the details. How well were you watching the Christmas-themed show? Find out now when you take my quiz.

Photo courtesy of Bravo

Top Chef 5.6: 12 Days of Christmas

partysugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 00:01:43 -0800

Every week before I watch Top Chef, I head to Bravo.com to find out who won. Since I'm on the West Coast, the episode has already aired and the recaps, photos, and losing contestant can be found on the website. However, this week when I went to check out the exit interview, I couldn't find one. If you watched the holiday-themed episode, which had Martha Stewart as one of the guest judges, you know why! To discuss in more depth (warning: spoilers ahead),

12 Days of Edible Gifts: Candied Citrus Peel

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:00:50 -0800

This holiday, I wanted to make homemade candy as one of my edible gifts for friends, and I concluded that candied citrus fruit would be the perfect choice. The recipe only calls for fruit, which I always have on hand, and sugar. Candy making doesn't get more basic than that!

I used oranges, but any combination of lemons, oranges, and grapefruit would be wonderful. I can't wait to give this handmade, preservative-free candy to my friends and family — to do the same, check out the recipe and