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What Did We Cook Up This Year?

YumSugar — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:01:18 -0800

Each week we test to see if you've been paying attention. A lot of you do really well, and so I thought it would be fun to see how well you've been paying attention all year. I've created questions from our most popular, or most interesting stories. Even if you haven't been with us all year long, be sure to click through to discover the stories. Some of these might surprise you!

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Our Sunday Best

YumSugar — Sun, 30 Dec 2007 01:18:11 -0800

Every Sunday for the past year, we've brought you either a delicious Sunday Dinner that you could really sink your teeth into, or a delightful Sunday BBQ that you could treat your family with. As part of our Best of 2007 coverage, I thought it would be fun to pick my favorite three dinners and favorite three bbq recipes. From the top left corner, going clockwise:

How about you? Is there a Sunday meal that you think we missed?

You've Got Mail!

YumSugar — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 04:17:31 -0800

Whenever I see something I like — such as these root beer float cupcakes — I have a tendency to share it with all of my friends. Well, according to the geeks you guys do the same thing! I had them pull some info for us and we discovered which stories were the most emailed of 2007. Here, from top to bottom, are the top ten emailed stories of 2007. Oh and is anyone else detecting a pastry theme here?

So what do you think? Did you email any of these around?

2007's Favorite Food Reality Judge Is...

YumSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 15:18:31 -0800

A while back, we asked you who was your favorite food reality show judge of 2007. There were 10 judges to choose from, but the leader of the pack was definitely Tom Colicchio from Top Chef. His tell it like it is attitude and affable smile won your hearts this year. While I wholeheartedly agree with your decision, our personal favorite was Gail Simmons.

This summer, PartySugar and I had a chance to chat with Gail and she is the absolutely sweetest person. She knows her food and has the qualifications to back her opinions up. I also find it refreshing to see a young female in her position. In a profession where men dominate the roost, it's great to see her in charge. If you want to know more about her, be sure to read both parts of our interview with Gail.

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Revisiting Travel Week

partysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 10:50:18 -0800

This Summer YumSugar and I went on a trip around the world, and we invited you along for the ride! We devoted entire days to discussing the delicious cuisines from 10 different countries around the globe. I've looked back at all of our coverage and picked out my favorite memories from our culinary journeys. Here they are for you to revisit! Starting in top left corner and moving clockwise:

Yum celebrated all things Brazilian by making Pão de Queijo, a Brazilian cheese bread.
I planned a travel party.
In Morocco, we chowed down on kefta — spiced meatballs — with eggs.
We learned how to say cheers in 12 different languages.
When we went to Japan, we channeled our inner sushi chef by rolling sushi.

How about you? Where did you enjoy traveling to this year?

2007's Favorite Food Reality Contestant Is...

YumSugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 05:01:18 -0800

When we asked you to name your favorite food reality contestant, I should have known that Dale Levitski was going to top the list. A lot of you guys have been cheerleading for him since day one. Also, you have to just love the story of him re-discovering himself as a chef during the Top Chef journey. And who could forget his wacky sense of style and phrases? I'm thrilled that you guys liked him. However, when it came time to choose our favorite, we ended up going with Julia Williams from Hell's Kitchen. She was — or at least was edited to be — the lovable line cook that could. She could fry eggs better than her professionally trained counterparts, and she never seemed to play the stab you in the back card. Sure she had her catty moments — and a jealous tantrum when she had to help the finalists — but something about her just made you want to root for her. She might not have won the challenge, but Gordon Ramsay is sending her to culinary school and that seems like a pretty decent second prize.

As for your favorite? Dale is actually close to opening his new restaurant called Town and Country. Can't wait to add it to my list of places to try!

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The Best Debates

partysugar — Fri, 28 Dec 2007 01:03:57 -0800

To get to know you better, we love to ask conversation provoking polls. Sometimes the simplest questions are the most stimulating. When forced to decide between one beloved dish or another, you are quick to express your likes and dislikes. We're always wondering, would you rather eat this or that? I've gone back over all the Would You Rather polls and picked out the ones that were toughest for me to choose between. Actually, I probably voted, "How can you make me choose?" on all of these! From top to bottom:

Would You Rather Eat French or Coconut Macaroons?

