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Mother's Cookies Has Crumbled

YumSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 11:15:00 -0700

After 94 years, cookie company Mother's Cookies has closed its doors.

The Michigan-based company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday, told its workers last Friday that cookies would no longer be made as of Monday.

The reason cited was the economic climate. Chief Restructuring Officer Jeffrey Granger explained that the company has been "operating at a loss due largely to the significant increases in raw material costs and the record high fuel costs across the country."

I'm saddened by the collapse of another company and more job loss, but the hardest part is the sudden parting I have to make with iconic cookies such as circus animals and taffy sandwiches. And there will be no holiday frosted cookies for us this season, either.

Are you surprised to hear of this? What Mother's cookies will you miss?

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Free Sample Alert: Kashi Cookie

partysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:10:21 -0700

Free Sample Alert: Kashi Cookie Kashi, one of my favorite brands, is giving away free samples — yay! And this time it's cookies! It's new TLC Tasty Little Cookie combines the seven whole-grain blend Kashi is famous for with ingredients such as peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, cranberries, walnuts, shredded coconut, flax seeds, and dark chocolate.

Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:15:02 -0700

Here's another French dessert that's a classic cookie confection. Can you name it?

Yummy Links: From Pickling Pointers to Beer Mixing

partysugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:47 -0700

Into pickling? Here's how to choose the right vinegar. — The Kitchn
What does "heirloom" mean really? — Chow
The incomplete but oh-so-true guide to beachside eats.— The Epi-Log
Don't these brownie chunk peanut butter cookies sound divine? — Baking Bites
Bacon-cheese hot dogs: a brunch dish for the adventurous. — Serious Eats
Use your old wine corks to make these cute trivets. — Sweet & Sticky
Are you a health foodie? — FitSugar
Bored with beer? Try getting creative with fizzy flavor blends. — Slashfood

Have Your Mint Popsicles and Eat the Stick Too!

YumSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:15:28 -0700

Recently we brainstormed the ultimate Popsicle. In my ideal Popsicle, the pesky wooden stick would be replaced with something deliciously edible. I decided to experiment with Pepperidge Farm Pirouettes, a rolled, wafer cookie with cream filling, using the cookie as the stick. The result is an easy and entirely edible Popsicle, inspired by one of my favorite Girl Scout Cookies — Thin Mints! Making the Popsicles was simple: I filled small Dixie cups with ice cream and gently inserted the cookie stick. The chocolate coating proved more difficult. I intended to quickly dip the Popsicles in melted chocolate and crushed mint cookies.

Unfortunately, the chocolate froze faster than I could dip and roll, so I opted for a simple chocolate coating. The wafer sticks come in four flavors, so feel free to choose your favorite cookie/ice cream combination. To learn the technique,

Cut It Out

YumSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:15:49 -0700

Because I've been all about the cookies lately, I went on a search for the cutest cookie cutter shapes I could find. While cookie cutters aren't always a requirement, there's nothing like a unique shape to add some originality to your baked creation. From sugar cookies to ice cream sandwiches to madeleines, here are my favorite cookie cutters and molds.

Guess Whose Summery Snack?

YumSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:10:48 -0700

Guess Whose Summery Snack? Can you identify which cookie's for you and which one's for your pet? Take this quiz to find out!

8 Prosperous Chinese Courses

YumSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:30:45 -0700

In Mandarin, the number eight, or "ba," sounds similar to the word that means "prosper" or "wealth"; therefore, eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture. Today being 08.08.08 is an incredibly fortuitous day that has me in the mood for Chinese food. Since this Asian civilization has existed for thousands of years, its people are highly attuned to texture, flavor, color, and aroma. Here, I've included a medley of dishes with flavors that are inspired by the various regions of China.

Yummy Links: From Recipes Gone Wrong to Pucco Cupcakes

partysugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:45:32 -0700

What to do when a recipe goes wrong. — The Kitchn
Quickly catch up on Slow Food Nation. — Chow
Meet the biggest Chinese restaurant in the world. — Serious Eats
The latest news of the food crisis: the number of food scientists is on the decline. — Slashfood
How to travel on a doddering dollar. — The Epi-Log
A crazy coincidence: Smitten Kitchen makes Yum's key lime meltaways on the exact same day. — Smitten Kitchen
Does your grocery list say something about your personality? — SavvySugar
Looking for a decadent dessert? How about raspberry chocolate bundt cake? — Baking Bites
How cute are these Pucco cupcakes?! — Hostess With the Mostess

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Sweet 'n' Tart Shortbread Cookies

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:15:19 -0700

Overcome by a cookie craving, I baked up something light and summery to suit the season. These cookies are perfect for hot months when chocolate-laden desserts are too heavy. Flavored with lots of lime, these scrumptious cookies are sweet yet sour with a light, crumbly texture. The bite-sized treats are the ideal finish to a picnic or BBQ.
The recipe is simple, but be sure to bake the cookies to a light golden perfection, otherwise, the zesty lime flavor is lost to the buttery shortbread. To learn how to make these shortbread cookies with a refreshing lime twist

Are You One Smart (Sugar) Cookie?

YumSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 05:30:31 -0700

When it comes to sweet treats, it doesn't get much simpler than a sugar cookie. But this basic biscuit is also incredibly versatile, which is what makes sugar cookies so much fun.

You can cut them in shapes, color them with food coloring, or cover them in icing and sprinkles for various holidays. Speaking of holidays, today is National Sugar Cookie day, so you know what that means: It's time for a test!

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Name That Dish!

partysugar — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 07:00:44 -0700

FabSugar and I are hosting a black and white luau. When discussing desserts, we knew we wanted a black and white treat. Although we decided to make chocolate dipped marshmallows, the dessert pictured below was another option. Do you know what they're called?

Homemade Nutter Butter Cookies

YumSugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:15:37 -0700

Recently, I was treated to a box of Bouchon Bakery goodies with a gigantic Nutter Butter cookie in the box. Everyone knows the famous peanut-stamped cookie with peanut-butter-cream filling from their childhood, and this homemade version was delightfully gourmet. While I remember that Nutter Butters were delicious, these cookies, made by culinary legend Thomas Keller, were absolutely heavenly!
After a quick search, I came across the exact recipe and decided to experiment with my own Nutter Butter cookies. The recipe is easy, but requires time and patience. However, anything with this much butter is worth the wait! To learn how to bake these creamy, crunchy, and peanut buttery cookies,

Yummy Link: Milk Martini

partysugar — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:15:53 -0700

How clever is this fabulous presentation of milk and cookies?! Instead of serving the cookie on a boring plate and the milk in a regular glass, it's served like a dessert cocktail! — The Boastful Baker

Come Party With Me: Bachelorette — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:56 -0700

Although most of a bachelorette party in Vegas will be spent living it up in the casinos, bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, I'm hosting a small lingerie shower for Elena in my hotel room. Along with some simple snacks, I'll serve sugar cookies.

However, these cookies won't be round like in the picture: I'm making them festive by using pecker cookie cutters!

To take a look at the cookie recipe,

Hydrox Cookies Are Back!

partysugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 14:00:47 -0700

A couple of months ago, many of you were upset by the death announcement of the Hydrox cookie. Over the past few years, the black and white sandwich cookie had become harder and harder to find until it was practically extinct. However, Hydrox fans have bombarded manufacturer Kellogg, and thanks to consumer demand, the company has decided to bring the cookie back! There's a catch: The cookies will only be around for a limited time — long enough for Kellogg to see how well they sell. Michael E. Allen, the senior VP of marketing for Kellogg snacks, explains:

It's all up to the consumer. If it sells a lot and makes sense for the supermarkets and the grocery stores to keep it on the shelves, then we'll keep making them.

Thus, the fate of the Hydrox cookie lies in the hands of the consumers. Will you help save the cookie? Will you buy Hydrox while you still can?

Source

Yummy Links: From Fruit Salad to Fudgsicles

partysugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 06:45:42 -0700

This cool mojito fruit salad is perfect for Memorial Day. — Baking Bites
If you're celebrating the long weekend in the great outdoors, learn how to pack your cooler and create a delicious menu. — Chow
Sex and the City premieres next Friday and the look for the official premiere party will be saturated in crystals. — Biz Bash
Esquire magazine has released their best bars in America list. Did your local watering hole make the cut? — Esquire
Chocolate nutbutter cookies are fun to make and delicious to eat. — Glam Dish
Have you tried ice cream flavored jelly beans? — Candy Blog
Although the school year is coming to an end, anyone who has a terribly small kitchen could use the Dorm Room Chef's tips. — Dorm Room Chef
I'm declaring popsicles the new cupcakes and can't wait to make these classic fudgsicles. — Serious Eats

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Yummy Link: Chocolate Macaroons With Caramel Cream

YumSugar — Mon, 12 May 2008 12:00:18 -0700

2008 is really shaping out to be a good year for the French macaroon. I mean, does it really get much better than Chocolate Macaroons with Caramel Cream?

