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Taste Test: Miracle Berry Tablet

partysugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 09:00:04 -0700

Since the New York Times piece on flavor tripping came out last May, the culinary world has been obsessed with the miracle berry. When consumed, the berry changes the tongue's tastebud molecules, making sour and bitter foods taste sweet. While there has been controversy surrounding the company who sells the fresh berries, the miracle fruit can easily be enjoyed in tablet form. Recently I went to a party where guests were invited to taste these tablets. Everyone was given a pill and a sampler plate of intensely flavored ingredients. To find out what happened when I popped the miracle berry pill,

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,

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.

Meet The Miracle Berry

partysugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:15:00 -0700

Have you ever heard of the miracle berry? This exotic West African fruit, has the astonishing ability to make bitter and sour foods taste sweet. The berry contains an active molecule that binds to the tongue's taste buds causing certain foods — like limes or lemons — to seem sweet. Although the fruit is not a sweetener, it does have the ability to turn non sweet foods into sweet foods without any additives! In the 1970s, an American entrepreneur, realized the potential the miracle berry could have on the food industry and went to great lengths to mass produce the plant. However, his plan was suspiciously and abruptly ended. A recent article from BBC News states:

In 1974, the FDA changed its mind about the Miracle Berry product on the very eve of the product launch in drug stores across the whole of the Eastern seaboard. In the most brutal way, the FDA ordered all the products to be withdrawn at once.

Thus, the sweetening powers of the miracle berry were never fully realized. I find the story incredibly interesting and would love to get my hands on the berries. Have you ever tasted the miracle berry? What would today's world be like if junk food without the junk existed?

Source

No, Not Strawberries, Strasberries

YumSugar — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 06:00:23 -0700

Do you prefer strawberries or raspberries? If you can't decide then let me introduce you to strasberries, the fruit that falls somewhere between strawberries and raspberries. The fruit was "born" in the early 1900s, but disappeared from markets until Dutch farmers rediscovered them several years ago. Originally a type of wild strawberry, the strasberries have become a big hit in Europe due to their "unique, aromatic flavour." If you're interested in trying them, you'll have to head across the pond to London. Waitrose — a British supermarket chain — is selling the fruit in 17 of their London outlets; a 4oz basket will retail for £4 (about $.

I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait until someone imports these to the US. I want to make a strasberry shortcake!

Source

Come Party With Me: Christmas Dinner — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 13:05:31 -0800

My elegant Christmas dinner calls for equally-sophisticated cocktails. I'll have distinct wine pairings for each course and one festive signature cocktail to get the night started right.

With the oysters and crab crostini, pour a sparkling Prosecco; it's a lovely and affordable varietal. With the main course offer a spicy red Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. Have a white varietal that complements the gorgonzola gnocchi. An American Chardonnay or Italian Fiano are excellent choices.

Make the signature cocktail a red-hued concoction by using frozen berries. Get the recipe for this festive drink, just

Definition: Juniper Berry

partysugar — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:31:38 -0800

Juniper Berry
A black-blue colored berry that resembles black peppercorns. These berries are native to Europe and America and have a very astringent flavor. Although they are too bitter to eat raw, the crushed dried berry is used to flavor meats, sauces, and stuffings.

The berries are also a key ingredient in flavoring gin.

Source

Summer of Sandwiches: Vanilla Berry Brownies

YumSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:03:28 -0700

It was my turn to make ice cream sandwiches this week — I know, tough task! — and I was staring at some leftover rich, fudgy brownies when it hit me. Duh! Why not cut the brownies in half and fill them with ice cream?!?

Once I had a plan, it was time to determine the flavor. I really wanted mint-chip, but we had vanilla in the house, and more than one open container of ice cream at a time is really bad news in our house... However, I wasn't totally thrilled with plain vanilla, so I took some fresh blueberries and raspberries and mixed them in.

To learn how to do it yourself, as well as more pictures of brownie-ice cream goodness,

Simple & Elegant Dessert: Berries & Cream

partysugar — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:16:31 -0700

Fresh berries and cream have to be one of the oldest and most classic desserts. The fruit, complemented by the sweet cream, creates a timeless and highly sophisticated dessert that beautifully finishes any meal. Smooth goat cheese is an unexpected ingredient, making for a subtle surprise. To make this delectable and simple dessert before the season's berries have disappeared,

Unusual Dessert: Blueberries in Wine

partysugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:51:31 -0700

Lately, I've been craving blueberries so much, I had to find a dessert recipe that would highlight their pure tart flavor. I came across many cake, pudding, and pie recipes, but was in the mood for something different, something unusual that would shock my guests. I had an Eureka moment when I found this recipe for blueberries in a black pepper-Syrah syrup. While the name sounds sophisticated and complicated, this dessert is surprisingly simple to put together. It's a heavenly finish to an elegant summer dinner and pairs decadently with a chocolate truffle and a glass of bubbly, so get the recipe, just