How about you? What Would You Rather was the hardest for you?

Our Favorite Ice Cream Sandwiches

YumSugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:31:39 -0800

This Summer, PartySugar and I took turns making ice cream sandwiches each week. We made fourteen different variations, but for our Best of 2007 coverage, we decided to pick our top five. Here they are, starting at the top left corner:

And this Heart-Shaped Chocolate Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwich wasn't one of ours, but it was so popular, I had to share it with you all again!

2007's Favorite Food Holiday Is...

partysugar — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 08:01:31 -0800

When we asked about your favorite food holiday of 2007, most of you eagerly voted for Thanksgiving. In this case, I totally have to agree. Thanksgiving is the ultimate food holiday, a celebration that revolves around an elaborate meal. Like food magazines that devote their entire November issue to Thanksgiving, we provided plenty of turkey tips and delicious desserts. We tested a no fuss turkey, supplied decor ideas, and created three — a beginner, a vegetarian, and a classic — exceptional menus. I was sad to see it go and already look forward to next year's Thanksgiving!

What do you think? Are you as hungry for turkey as I am?

2007's Favorite Food Trend Is . . .

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:40:31 -0800

This year saw the rise of food as a fun activity, fancy fro yo, and sweets that are savory. However none of those topped your favorite-food trends the way local food and high-end comfort food did. The lead kept flip-flopping — currently high-end comfort food is winning by two votes — however I'm going to have to go with the local-food movement.

Eating locally is a trend that has been growing over the years and in 2007 it's finally become something the average person has heard of. The Oxford American Dictionary declared locavore word of the year, and even my local Safeway touts produce that's locally grown. It's also a trend that many restaurants have adopted, and I think it's one that will grow in 2008.

So what do you think of the local-food movement? Do you eat locally-grown food when you can? I try to, but admittedly, I can't do it completely. Give up pineapple? I think not!

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2007's Best Food Cities Are...

partysugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 12:32:12 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 coverage we asked you what the top foodie destinations in the US and the world were.

Your favorite US food city was New York City. However, we think our hometown, San Francisco — with its hundreds of restaurants, glorious farmer's markets, and innovative mixologists — is the best. This year, the city by the bay hosted the Fancy Foods Show and had several top chefs compete on reality TV.

Outside of the US, you picked Paris as your favorite foodie destination. While we love the French capital, this year it seemed that all things Spanish ruled. Famous for its luscious seafood, ground breaking chefs, and bubbly Cavas, we're dying to spend some time eating in Barcelona!

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All The News That's Fit to Eat — Year End Edition

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 11:43:31 -0800

Every Wednesday, we round up the best food news from across the nation. From the San Francisco Chronicle to the New York Times, we find the most interesting stories to share with you. As an extra bonus, I've decided to round up the best stories from 2007. My favorite links from this year — you may need to create accounts to read the stories — are listed below.

Sexy or sexist? Is frump-free cooking a look that sizzles? — New York Times
Is culinary school a sham? — SF Weekly
Discover the mystery of the Starbucks short cappuccino. — Slate
Restaurant critics are having a hard time staying anonymous, so they're turning the tables and blowing their own covers. — Los Angeles Times
Create your own salad with this interactive salad spinner. — Washington Post
A recent survey shows that only 46 percent of families eat home-cooked dinners two to three times a week. — Chicago Tribune
What is it about communal office fridges that cause folks to throw etiquette out the window? — Seattle TImes
Follow the powerful force of tea in China, from the farm to the teapot. — Minneapolis/St. Paul Star Triibune
Can you eat locally for $10 a day? — SF Chronicle

Do you have a link you liked? Let us know what it was in the comments below!

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Our Favorite Cocktails

partysugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 10:13:31 -0800

I'm always down for a tantalizing concoction, no matter what time of day. The saying, "It's happy hour someplace in the world!" has come out of my mouth countless times! Whether mixed at home or ordered in a bar, a cocktail is a wonderful way to relax, sit back, and toast life. They make a party more festive and give everyone an excuse to let loose! To say cheers to cocktails, I've rounded up my top five from the past year. Here they are, starting with the one in the upper middle, and moving clockwise:

How about you? What cocktail were you obsessed with this year?