Would You Buy a Tin of Fancy Cookies?

YumSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 10:30:34 -0700

Last week my pal Donna invited me to partake in a box of cookies she received from a friend. The cookies were from Emporio Rulli ($35.95) and were quite delicious. The box was crammed full of various artisan cookies, including almond-paste specialties, mini macaroons, and shortbread. I usually associate a tin of cookies with stale and boring, but these were great. In general, something about store-bought tins seems old-fashioned and overly formal. I'd rather receive a box of goofy-looking, homemade chocolate chip cookies. And yet, I know they would make a great gift for grandma on Mother's Day. Which got me wondering, do you buy tins of cookies and if so, do you like them?

Would You Buy a Tin of Fancy Cookies?

Yes, I think they would make nice gifts.

Yes, I like these simple-styled European cookies.

No, but I've received them as gifts.

No, I don't think they're worth it.

Other — tell us in the comments!

Is China's Oreo Really an Oreo?

YumSugar — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:45:06 -0700

If you're ever in China and have a strange craving for an Oreo cookie, you're going to be out of luck. According to the Wall Street Journal, back in 2005 Kraft Foods revamped its iconic cookie there, replacing it with four thin crispy wafers, a layer of vanilla cream, thin layers of chocolate cream, and a coating of chocolate. The Chinese weren't keen on eating the traditional biscuit-style cookies, so Kraft — after testing 20 prototypes on consumers — changed the cookie to appeal to the masses.

Before the cookie transformation, Kraft Foods tried to reach out to consumers by creating a brand ambassador program that equipped university students with free Oreos and bicycles clad in wheel covers that looked like Oreos. However these marketing schemes didn't work, and the change became necessary. Now, with the new wafer version, China's Oreo sales have doubled in the last two years.

All of this is totally fascinating to me. It's interesting to see what brands have to do in order to appeal to foreign consumers. I understand adding new flavors and names. But does changing the product completely actually count? Isn't it, at that point, a completely new product? What do you think? Is it still an Oreo even if it doesn't look like a real one?

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15 Oatmeal Cookies Untainted By Raisins

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 03:00:21 -0700

I absolutely adore oatmeal cookies — as long as those pesky raisins stay the heck out of them. Strangely enough, it's really difficult to find oatmeal cookies without them. So, I've done us a favor and rounded up 15 raisin-less oatmeal cookies recipes. From lemon oatmeal to oatmeal animal crackers, there's something for everyone. Oh and if you're wondering why I've got oatmeal cookies on the brain, today April 30, is actually National Oatmeal Cookie Day. So what are you waiting for? Find a recipe to celebrate with, just click the "Start" button!

Yummy Link: Chocolate Cookie Tartlets

partysugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:18:51 -0700

Since I'm a sucker for mini desserts, I really want to try these chocolate cookie tartlets. They look dainty and delicious. — Pittsburgh Needs Eated

Stuffed Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:08:11 -0700

YumJimmy recently had a birthday, and to help him celebrate, I thought I'd send him off to work with some sweet treats for his co-workers. Last year's treat was an intense labor of love, so this year I decided to take it easy.

I was inspired by the million-dollar winning Pillsbury Bake-Off recipe and used it, along with a delicious peanut butter recipe from Melissa Murphy's new book, to come up with some treats. The cookies are deliciously chewy peanut butter cookies, with chocolate chips and a surprise mini Reese's Peanut Cup in the middle. To make these treats for yourself,

Yummy Links: From Alton Brown to Pinkberry

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:23:33 -0700

Alton Brown talks about his next big career move. — Chow
Remember the award winning peanut butter cookies? Here they are recreated from scratch. — Baking Bites
Or, if you're wondering what it tastes like when you make them exactly like suggested, see what other folks have to say. — Cookie Madness
Check out this healthy tip for packing salads for a week. — FitSugar
Learn how to effectively warm bread in the microwave. — The Kitchn
Discover these fabulous tea finds. — Simply Stated
One dish, two meals. Make double dinners with half the effort. — iVillage
Looking for more Passover dessert ideas? — The Food Section
Get the 411 on building and planting your own planter box. — CasaSugar
It only took three years, but Pinkberry is officially "frozen yogurt." — Eater LA

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Learn More About Animal Crackers

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 01:03:33 -0700

When I was a kid, my favorite part of going to the grocery store, was the box of Animal Crackers my mom would buy as my reward. I think she may have liked them more than me, but at the time I thought they were my special treat.

