yumsugar -- To die for.

Must-Read: Williams-Sonoma Soup

YumSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:15:48 -0700

Although I've always been a fan of eating soup year-round, now that the weather has cooled down a bit, soup is a regular part of my meal rotation. That was my logic behind acquiring Williams-Sonoma Soup ($16.95). To see my thoughts on the cookbook,

What's Cooking at Slashfood

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 03:00:52 -0700

An Ohio congressman thought a bag of bacon was a bomb.
As the economy spirals downward, cookbook sales increase.
A giant cranberry bog has taken over Rockefeller Center.
Would you pay $200 for a cookbook?
Eight scrumptious sweet potato pie recipes.
Don't let them freeze: bring herbs indoors to survive Winter.
Wheeled grocery store baskets lighten your load and your wallet.

Source

Must-Read: Giada's Kitchen

partysugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:30:08 -0700

Last week Giada De Laurentiis fourth cookbook, Giada's Kitchen ($32) hit bookshelves. The book release coincided with the relaunch of her website, Giadadelaurentiis.com. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a copy of the glossy hardback with Tiffany-blue interior. Yesterday I spent some time reading the book — which is full of pretty pictures and delicious-sounding recipes — to see what I thought of it,

Adventurous Cookbook Gets the Ball Rolling

YumSugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:43 -0700

When I need culinary inspiration, I turn to one of many cookbooks. But unless I'm feeling extraordinarily creative, I'm not sure I'll be turning to the latest cookbook to hit the circuit. The Testicle Cookbook: Cooking With Balls was just published by Ljubomir Erovic. Erovic is a chef in Serbia, a country where testicles are a prized delicacy. In the mood for goulash? Then why not experiment with a testicle version? Love pizza? Make his cheese, onion, pepper, bacon, and bull's testicle pizza. Of course, the art of eating testicles is nothing new: around the world, they've long been touted as aphrodisiacs.

According to Erovic, who organizes an annual testicle-cooking championship, the tastiest testicles come from bulls, ostriches, and stallions, although he claims, "All testicles can be eaten. Except human, of course."

What's your reaction to this? If you're really curious, you can view a bit of the book online. Do you have the balls to try any of the recipes?

Source

Must-Read: The Ultimate Beer Lover's Cookbook

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 12:30:41 -0700

Ever since the onset of Oktoberfest, I've had beer on the brain. Naturally I decided to break out my copy of The Ultimate Beer Lover's Cookbook. The tome is authored by John Schlimm, a descendant of the Straub beer empire. The collection, which took 10 years to compile, employs beer in every single one of its 400-plus recipes. To see what I think of the cookbook,

All the News That's Fit to Eat — Sept. 17, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:30:47 -0700

Romesco sauce can transform any soup, seafood, or vegetable. — Miami Herald
Here are the secret ingredients that'll turn your meal around. — Boston Globe
Olive oil, beware: Lard is back. — San Francisco Chronicle
The best (and worst) cookbooks for Fall. — Los Angeles Times
How to decipher all those egg carton labels. — New York Times
Russian wines make a quiet return. — Chicago Tribune
Taste testing celebrity cognac and other spirits. — Washington Post
Perfect paella means getting all of these elements right. — The Oregonian
Transition into Fall with an Autumn picnic. — Cleveland Plain Dealer

Source

Off to Market Recap: Fall Cookbook

partysugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 03:00:43 -0700

Lately I've been feeling a little depressed about Summer coming to an end. I need something to get me excited for Fall, and have decided on a cookbook.

Not just any old cookbook; I want one that features Fall's most fabulous flavors, and I asked you to help me find it. You looked for cookbooks with recipes that feature Fall ingredients and hearty dishes. You saved the books you discovered in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Fall Cookbook.

The book Taste of the Season: Inspired Recipes for Fall and Winter by Diane Rossen Worthington, that sofi discovered, sounds like the perfect thing to bring me out of my post-Summer rut.

The recipes — hearty lentil soup with grilled sweet and hot Italian sausages, spicy chicken gumbo, and tangy short ribs, to name a few — are filling, cozy, and comforting. The best thing about this cookbook is that I can use it during the Fall and all the way through to Winter! For more Fall cookbooks, browse below.

Please read geeksugar's explanation for more on how to bookmark.