2007's Favorite Chain Restaurant Is...

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 03:01:31 -0800

One of the things we asked about in our Best of 2007 coverage was your favorite chain restaurant. The votes were all over the place, but the two lead choices were PF Chang's and The Cheesecake Factory. Both strive to bring an upscale dining experience to everyday life, and both have tasty mains and great appetizers. However I think it's the thirty cheesecake options that sealed the deal for The Cheesecake Factory. From Dutch Apple Caramel Streusel to a simple Vanilla Bean, they've got an option for everyone.

What do you think? Do you agree with this choice? Do you love The Cheesecake Factory too?

2007's Favorite Grocery Store Is...

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:01:31 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 roundups, we asked you what your favorite grocery store was. I must say, it was sort of a mixed poll, each region of the country has fantastic local markets — personally I love Nugget markets based out of Woodland, CA — so it was hard to say which place is best. I definitely have to give a nod to the local independent markets and the local farmer's markets — especially considering the word locavore was Oxford American Dictionary's word of the year — however you guys voted for Trader Joe's. This specialty market isn't in all parts of the country, but the folks that shop there are dedicated to their great line of unique products. Do you guys shop there? Do you believe it should be voted the best?

What Are These?

YumSugar — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:13:19 -0800

Each week I really look forward to the What Is This? feature. I absolutely love hunting for weird gadgets and gizmos. Over the year I've uncovered a few stumpers — I knew what they were and still couldn't believe it — as well as a few things that would make our lives easier. Here, clockwise from the top left corner, are my favorite gizmos. Do you know what they are?

You'll wow folks with your dishes with the help of these green Betty Bossi gizmos.
This menacing-looking silver tool actually does something quite simple.
I have to admit, this is a pretty useless blue gadget, but could make for a great gag gift.
This yellow gadget actually started the What Is This? series.
Here's a fresh-looking gadget that comes with an error-proof indicator light and is dishwasher safe.

Our Favorite Sides

partysugar — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 04:01:31 -0800

You've probably noticed that we share a scrumptious side dish recipe every Saturday. Sides are a wonderful way to enhance a meal and round out a menu. When making side dishes I like to experiment with new flavors and reinvent old classics. I've looked back at all the dishes and picked out my top five. Here they are, starting in the top middle and moving clockwise:

How about you? What was your favorite side?

2007's Favorite Foodie Film Is . . .

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 10:01:31 -0800

Ask anyone and they'll tell you I'm really just a big kid at heart. Turns out a good portion of you are too. In fact 62 percent of you voted Ratatouille your favorite food film of 2007. While we've had a few disagreements in our Best of 2007 recaps, this is one case where I completely agree with you. Ratatouille is such a fabulously cute film and completely droolworthy. It's hard to believe that the food is not real. Also, I love that an entire generation of children is going to grow up knowing what a sous chef is.

To check out a clip where Remi explains the working of a gourmet chicken,

We Had Questions, You Had Answers

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 05:01:39 -0800

We asked a lot of questions in 2007, and were more than happy to share your opinions. Out of curiosity, we made the geeks look through the stats and find out which questions were the most popular. It's interesting to see what you guys think, and what you guys voted on. If you haven't had a chance to check out the results — or if you haven't voted — what are you waiting for?

2007's Favorite Restaurant Chef Is . . .

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:28:31 -0800

We recently asked you to choose your favorite restaurant chef of 2007. The response was surprising and 28 percent of you said that Grant Achatz of Chicago's Alinea was your fave in 2007. Unfortunately, I've never made it to Alinea and am actually not that familiar with Achatz's work — which seems like a crime as his reputation is fantastic — so I'm going to have to go with my personal fave. Here at San Francisco-based Sugar HQ, we are gaga for Elizabeth Falkner. If you're not familiar with her, I think you soon will be. Her star is on the rise; she's been a guest judge on Top Chef and has just released Demolition Desserts, a book of recipes from her restaurant Citizen Cake. She's also set to open a new restaurant, Orson, where eaters can find "edgy California cuisine." I know I'll be making a reservation!