Reader Recipe: Swedish Strawberry Cake

YumSugar — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:02:38 -0700

Sometimes I think I should have been a math major. Although, on second thought, it doesn't really take a math whiz to understand that:

Strawberry Filling + Vanilla Custard + Spongecake = DROOOOOOOOOOOL-icious

The recipe for this lovely Swedish Strawberry Cake was provided by TeamSugar member Twinkle. Filled with layers of vanilla custard and delightful berries, this cake will have your friends and family singing your praises. The recipe comes from Swedish celebrity chef Tina Nordström - whose show I actually saw for the first time today on PBS - and it is absolutely droolworthy. I don't know about the rest of you, but I have some math homework to attend to right now... To check out the recipe (thanks Twinkle!),

Happy Hour: Bing Cherry Margarita

partysugar — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 13:13:38 -0700

Last week Yum and I found ourselves enjoying pizza, cocktails, and the Argentina vs. Mexico soccer game. The pizza was a little too soft for our liking, but both the game and the cocktails went above and beyond our expectations. I had spent the day thinking about cherries and was delighted to see one of the seasonal specialty cocktails was a cherry margarita! Cherries muddled with tequila and lime juice served on the rocks with a lime zest salted rim sounded like heaven. It was slightly disappointing when the finished drink was made with a pureed cherry syrup rather than muddled cherries, but it was still cool, refreshing, and delicious. The lime zest really added a tasty zing to the salted rim, and if you love tequila you will definitely delight in this cocktail. Give this drink a whirl when you get bored with the regular old lemon-lime margs. To get the recipe,

Quick No Bake, Somewhat "Healthy" Dessert

partysugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:43:38 -0700

On a hot summer night, sometimes I crave a cool, refreshing dessert after a satisfying dinner. A little sweet to top off the savory, but nothing too heavy. Whenever I want a less-guilty dessert that I can enjoy after eating a full meal, I make a fresh fruit parfait. Layered chunks of ripe mango, chilled Greek yogurt, and syrupy raspberry jam makes for a delicious combination. Ready in minutes, the only work this dessert involves is cubing mangoes and scooping layers. Flavored with honey rather than sugar, this recipe is so much healthier than a bowl of ice cream or a piece of cake. Get it now, just

Happy Hour: Strawberry Daiquiri

partysugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 15:30:18 -0700

Whenever I'm up in the mountains at my vacation house - as I am now - my mother and I spend every afternoon lying by the pool, indulging in a cocktail (or 2) at happy hour. Usually I order piña coladas, but since this week was the 4th, I've been ordering strawberry daiquiris instead. With such a beautiful vibrant red color, and the sweet/sour taste combination of pureed strawberries and fresh squeezed lime juice, how could one not look exceptionally chic sipping this by the pool? It may be frou-frou, but sometimes a gal needs frou-frou when on vacation! If you're lounging by the pool with a quench for something tropical, or are just bored at your house, treat yourself to a batch of strawberry daiquiris. Find the recipe, 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

52 Weeks of Baking: Fresh Lime Chiffon Cake with Strawberries & Blackberries

YumSugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 10:01:18 -0700

I first saw this recipe for a fresh lime chiffon cake last June, but was reminded of it a few months ago when kmcconne79 posted it to the Kitchen Goddess group. Knowing that my sister is a big fan of light, tart cakes, I decided to file it away for her birthday. Fast forward to last weekend and we've got the next installment of 52 Weeks of Baking. The cake is a little complicated and time consuming, however if you're intimidated or pressed for time, you could take the flavor concept, fillings and frosting and substitute the homemade cake with box cake. Also, I added in strawberries, but feel free to use your favorite flavor pairings. To check out the recipe,

Make Your Strawberries Pop & Fizz For the 4th of July

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:01:38 -0700

When I think of 4th of July, I often think of food and fireworks, but never together. However this year, I may have to change my line of thinking. The California Strawberry Commission has just released a new concept for deliciously cool carbonated strawberries that will fizz and pop in your mouth. I personally can't wait to try them, but will have to find a place that sells dry ice first. That's right, this recipe is part home-ec class, part science class. You could even say that it's a little journey into molecular gastronomy. To see how you can make your own carbonated strawberries,

Yummy Link: Beautiful Berry Pie

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:01:18 -0700

What happens when you roll all of your favorite berries together? Why deliciousness berry pie of course! - Never Bashful With Butter

Berries & Cream

partysugar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 15:45:18 -0700

The owner of my local strawberry stand recently let me know that their first batch of organic blueberries were just picked. I got so excited that I headed over yesterday to pick up both the juicy red strawberries and the pop in your mouth bright blueberries. Much can be done with the berries: they can be folded into batters or pureed into sauces, however I'm in the mood to enjoy them in their pure and original state. A big bowl of berries, whatever kind you have access to, makes for the perfect light and fresh ending to a heavier meal. Drizzle a little creme anglaise over the top and you are in for one decadently simple and divine dessert. Make it tonight and enjoy the sauce all week,