Nancy Silverton's Fancy-Pants Sandwich Cookbook

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:17:38 -0700

How you feel about Nancy Silverton's Sandwich Book depends on how you feel about sandwiches. If you see sammies as a fast dinner option on a busy night, then this is not the book for you. But if you prefer to elevate your humble sandwich with gourmet ingredients, then you should give Silverton's book a shot. As she writes in the intro, "Don't look at them as complicated sandwiches, but as satisfying entrees on bread."

This cookbook grew out of the Thursday sandwich nights at LA restaurant Campanile, where different twists on classics like the grilled cheese are showcased every week. The 100-plus recipes are divided into eight categories, some more sandwichy than others. For a detailed breakdown,

Off to Market: Fall Cookbook

partysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 03:00:28 -0700

Lately I've been feeling a little depressed about Summer coming to an end. I need something to get me excited for Fall, and I think a cookbook will do the trick. Not just any old cookbook, though. I want one that features Fall's most fabulous flavors, like Lou Seibert Pappas's A Harvest of Pumpkins and Squash ($15.95).

Can you help me find one? Look for cookbooks with recipes that feature Fall ingredients and hearty dishes. Save the books you discover in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Fall cookbook. Happy hunting!

Please read geeksugar's explanation for more on how to bookmark. If you don't know where to start searching, check out a list my favorite online shops when you

A16 Food + Wine on How to Make Stellar Meatballs

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:26:07 -0700

One of my favorite chefs, Nate Appleman of San Francisco's A16, has debuted a new book co-written with his wine director, Shelley Lindgren, entitled A16 Food + Wine.

To celebrate the cookbook's debut, Williams-Sonoma, which will carry the book, hosted a launch party with the authors on hand. There, I not only scored a copy of the book but also sampled some entries from the new tome.

I couldn't get enough of the moist, complexly flavored meatballs. The recipe can be time-intensive, but once you taste the finished product, you'll think it's totally worth the wait. Learn how to make the meatballs (and check out photos from the bash!) when you

Rachael Ray Parody Hits Shelves Sept. 3

YumSugar — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 06:45:16 -0700

Celebrity chef and media mogul Rachael Ray may be penning a poignant memoir, but a sarcastic someone is about to beat the star to the punch in publishing a book about herself. Every Freaking Day! With Rachell Ray by Elizabeth Hilts ($12.99) will parody the media mogul's monthly magazine, Every Day With Rachael Ray.

The 64-page book is full of saucy lines, such as, "Hey kids! If 30-minute meals are good, wouldn't 30-second meals be even better?"

The guide, "Rachell," played by a model who is a dead ringer for Ray, provides "super-caffeinated" commentary along with recipes. Hilts, a bestselling author, explained:

She's very easy to parody. She has a lot of very recognizable mannerisms: talking with her hands, singing to the food, referring to food as an almost-human entity.

What does the real Ray think of the parody? According to her publicist, she hasn't seen it yet. No doubt come September, we'll be checking this out. Do you think this book will fly off shelves to Rachael fans and foes alike?

Source

Let's Dish: How Do You Organize Your Recipes?

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:00:13 -0700

From recipe card filing systems to customized innovations like the tastebook, there are many ways to organize recipes. Still, if you own more than a dozen cookbooks, keep some of your family's recipes on record, and have limited kitchen space, maintaining an organized cooking library can be tough.

I've always struggled to arrange my kitchen paperwork — treasured family recipes, cookbooks, personal creations, recipes I've come across online, and appliance instruction manuals — all in one place. The closest thing I have to a solution is a binder full of sheet protectors that are sorted by course, so that I can insert any printout, clip, handwritten recipe, or manual. It sits next to a shelf full of cookbooks with recipes that have been tabbed.

How about you? Have you found a recipe organizing solution that works for you? I'd love to hear about it!

Source

Must-Read: Food and Wine Cocktails 2008

partysugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 15:00:13 -0700

As bartenders raise the bar on the quality of cocktails, it's no wonder I've become interested in doing the same at home. At happy hour, I no longer want to make a simple rum and coke, instead I prefer to experiment with exciting combinations and fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Recently I purchased Food and Wine Cocktails 2008, an informative, paperback full of classic and modern recipes from the nation's hippest bars and restaurants. From wine spritzers to whiskey drinks to party punches to bar snacks, nothing is overlooked or forgotten. To see what I think of the book,

How Many Cookbooks Do You Own?