My Favorite Weeks of Baking

YumSugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:15:33 -0800

This year I decided to pick a New Year's resolution that I could stick with, and that's how I ended up on my 52 weeks of baking adventure. We're 51 weeks in, and I've surprised my friends and myself with some interesting baked goods. It's definitely been a challenging experience; I've had some inventions that came out better than anticipated, as well as some downright disasters. Overall it's been a great learning experience — if a messy one, as my kitchen's been filthy for a year! — and I hope I've inspired you to get baking!

There's one more treat on the way, but until then here are my favorite six of the year. Clockwise from the top left, they are:

2007's Best Food Magazine Is...

partysugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 05:18:31 -0800

For our Best of 2007 coverage we wanted to know what your favorite food magazine is. Cooking Light was your choice for magazine of the year with 23 percent of the votes. Yet, even though I peruse Cooking Light each month, Imbibe was my preferred read of '07. I look forward to this mag every other month and devour its cocktail recipes, details about new liquors, and profiles of innovative mixologists and baristas. A newer publication totally focused on drinks, Imbibe is a wonderful resource to learn about drink trends. It's informative without being pretentious making it a fun read.

What do you guys think? Have you checked out an issue of Imbibe yet?

2007's Favorite Foodie Show Is . .

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 16:15:39 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 coverage, we asked you to name your favorite (noncooking or nonreality) food TV show. The majority of you — 26 percent — felt that Duff and the gang over at Ace of Cakes should have walked away the victor. However I'm going to have to go with the second-place winner, No Reservations. Perhaps it's my I'll-eat-anything-once spirit, but I love the way Bourdain travels the globe in search of the best eats. Yes, he does have that snarky demeanor, but he manages to do it humbly and is always the most gracious guest. Whether he's drinking pints in Ireland or sharing meals with school children in Ghana, Bourdain offers a wonderful snapshot of the world, one meal at a time.

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Our Favorite Cakes of 2007

partysugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:18:31 -0800

Although we've shared tons of fabulous dessert recipes over the past year, my favorite dessert to make is a cake. Cakes are glamorous, feed a bunch of people, and come in thousands of different varieties. They never go out of style and a piece is delicious at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I've put together a list of my favorite cake recipes from the past year. Here they are pictured clockwise, starting from the top right:

My dulce de leche cake
Red velvet cake with fresh berries
My I Heart Candy challenge submission: A super-easy Heath bar cake
YumSugar's decadent chocolate cupcakes
Sarahkushner's amazing Halloween-themed Fright Night Cake

How about you? What was your favorite cake?

2007's Favorite Cooking Show Is...

YumSugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 07:13:18 -0800

For those of you who wished Alton Brown was declared our favorite male-celebrity chef of 2007, you should take some consolation in the fact that his show Good Eats was voted our favorite cooking show of 2007. AB's show was neck-and-neck with Giada's Everyday Italian, but it's Alton special blend of wacky props and food science that makes Good Eats a great show to watch. Every episode is packed with several compelling recipes — if not for the taste, then for the science — and there's no way you could walk away without having learned anything. Whether it's the art of a perfect pork chop or the science behind a pinwheel cookie, Alton's got you covered.

What do you think? Do you agree, should Good Eats top our Best of 2007 list?

Also, if you haven't seen it — and why haven't you? — you're in luck. AB's currently working on editing new episodes for 2008. Plus, we've got a clip for you, just

2007's Favorite Male-Celebrity Chef Is . . .

YumSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:20:18 -0800

This morning, as part of our Best of 2007 coverage, we revealed our favorite female-celeb chef of 2007. Well, now it's time to reveal our favorite male-celebrity chef. The readers' choice mimicked my own and it was a close race between Alton Brown and Anthony Bourdain; in fact, they're currently tied at 23 percent each. However in the end, I'm going to have go against my heart and go with my brain. Our choice for male-celebrity chef of the year is Gordon Ramsay.

This year Ramsay really dominated his category. He had two successful US television shows — Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares — several interesting shows on BBC, a video game in the works, two more Michelin stars, a new cookbook, and he found time to run a marathon. Not to mention he did all this even with burned bits down under.

Say what you will about Ramsay, but he is a successful — if not awfully busy — bloke and 2007 was really his year.

