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.

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

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,

Sunday BBQ: Grilled Tuna with Mixed Greens and Fruit

YumSugar — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 05:21:41 -0700

As a sushi enthusiast, I generally like my tuna raw. However, sometimes a nice lightly seared tuna steak really hits the spot. On a warm summer night a flavorful marinated piece of tuna, resting on top of a bed of mixed greens with fruit, can do you no wrong. This particular recipe contains a vinaigrette with a long list of ingredients, however you can easily substitute it with a tasty store-bought one instead. To get things started, just

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

Need A Picnic Dessert? Think Blue!

partysugar — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 14:38:18 -0700

When I was thinking of an ideal dessert for a picnic, blueberries kept coming to mind. Not only am I craving them, but they are also a quintessential summer berry. Super ripe, burst-in-your-mouth blueberries are wonderful on their own, but why not throw them into a creamy smooth cheesecake batter and cut them into divine little squares? This recipe for blueberry cheesecake bars travels well, is easy to make, and will please a crowd. What are you waiting for? Get the recipe, just

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,

Happy Hour: Blueberry Crush

partysugar — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 13:59:01 -0800

Last Saturday night I attended an opening party for a new exhibit at the de Young museum here in San Francisco. Lately I've been trying to develop a taste for gin and tequila, so I order the gin specialty cocktail, something pretty with floating blueberries called a Blueberry Crush. I talked to the lovely ladies over at Plymouth Gin - one of the sponsors of the event and the creator of the drink. On Saturday night when I drank the cocktail, I was certain pomegranate juice was a part of the concoction, but when I got the recipe I was surprised to see that it is a mix of fresh blueberry puree and Sweet & Sour mix. At the party, the blueberry crush was made with Plymouth but you can make it with whatever gin you prefer. I think I'll give this one another try in my own kitchen. To do the same,