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:00:33 -0700

One of my self-assigned tasks this week is to reorganize my rapidly growing cookbook collection. While I didn't start out with very many, I've accrued at least a dozen recipe books over the past two years. I love cookbooks, but I question whether I should hang on to the ones I've never used. How many cookbooks do you own? Do you use recipes from all of them? Source

Yummy Links: From Tanya Steel to Olympic Diets

partysugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 06:45:02 -0700

With her new book, Tanya Steel shows adults how to feed kids without being deceptive. — The Epi-Log
What is your most-stained cookbook? — Serious Eats
A delicious combination: tomatoes and vodka. — GlamDish
Before you pack that Spanish ham leg in your suitcase, learn what food and drink can legally be brought into the United States. — The Kitchn
Go behind the scenes of the 19th Annual Pennsylvania Dutch Festival. — Slashfood
A day in the life of a top mixologist.— 7 x 7
Dunkin Donuts debuts a healthier menu. — FitSugar
Everything you need to know about ramekins. — Baking Bites
How to clean a soft-shell crab. — Chow
Eat like an Olympian. — Food and Wine

Source

Yummy Links: From Kitschy Kitchens to Top Chef 5

partysugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:45:12 -0700

Decorate your kitchen with these kitschy, retro-glam finds. — Hostess with the Mostess
Make gourmet coffee at home. — Slashfood
New to cooking? Check a beginner cookbook out of your library. — Chow
Just how good are Starbucks's smoothies? — Baking Bites
Get to know David Chang of Momofuku fame a little better. — Serious Eats
Take a look at San Francisco's just-planted Slow Food Nation Victory Garden. — CasaSugar
Cookthink gets a stylish new makeover. — Cookthink
Learn how to make crispy and delicious fried green tomatoes. — The Kitchn
Help McDonald's name its new dollar menu. — The Epi-Log
Calling all New Yorkers: be on the lookout for the filming of Top Chef Season 5! — Eater

Source

New Life, New Cookbooks

YumSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:15:45 -0700

Whether you just got married, made the move in together or simply want to turn over a new leaf, make sure you have the guides to basic cooking fundamentals.

Start out with the gastronomic essentials featured below, which range from classic cookbooks by the world's foremost chefs to quick and simple meal ideas. Follow up with specialty books like Party Basics For the New Nesters. It's a newlyweds guide to hosting fabulous fetes!

Already have a solid cookbook library? This collection makes a great wedding gift — and it won't be sold out on the registry.

Yum's July Must Haves

partysugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:45:21 -0700

June flew by so quickly it's hard to believe July is here! To ensure that you properly enjoy this glorious Summer month, I'm sharing the items I currently can't live without. These are my must haves for the month of July.

Would You Try Grilled Pizza?

YumSugar — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:45:05 -0700

Ever since I received a copy of Grilled Pizza and Piadinas by Craig Priebe, I've been dreaming about grilled pizza. Last weekend, a friend of mine was over, and we grilled up some pies. They were sort of lopsided and awkwardly shaped, but delicious nonetheless. My friend was amazed by his, he'd never heard of grilled pizza before, and thought it was such a fun novelty. What do you think?

Would You Try Grilled Pizza?

I love grilled pizza!

I've never had it, but would love to try it.

It sounds weird, but I guess I'd try it.

No way, pizza is not meant to be grilled.

Other — I'll tell you my opinion in the comments.

Guess Who?

partysugar — Mon, 26 May 2008 10:45:20 -0700

Guess which rocking foodie just released a new cookbook?

Gather Around Your Mother's Table

YumSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 14:16:02 -0700

We were recently sent a copy of Around My Mother's Table: Stories and Recipes Celebrating Lives Lost to Breast Cancer ($16.95 with some proceeds going to breast cancer initiatives), and thought it might make a great Mother's Day gift. It's a sentimental, if not bitter-sweet book that's been created with lots of love.

Editor and compiler Lisa Burton embarked on the project after losing her own mother to breast cancer. Her journey results in a book mixed with 39 stories and recipes from other daughters and sons who've lost their mothers. Unlike other books like this, it really does seem like a celebration, and if you walk away with a message, it will be to cherish the moment.

If the book seems like a macabre choice, then think of it as an excuse to hang out more often. Order a copy and share it with your mom. Then get together and make the recipes, or write down your own family heirlooms. Something tells me mom won't say no to spending more time with her loved ones.