These days I hardly ever get them — although they do make for a nice alternative to a crushed graham cracker crust — but since today is National Animal Crackers Day, I thought I'd go ahead and pick up a box. And to celebrate further, I thought I'd whip up this quiz! Ready to learn about Animal Crackers?

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Discover a Million Dollar Cookie

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 13:28:33 -0700

What if I told you that baking cookies would bring you a million dollars? You probably wouldn't believe me, but it's true. This past weekend 100 finalists — all amateur bakers — competed in the 43^rd Annual Pillsbury Bake-Off. And Carolyn Gurtz of Gaithersburg, MD brought home a million bucks for her Double-Delight Peanut Butter Cookies. The cookies are essentially peanut butter cookies with a bit of creamy peanut butter filling in the middle. They sound pretty fantastic and look simple to make. Carolyn created hers by using the Pillsbury peanut butter cookie dough, but you could follow her idea with your fave pb cookie recipe instead.

Also, I have to tell you, I think she's absolutely adorable and am thrilled she won. I managed to get a video clip of her when she was declared winner by Food Network's Sandra Lee, and her excitement is infectious.

To get the recipe and see the cute video clip,

Yummy Link: Red Velvet Black and White Cookies

YumSugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 03:01:31 -0700

I didn't even realize that the Black and White cookie had room for improvement, but here it is in the form of Red Velvet Black and White Cookies. — Joy the Baker via Tastespotting

Yummy Links: From Whoopie Pies to Thomas Keller

YumSugar — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 08:26:51 -0700

Forget cupcakes, whoopie pies are going to be big. — Serious Eats

Will there be a shortage of matzo snacks this Passover? — Grub Street
Don't spend money on fancy colored sugars, make your own instead. — The Kitchn
Get some tips on how to entertain on a budget. — Simply Stated
What are the top 10 cookies of all time? — iVillage
Is your kitchen making you fat? — FitSugar
Thomas Keller discusses failure, future and film. — Eater SF

Foodie Flashback: Matt LeBlanc Loves Mother's Cookies

YumSugar — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 09:10:55 -0700

I know, it's hard to believe, but we love cookies here at the Sugar HQ. We talked about them for so long on Friday, that I ended up doing a YouTube search to find old cookie commercials. I was sorting through the odds and ends — strangely there are a ton of homemade cookie commercials on YouTube — when I came across this one from Mother's Cookies. It's about Mother's Cookies — you know you love those Circus Animals — joining forces with ice cream, and it features Friends' Matt LeBlanc. If you don't believe me, watch the commercial yourself, just

Girl Scout Cookie Nutritional Breakdown

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:57:51 -0700

Girl Scout Cookie Nutritional Breakdown
It's that time of the year again: Girl Scout Cookie season. They're posted on nearly every street corner, and with more stands than there are Starbucks these sweet temptations are unavoidable. I am not going to tell you to avoid them, but just be aware of the choices you make with this breakdown.

Foodie Treats for St. Patrick's Day

YumSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 01:31:57 -0700

I don't really think of St. Patrick's Day as a food-giving holiday. A beer drinking one yes, but a food giving one? Not so much. However, much like every other holiday, there are actually plenty of green treats to give your loved ones. I've rounded up some of the more interesting ones, check them out by clicking the "Start Slideshow" button below!

Introducing the One and Only

YumSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 07:03:51 -0700

A little while ago, I was browsing the candy aisle at Circuit City — I know, weird place to look for candy, but I was there waiting for someone else to make a purchase — when I came across a candy I had never seen before. Called 1&Only, it was a monstrous offering of Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cups, Oreos, M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and more chocolate. It sounded a bit awful, so naturally I had to buy one.

So how was it? To find out and see close-up pictures,

10 Oreo Treats You Can Make at Home

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:55:11 -0800

According to the U.S. Patent and Trademark office, the first Oreo was sold on March 6, 1912. This makes the Oreo ninety-six years old. To celebrate, I thought I'd round up some tasty Oreo-inspired treats. From bread pudding to liquid treats, there's something for everyone. So go ahead and buy a package and whip up one of these delectable delights. To view the treats, click the "Start Slideshow" button below.

Yum's March Must Haves

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:13:31 -0800

This year March is home to quite a few things. St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, as is Easter and the first day of Spring. To see what items we think you need in order to have a fabulous March, click "Start Slideshow" below!

Girl Scout Cookies Have Landed!

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:13:31 -0800

On Friday afternoon, as I was strolling around town, I noticed the first real signs of Spring: Girl Scout Cookies! So unless you've already ordered yours, you've got 13 days to get your hands on this year's offerings. From now until Mar. 16, you'll be able to find Girl Scouts on nearly every major street corner and grocery store parking lot. Some troops are on a different schedule, but you can find a troop near you and indulge!