All About Cherries

partysugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 08:21:32 -0700

Like strawberries, cherries are another of my favorite spring/early summer fruits. Since today is National Cherry Cobbler day, I thought I would take the time to let you know all about cherries. Cherries grow on trees and are a member of the stone fruit family - along with plums and peaches. When purchasing cherries avoid those with blemishes, mushy/light skin, or those that are shriveled. Cherries do not ripen after they have been picked, so choose those that appear plump, firm, smooth, dark/brightly colored with their stems pliable and attached (dry stems = old cherries). As they bruise easily, handle with care and thoroughly rinse and wash before consuming. Refrigerate to improve flavor and length of life, yet eat at room temperature for the best taste. Store cherries in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

You should eat them in about three days. Generally speaking darker colored cherries are sweeter making them an excellent dessert. There are a wide variety of cherries on the market from Bing to Ranier to Queen Anne, and the peak cherry season is June/July. A sour variety is best for making pies, jams, and pastries - save the sweet ones for eating alone. To pit, slam with a knife as you would a clove of garlic to remove the skin or use a paper clip to slide in and stab the pit out.

Too Easy To Be True: Berry Good Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 16 May 2007 15:58:31 -0700

So I've been going nuts over strawberries lately and I finally figured out why I can't get them off of my mind. Strawberries, one of my favorite fruits, are only available (ok you can get them almost all year long but really a strawberry in January isn't that good) for a limited time. Like the Kate Moss for Topshop collection, strawberries are a limited edition fruit. The simple fact that you can only purchase, consume, and enjoy the red berries for a certain amount of time makes them that much more covetable and that much more delicious. So get em while they're hot and get them now. Today I've got a swift, easy dessert recipe where the luscious perfection of the strawberry is enhanced by its cousin, the raspberry. Like me, you know you just cant get enough strawberries so,

All About Strawberries

partysugar — Thu, 03 May 2007 05:58:51 -0700

Strawberry season is almost upon us and I don't know about you guys, but I am very excited to eat luscious plump berries - especially since nothing says, "hello summer" more than a bowl full of beautiful strawberries. When purchasing strawberries, look for bright red berries with fresh and green stems. During the short 3-4 week season, purchase strawberries from your local strawberry field or farmer's market. In grocery stores look for the most plump and fragrant berries. Since strawberries do not ripen after being picked, choose ones that were picked fully ripened. Select dry, unstained containers.

As mold grows very quickly on berries, never leave a moldy one next to a good one. Out of all berries, strawberries have the most vitamin C and make a great simple delicious dessert. Strawberries were first cultivated in the year 1624 and today are most commonly grown in California and Florida. Store in the fridge uncovered in a colander to allow cold air to circulate.

One pint of fresh strawberries equals about 3 1/4 cups whole berries, or 2 1/4 cups sliced berries, or 1 2/3 cups pureed berries.

Fresh Spring Side: Spinach & Strawberry Salad

partysugar — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 03:19:21 -0700

Last Sunday night I was in charge of making dinner. I sent my dad to the store with a list, but at the last minute I called him to change my mind about the side dish for my bacon and onion risotto. Dad, I said, how do you feel about a spinach and strawberry salad on the side? He loved the idea as much as I did. I love incorporating fruit into salads for a crisp and complex taste experience. This salad makes a great side for the aforementioned risotto, a lemony pasta dish, or a spice rubbed grilled chicken. Throw in a couple hard boiled eggs, some avocado, mushrooms, or crunchy bacon bits and this side salad can easily be turned into a quick and flavorful dinner. To bookmark this recipe - trust me it's one you are going to love -

Come Party With Me: Easter - Menu (Brunch, Part 2)

partysugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 06:58:19 -0700

The words Easter and brunch go hand in hand, and this week I am planning one party and offering you two delicious menus. Everything about this fete should scream springtime, from the yellow and green color scheme, to the Easter egg invitations to the poached egg main dish (you can't have Easter without eggs!). Serve maple-glazed bacon with a sweet treat in the form of coffee cake or a fruity berry parfait. To look at the recipes,

Miracle Fruit Will Get Your Taste Buds High

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 03:27:12 -0800

Sure, we've all heard of the Superfruits, but how about miracle fruit? Miracle fruit is a little known berry that alters taste buds making bitter things better and sour things sweet. The effect lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. If you ask me, it sounds like it makes your taste buds high.

Several food bloggers were able to get their hands on some miracle fruit and tested it out.

It may be impossible for one to realize how much sweetness is present in citrus until one has had the sourness chemically masked. Lemons and limes are full of natural sugars, salts, and acids, but those flavors are normally pretty well-hidden behind the tartness.

I don't know about you guys, but I have got to get my hands on some of this stuff. And lucky for me, FitSugar found a place to order the plant online.

Source: Boing Boing