Now You Can Feast on Asphalt Anytime You Want To

YumSugar — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:01:33 -0700

Alton Brown fans will be pleased to hear that last year's popular Feasting on Asphalt 2: The River Run is now available on DVD. As a fan of Alton, I thought this was a really fun series. It chronicled his and his crew's journey along the Mississippi River on motorcycle, but most importantly it chronicled everything they ate. While I'm well versed on foreign foods, it was great to learn about some of these homegrown treats.

If you're interested, the DVD set runs $29.95 — if you're one of the first 1000 to order you get a free map charting the journey — but from now until April 30, you can get 10 percent off by using the code: C93837 when you check out.

And if you'd rather read about his journey, they've just released a companion book ($16.50, the discount code probably won't work on this). Alton was recently on NPR talking about it. It's part memoir and part cookbook. Kool-Aid pickles anyone?

How Do You Feel About Recipes?

partysugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 05:59:31 -0700

Source

How Do You Feel About Recipes?

I love them and never cook without a recipe.

I use them sometimes, but I don't rely on them.

I hate recipes and rarely use them. I prefer to make things up while I cook.

I enjoy reading recipes, but never end up using them.

Other — see what I think about recipes in the comments below.

Nigella's Down Under Ahead of Next Week's Nibbies

YumSugar — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:55:39 -0700

Nigella's Down Under Ahead of Next Week's Nibbies
Lovely Nigella Lawson was Down Under yesterday, signing copies of her book Nigella Express at the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. We'll see how popular her book is when the winners of the Galaxy British Book Awards are announced next week, as Nigella Express is up for the Play.com Popular Non-Fiction Award.

Yum's April Must Haves

YumSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:29:51 -0700

No fooling around, April is here! I've gone through a bunch of products and have come up with a list of things you simply must have. So ring in Spring! Check out what we discovered for you by clicking the "Start Slideshow" button below.

1080 Side: Potatoes with Bacon and Chorizo

YumSugar — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 04:28:11 -0700

I came across this recipe from 1080 Recipes — Spain's "answer to Joy of Cooking," which was recently translated into English — and knew I had to share it with you. Partly because it looks so beautiful and partly because it involves bacon — sorry vegetarians, this one's pretty unfriendly. If you're looking for something to accompany your dinner tonight, then look no further. Get the recipe for Potatoes with Chorizo and Bacon after the jump. I guarantee you'll be drooling once you

Make Gourmet-Tasting Meals From the 99 Cent Store

YumSugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:13:31 -0700

With the economy in a bit of a downturn, eating like a gourmet foodie can seem a bit extravagant. Cooking a three-course meal for your entire family while on a budget can seem downright difficult. Yet Christiane Jory, author of The 99 Cent Only Stores Cookbook, believes you can do it easily by shopping at dollar stores. And before you start rolling your eyes — I know you're doing it because I did — I should mention that the book actually contains recipes for things that sound delicious. I mean, what about gruyere beignets, salmon souffle and Pinot Noir poached pear tarts doesn't sound good?

I first heard about this book on NPR — you can listen to the whole story online — and thought it was absolutely fascinating. While I don't think I could eat this way completely — sorry folks, I've become a fresh fruit and veggie snob — I do think it's fantastic to show people how to create good tasting food on the cheap. And besides, with the economy the way it is, this book might end up as a must-have for all of us!

So what about you? Do you think you could make gourmet-tasting meals from the 99 cent store?

Chicken Soup For the Soul: Kids in the Kitchen

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:10:31 -0800

Chicken Soup For the Soul: Kids in the Kitchen
Chef Antonio Frontera, along with other celeb chefs and writers, co–authored Chicken Soup For the Soul: Kids in the Kitchen ($15). The recipe book is dedicated to involving children in the cooking process while games and anecdotes are peppered into the mix.

Learn to Cook for a President

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 01:03:31 -0800

Happy President's Day everyone! To celebrate I've rounded up a selection of presidential cookbooks. For years, presidents and their families have been eating well, and if you've ever been curious to see how the presidents eat, then click "Start Slideshow" below!

Off to Market Recap: Cookbook For Two

partysugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:27:16 -0800

One of my best friends recently moved into a little house with her long-term boyfriend. As a housewarming gift, I thought it would be nice to get them a cookbook. Not just any cookbook, but one that is geared towards meals for two people. I asked you to help me look for a great book that features plenty of recipes for couples. You saved your finds in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Cookbook For Two. You found lots of practical cookbooks and my favorite of the bunch is the Everything Cooking For Two Cookbook.

