yumsugar -- To die for.

Happy Hour: Blueberry Martini

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:01:37 -0800

Although I enjoyed fresh blueberries this past weekend, I know their supply is winding down at the market, which is why I've been searching for ways to prolong their existence at my table. Then one day, out of the blue (pardon the pun), I came across some Stirrings Wild Blueberry, and I had my answer.

All you need is vodka and the syrup, which is made from real blueberries. In a matter of seconds, you've got blueberry cocktails for everyone! This drink is ideal for tailgates or large parties because it's so easy to make. Check out how and

Noteworthy Nibbles — Aug. 27-Sept. 1

YumSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 14:00:37 -0700

Labor Day weekend means food-happenings galore. At front and center is Slow Food Nation '08, the country's first ever slow food event, to be held in San Francisco. I'll be in attendance, so I can learn more about eating sustainably. Locals, perhaps I'll see you there! Here's the lineup; enjoy your long (and tasty) weekend.

Sparks, NV: Best in the West Nugget Rib Cook-off — Aug. 27
Millersport, OH: Millersport Sweet Corn Festival — Aug. 27
Honolulu, HI: Joy of Sake — Aug. 28
Morgan City, LA: Louisiana Shrimp & Petroleum Festival — Aug. 28-Sept. 1
San Francisco, CA: Slow Food Nation — Aug. 29-Sept. 1

To see the rest,

Happy Hour: Blue Gin Rizz

partysugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:00:23 -0700

The other day I was at the farmers market when I noticed a sad sign saying, "last day for blueberries." I immediately purchased a pint with the intention of using them in a delectable drink. While the original recipe, from H. Joseph Ehrmann of San Francisco's Elixir, calls for kumquats, I couldn't find them, so I substituted fresh peaches.

The final concoction is refreshing, tangy, and light. The ginger liqueur stabilizes the natural bite of the gin resulting in a cocktail that is balanced and easy to drink. It would be great paired with food, but it's also lovely when sipped solo. To say cheers to the weekend with this recipe,

8 Ravishing Blueberry Recipes

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:00:43 -0700

There's really nothing bad that can be said about fresh blueberries. A deep, vibrant blue, they're the perfect visual superstar to any dish. They're dribble-down-your- chin-juicy, sweet, and incidentally, they also happen to be great for you. These blue beauties are in season between May and October, peaking this month, which is — you guessed it! — National Blueberry Month. To incorporate them into your diet, try one of these mouth watering recipes.

Antioxidant Alert: Blueberries

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

I love to talk about food, and this means my girls are forced to listen to me extol the virtues of eating a rainbow.
When we list all the foods and colors and arrive at blue the only food we can come up with is blueberries. Which is fine with us, because we all love them. And, really, what is not to love about the blueberry? Low in calories and high in antioxidants, blueberries definitely fall into the super-food category. Plus they are just coming into season so now is the time to indulge in the singular virtue of this blue food.

Blueberries are high in phytonutrients called anthocyanidins. Unpronounceable but powerful, this antioxidant is an antibacterial pigment, which has a beneficial effect on blood vessels and the treatment of varicose veins. Blueberries also contain tannins, which act as astringents in the digestive system to reduce inflammation. Blueberries also promote urinary tract health, since they contain the same compounds found in cranberries.

Personally, I like blueberries just about any way you can serve them: fresh and unadulterated straight out of the basket, on cereal, in muffins, distilled into a compote and ladled over ~~ice cream~~ whole wheat pancakes.

Tell me, do you love blueberries? If so, what is your favorite way to enjoy them?
Source

Come Party With Me: Fourth of July — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 12:15:54 -0700

When searching for fun red, white, and blue cocktails to serve at a Fourth of July barbecue, I was disappointed by the uninspiring results: most were colored blue with the artificial tasting blue Curacao. However, with a little creativity one can offer guests delicious, patriotic-colored cocktails in the form of a mojito bar. The classic mojito is white, a raspberry mojito is red, and a blueberry mojito is blue. Set out a recipe, all the ingredients, several muddlers, and glasses and invite guests to make their own cocktails. Depending on your preferences, also offer guests a selection of beer, wine, waters, and lemonade. For the red and blue mojito recipes,

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,

Happy Hour: Smurfette

partysugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:53:39 -0700

The Smurfs are turning 50 this year, and to celebrate, Stirrings — maker of my favorite on-the-go drink mixers — has created a specialty cocktail. While the classic cartoon characters were blue, the drink has a pretty burgundy color.

A combination of orange-flavored vodka and wild blueberry juice, the Smurfette is one potent cocktail. If you loved the Smurfs as a child, you will surely enjoy this cocktail as an adult.

To see how it's made,

Cooking the Cover: Bon Appétit's Blueberry Pancakes

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 08:13:31 -0800

I have been drooling over the cover of the February Bon Appétit cover ever since it landed in my mailbox a few weeks ago. On a stark white background sits a huge stack of whole grain pancakes topped with blueberry syrup. Yesterday evening, YumJimmy and I finally decided to curb our pancake cravings by whipping up our own batch. So imagine our surprise when we found out that today was actually National Blueberry Pancake Day! Talk about a fun coincidence.

So, how did ours turn out compared to theirs? Find out, and get the recipe so you can try it at home, just

8 Foods Women Should Eat Every Day

FitSugar — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 07:30:00 -0700

A while back we went over the eight foods men should eat everyday and now I've come across the eight foods we ladies should eat daily as well. You'll be pleased to find that this list happens to have the exact same foods as the list for men, which means you and your man can stock up and munch on the same healthy goodies.

Blueberries
Oats
Walnuts
Black beans
Carrots
Tomatoes
Yogurt
Spinach

I love everything on this list so I'm feeling pretty good about myself. What about you guys? Are there some things you love/hate?