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My Favorite Invites

partysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:03:31 -0800

You probably already know this, but I love the act of planning a party as much as the party itself! While Yum had 52 weeks of baking adventures this year, I planned 52 virtual parties! From the look to the drinks, I supplied you with inspiring ideas, tantalizing recipes, and crafty invitations. The invite sets the tone, atmosphere, and mood of an event so I always send handmade invitations. It also makes a lovely keepsake of the party. I've browsed all of the invites and picked out my top five. Pictured clockwise from the top right, they are:

How about you? What was your favorite invitation?

2007's Favorite Female-Celebrity Chef Is...

partysugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:01:38 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 coverage we asked you who your favorite female-celebrity chef was. Many of you had very strong feelings for or against Rachael Ray and Sandra Lee, but in the end Giada De Laurentiis was your favorite female chef.

While we have nothing but love for Giada, our favorite female-celebrity chef this year was Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa. Her recipes continue to be delicious, simple, and stunning. Her long-lasting love for her husband is inspirational. Plus, we got the chance to speak with her earlier this year. She gave us some wonderful tips and we learned first hand how fabulous she really is.

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2007's Favorite Foodie Reality Show Is...

YumSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:01:01 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 coverage, we asked you what your favorite foodie reality show of 2007 is. The response was phenomenal and Top Chef won by a huge landslide.

We debated a bit here at the YumSugar HQ, however in the end Top Chef won us over as well. This year we almost had a female winner — maybe next year it'll finally happen? — and the competition was front and center. While the other shows also entertained, I loved the way Top Chef constantly had a mix of drama — but not too much — and really delicious looking eats. Also, their guest judges constantly kept things interesting and the local Miami produce and backdrop really added to the fun.

Do you agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments!

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Who Is Your Favorite Food Reality Judge of 2007?

YumSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 11:01:31 -0800

Now that we know who your favorite food reality contestant, is we thought we'd continue our Best of 2007 coverage by finding out which judge you liked best.Source, Source, and Source

Who Is Your Favorite Food Reality Contestant of 2007?

YumSugar — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 04:57:39 -0800

As part of our ongoing Best of 2007 coverage, we want to know which food reality TV contestant is your favorite. Of these top choices, tell us your fave!Source, Source, and Source

What Is Your Favorite Food Holiday of 2007?

partysugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:01:31 -0800

As part of our ongoing Best of 2007 coverage, we want to know about what food celebrations you enjoy. What is your favorite holiday when it comes to food?Source

What Is Your Favorite Food Trend of 2007?

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:15:39 -0800

In continuation of our Best of 2007 coverage, we want to know what your favorite food trends are. Is it fancy yogurt or fancy food? Vote below!Source

What Is Your Favorite Chain Restaurant of 2007?

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 03:09:19 -0800

As part of our ongoing Best of 2007 coverage, we want to know about where you like to eat. What is your favorite chain restaurant?Source

What Is 2007's Top Non-US Foodie Destination?

partysugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 13:43:19 -0800

Earlier today we asked what was your favorite foodie destination in the United States. Now we want to know what is the best food city outside the US?Source

What Is 2007's Top US Foodie Destination?

partysugar — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 03:09:31 -0800

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What Is Your Favorite Grocery Store of 2007?

YumSugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:11:59 -0800

As part of our ongoing Best of 2007 coverage, we want to know about your favorite shopping place. Where did you like getting your groceries this year?Source

What Is Your Favorite Foodie Film of 2007?

YumSugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 06:59:39 -0800

Now that we've covered all the little screen options — fave foodie reality shows, fave foodie shows, and fave cooking show — we thought we'd turn our Best of 2007 coverage to the big screen. Which of these foodie films is your favorite of 2007?Source

What Is Your Favorite Foodie Film of 2007?

Ratatouille

Waitress

No Reservations

King Corn

Who Is Your Favorite Restaurant Chef of 2007?

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 16:29:30 -0800

We've asked you what you've thought of male and female celebrity chefs, but now we want to know what you think of famous restaurant chefs. We selected a few of our faves from across the globe, but now we want to know which one you think is the Best of 2007?Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, Source, and Source

What Is Your Favorite Food Magazine of 2007?

partysugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 06:01:39 -0800

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