What sold me on this book — submitted by jspeed — was the recipes. Broiled goat cheese salad with wilted chicory and dried cranberries? Delicious! Butternut squash soufflé with fried sage leaves? Yes, please! To take a look at all of the cookbooks for two, scroll to the right below.

Get the 411 on bookmarking when you read geeksugar's informative article.

A Flash in the Pan: Fennel-Crusted Pork Chops

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:23:31 -0800

A few years ago, I picked up a book called A Flash in the Pan. It promised easy meals that could be created in one skillet; it also happened to be on sale. So I took it home and it has become one of my most inspirational books. The recipes are basic, yet flavorful, but everything is so simple and adaptable, that you can really take their ideas and transform them with what you have on hand. This time I decided to actually follow the recipe exactly and cooked up a batch of their fennel-crusted pork chops. The fennel is extremely fragrant and the charred lemons added a real nice balance. To get the recipe — it's one skillet and easy! —

Give Your Hostess Some Love

partysugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 10:13:18 -0800

Everyone has a friend or family member who loves to entertain so this Valentine's Day surprise the entertainer in your life with a clever heartfelt gift. From a heart-shaped flask to a delicious dessert cookbook, here are my ideas for the perfect gift for the perfect hostess.

Off to Market: Cookbook For Two

partysugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:31:19 -0800

One of my best friends recently moved into a cute little house with her longterm boyfriend. I thought it would be nice to get them a cookbook as a housewarming gift — specifically, one that is geared towards meals for two people. Can you help me find the perfect book? It can be romantic, practical, or specialized, but make sure it features plenty of recipes for couples. Keep in mind that she is a fish eating semi-vegetarian, and he enjoys meat. Save the books you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag Cookbook For Two. I appreciate your assistance!

Get the 411 on bookmarking when you read geeksugar's informative article.

To check out a list of my favorite online shops,

Get Your Hands on Barilla's Free Celebrity Inspired Cookbook

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:13:31 -0800

What do Chris Daughtry, Debra Messing, Natalie Portman, Stanley Tucci and Marisa Tomei have in common? Well besides being celebrities, they are all part of the new Barilla Celebrity Italian Table cookbook. The five famous faces contributed their favorite pasta dishes, which were then recreated by Mario Batali. They were then given special treatment by party planner David Tutera. The end result is six stunning menus — Batali also put together his own — and party plans for each of them.

The best part about the book is that it's absolutely free. That's right you can preview it online or download your own copy. For each copy downloaded, Barilla will donate $1, up to $100,000, to America's Second Harvest. So what are you waiting for?

Cooking Chicken With Harumi Kurihara

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:15:31 -0800

I recently received a copy of Harumi's Japanese Home Cooking and have been meaning to try some of the recipes. Author Harumi Kurihara, who is often called the Japanese Martha Stewart, specializes in easy, home-cooked dishes with simple but elegant flavors. While looking for dinner ideas, I was inspired by the ease of her recipe for Chicken With Soy and Balsamic Vinegar. It looked absolutely delicious and wonderfully simple. She suggested pairing it with cabbage, but I opted for bok choy. I also decided to serve it with a side of Forbidden Rice. To get the recipe for a deliciously easy dinner,

The Sneaky Chef Makes a Comeback

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:09:22 -0800

By now, you've probably heard about Missy Chase Lapine — aka The Sneaky Chef — and her war with the Seinfelds, but did you know that the author of the popular children's cookbook has two other books in the works?

The first sequel, Sneaky Chef: How to Cheat on Your Man (In the Kitchen!), comes out this Spring and will feature recipes that cater towards sneaking healthy food into "man food." It includes recipes like "Macho Meatballs," "Love Me Tenderloin," and "Champion Chili."

Apparently all the publicity — or pending lawsuit — with the Seinfelds isn't hurting Lapine any. Her publisher has just announced a deal for a third book. The third volume has yet to be titled and will feature family-friendly recipes that hide healthy ingredients inside.

So what I want to know is, do you think we'll see Jessica Seinfeld's Deliciously Deceptive Food For Your Man?

Make Room For the Top Chef Cookbook

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 06:13:33 -0800

If you're one of those folks who can't get enough of Top Chef, you'll be thrilled to hear that Bravo Media is teaming up with Chronicle Books to release Top Chef: The Cookbook ($29.95). The hardcover tome is 256 pages long and features 100 recipes from the first three seasons, including Elimination and Quick-Fire challenges. There have been some pretty tasty-looking recipes, but I want to know, will it include Mikey from Season Two's weird Cheeto/Snickers concoction?

In addition to the recipes, the book will contain in-depth interviews with contestants and judges; discussion with the crew revealing the inner-workings of the show; photos from behind the scenes; and more. The foreword is not surprisingly written by head judge Tom Colicchio.

If you're excited, you're going to have to calm yourself for a while, the cookbook doesn't hit shelves until this Spring.

Source

The Sneaky Chef Sues the Seinfelds

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:27:11 -0800

I don't know if you've been paying attention to the war of the crafty cookbook moms, but things between Jerry Seinfeld's wife Jessica, author of Deceptively Delicious: Simple Secrets to Get Your Kids Eating Good Food, and Missy Chase Lapine, author of The Sneaky Chef: Simple Strategies For Hiding Healthy Foods in Kids' Favorite Meals, have really escalated. Yesterday, Lapine formally sued the famous couple for defamation and plagiarism.

For those of you who haven't been paying attention, it pretty much boils down to this: While Lapine was touring her book in May, she learned about Seinfeld's similar book. She warned them of the similarities, but Jessica published anyways. Lapine claimed plagiarism. Jessica denied it. Jerry made fun of Lapine on Letterman, and it's been a cookbook war ever since.

To be honest, I'm not actually sure what to think about the whole thing. I can see how both of these books were made. Tricking kids into eating healthier food is a hot topic at the moment, and I think the cookbook shelf is big enough for two books with similar subjects. After all, if a lawsuit came out every time there was a cookbook that was "too similar" to another cookbook, wouldn't that mean there would only be one baking book? One quick-suppers book? One book on bbq?

So what do you guys think? Does this lawsuit have any merit, or is Lapine trying to drum up publicity for her own book?

Source

YumSugar Gift Guide: Newlyweds

partysugar — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 12:01:31 -0800

When Christmas shopping for the couple who was recently married, stay away from items that may have been wedding gifts. Instead, opt for fun and useful accessories for their kitchen. A simple serving tray is always welcome, as is a stylish tablecloth and napkin set. Or give them a cooking-for-two cookbook. They will be able to make delicious meals together for many days to come!

For more suggestions on what to give newlyweds, scroll below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Who's the Boss?

partysugar — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:13:31 -0800

If you decide to get your boss a gift these holidays, stay away from a generic gift basket. They'll be receiving tons of gift baskets from PR agencies and other businesses. Instead of the obvious, choose universal gifts that work well for almost anyone. Sushi plates are out of the ordinary and not usually included in an everyday China set.

Wine is a great go-to gift idea. I suggest giving a bottle of California's Ridge because it's my boss's favorite wine!

A classic cookbook, like Julia Child's The Way To Cook, is another option. The book is Child's most creative and comprehensive, making it a gift to be enjoyed by any food lover.

For more ideas, browse below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Formidable Food Snobs

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 07:18:31 -0800

If you're worried about what to get those food know-it-alls on your shopping list, then fear no more. if the foodie in your life is constantly spouting off information, then test their knowledge by getting them the Food Lover's Trivia Game. If they don't yet know everything, then get them a copy of the Food Snob's Dictionary. This way they'll be able to wow and impress everyone with food facts and terminology. If you'd rather get them something edible, try these conserves from June Taylor. Or, go crazy and splurge completely by treating them to entire Serrano Ham, complete with stand! For more choices, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Bananas for Brunch

partysugar — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 03:18:44 -0800

While it's hard for me to decide which meal is my favorite, I always prefer brunch to breakfast. Brunch is breakfast's glamorous cousin where bubbly mimosas are lazily sipped and potatoes are luxuriously dipped in ketchup. If you know someone who loves brunch as much as I do, give them a brunch related gift!

It can be simple like Bloody Mary mix or technical like an egg poacher. I personally am lusting for an electronic juicer. Can you imagine a world where every morning begins with fresh squeezed orange juice? For more heavenly ideas browse the selections below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Veggies on the Brain

YumSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 07:18:31 -0800

Unless you are a vegetarian — or are downright savvy — cooking for one can sometimes be a daunting task. You have to remember to read all the ingredients, as even the tiniest bits are no-no. However, unlike cooking up vegetarian food, cooking up vegetarian foodie gifts is actually a snap. There are tons of great books out there, and lots of interesting finds. Mark Bittman, aka The Minimalist, has just released a vegetarian version of his classic tome How to Cook Everything. His recipes are straightforward and practical and his tone is wonderful.

If your vegetarian is more of an eater than a cooker, hunt down this Please Don't Eat Me, I Love You shirt. It's available in ten different colors and will look great on anyone.

For other great vegetarian gift ideas, including a soy milk maker, scroll through below.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Books for Cooks

YumSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 08:13:39 -0800

My sister is a big reader — she always seems to have her nose shoved into a book — that is starting to develop a larger interest in cooking. That's why this year I'm thinking about getting her one of the many wonderful cookbooks and memoirs that have recently hit the shelves. If you've got a reader in your family — or someone who just loves cookbooks — take note, there are some great gifts to be found. One of my top choices is Cooking by James Peterson; it is an impressive tome with over 1500 color photos and is a fantastic reference for any cook. However, if your bookworm is more book and less cook, you may want to try The Amateur Gourmet, a charming book that's difficult to put down. Scroll through for more gift ideas, including one for a Deluxe Cookbook Holder.

YumSugar Gift Guide: Crazy for Coffee

YumSugar — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:19:18 -0800

Whether it's an aunt or an uncle, seems like everyone has a coffee addict on their holiday shopping list. My coffee addict doesn't actually need any other gadgets — although the Bravi Home Coffee Bean Roaster would probably be well received — so I'm opting for a monthly coffee subscription from Blue Bottle Coffee Co. If your coffee addict has enough java to last a lifetime, treat him or her to a book like I Love Coffee! that will help hone their barista skills. Scroll through for more coffee gift ideas.

YumSugar Gift Guide: The Lil Foodies

YumSugar — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 13:35:33 -0800

The other day we presented you with some great gift ideas for the parents on your list, now it's time for their kids! If you've got a good eater or a budding chef to buy for, one of these gift ideas will definitely satiate their appetite! For the wee ones, there's a set of I heart food bibs — in take out, tacos, and sushi — and for the older ones there's Jennifer Low's Kids Kitchen: 100 Yummy No-Knives, Heat-Safe Recipes That Children Can Really Make. There's also aprons for girls and boys, and play restaurants and kitchens to inspire them. Scroll through for all of our gift ideas and leave your ideas in the comments below!

YumSugar Gift Guide: New Parents/Parents-To-Be

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 08:18:33 -0800

As you may know, the Sugar Network recently welcomed lilsugar to the team. To show them how excited we are for their arrival, we've decided to kick off the YumSugar gift guides with gifts for new parents or parents-to-be. You can stuff their stockings with Morning Sickness Preggie Pops for her and Sugar Daddy Lollipops for him; or you could surprise them with babyfood cookbooks or portable food mills. If you've got one of them on your holiday shopping list, then check out some of our ideas below.

Manage Diabetes Without Giving Up Flavor

YumSugar — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 15:27:11 -0800

This month is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and many of you have inquired about diabetes-friendly recipes. In order to raise awareness, I thought it would be helpful to compile a list of cookbooks geared towards managing diabetes without giving up taste. Books like the Complete Diabetic Cookbook provide recipes that are designed for a diabetic, but are flavorful and creative enough for the whole family. There are also plenty of books designed with little ones in mind. The book You Can Eat That! is designed with colorful illustrations and kid-approved recipes.

To see the rest of the cookbooks, scroll through below.

If you know of any similar cookbooks that you absolutely love, share them with us in the comments!

Yum Market Finds: It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

YumSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:01:31 -0800

I told myself that I would wait until Thanksgiving had a little time in the sun before I went into full-swing Christmas mode. However, after glancing through the Yum Market, it became pretty clear just how impossible that would be. You guys have already started gearing up! There were Santa hat place cards, holiday cake pans, reindeer martini glasses and more! Personally, I was really excited by the book I'm Dreaming of a Chocolate Christmas that TeamSugar member ishop2much bookmarked. Scroll through below to see some of the great Christmas themed items!

Interested in learning how to bookmark? Check out geeksugar's explanation.

Yummy Link: Make Your Own Cookbook

partysugar — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:00:00 -0700

Ever wish you could take your favorite online recipes and combine them to make a personalized cookbook? Wish no more! Tastebook helps you put together your own hardback cookbook. — Tastebook