Personally, I've got a thing for the Samoas, I love the toasted coconut, caramel, and chocolate. Although I wouldn't turn down a Thin Mint or a Tagalong (peanut butter and chocolate) either. And I always end up buying at least one box (they should be $3.50 a box).

So tell me, do you end up buying Girl Scout Cookies? Or do you think they're overrated?

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Yummy Links: Springtime Cookies

YumSugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:25:51 -0800

C is for cookie and here are a bunch of adorable Spring cookie decorating ideas. Looks like I better go cookie-cutter shopping! — Kuidaore

Theirs vs. Mine: Buttermilk Cookies

YumSugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 07:01:56 -0800

The January issue of Gourmet magazine has been sitting on my counter for weeks. More accurately, the recipe for buttermilk cookies has been on my counter for weeks. They just looked so simple and charming, I knew I'd have to make them some day. Well, thankfully that day finally arrived. The cookies, which are inspired by Edna Lewis, have a slight lemon taste to them and are coated with a simple vanilla glaze. When I made my batch, I coated some in vanilla glaze and some in chocolate. These cookies were spongy and delicious, and they're definitely working their way into my regular cookie repertoire. To check out the recipe for yourself,

Come Party With Me: Oscars Viewing — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 08:15:51 -0800

When creating a beautiful buffet for your Oscars viewing party, don't skimp on dessert! The stars will be devouring shortbread and chocolate truffles at the Governors Ball, so take a cue from Sherry Yard — the event's pastry chef — and make your own variations. Cut classic, buttery shortbread into Oscar shaped cookies. Arrange store bought chocolate truffles on pretty plates next to chocolate caramel sandwich cookies. For the recipes to these bite sized decadent desserts,

Yummy Link: Hot Tamale Macarons

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 06:28:31 -0800

These pretty pink macarons are hot! Honestly, there's a Hot Tamale candy waiting in the middle. I would have loved to try one of these! — Tartelette

Name That Dish!

partysugar — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 08:03:31 -0800

Below is one of the desserts that pastry chef Sherry Yard will be making for the Governors Ball. Traditionally they are round or rectangular, but she will be making an Oscar shaped variation. Do you know what this dessert is called?

Yummy Links: From Oreo Kisses to Bacon Candy

YumSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 07:58:52 -0800

Create your own adorable Oreo Kisses. — Bakerella
In South America, Kraft is creating a line to help fight intestinal worms. — Slashfood
Learn how to make felt fortune cookies filled with treats. — CasaSugar
Did you see this list of unlovable Valentine's Day Sweets? — Serious Eats
Find new ways to satisfy your chocolate cravings. — iVIllage
Flavor your food with something other than salt. — FitSugar
Learn how to broil a steak in the oven. — The Kitchn
Discover how to turn leftover wine into vinegar. — Chow
Let's all make a batch of bacon candy! — Al Dente

Eat Your Heart Out!

YumSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:23:31 -0800

This Valentine's Day, surprise your loved ones and friends with edible treats that aren't made of chocolate. From candy to cheese, here are a few gift ideas that will have them eating their hearts out! And don't worry, the chocolate gift guide will be coming soon!

Sorry Folks, the Hydrox Cookie Is Dead

YumSugar — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 10:28:31 -0800

When I say two chocolate cookies with a thick, sweet white layer sandwiched between them, most of you will immediately think of Oreo cookies. However, there's a small percentage of folks who think of the Hydrox cookie instead. The Hydrox — originally produced by Sunshine Biscuits, then Keebler, and finally Kellogg's — debuted in 1908, four years before the Oreo.

Fans like them for several reasons, one being that they stand up better in milk, and the feud is often compared to Pepsi/Coke. Either you're a "Droxie" person or you're an Oreo person. Interestingly, a taste test done in 1988 by Advertising Age showed that 29 tasters voted for Hydrox and 16 voted for Oreo.

Yet despite the devotion of its fans and the taste test win, the Hydrox cookie has gone the way of the dinosaur. For the last several years, Hydrox cookies have been harder to find, and a report from the Wall Street Journal is confirming that the Hydrox cookie is dead. Fans of the product have voiced their opinions, but at this time Kellogg's has no plan on bringing the cookie back. They have, however, confirmed that the Hydrox still lives in "crushed cookie form" as a mix-in for yogurt and ice cream — many fans have noted sightings in several brands such as Edy's/Dreyer's and Carvel.

So tell me, were you a Hydrox fan?

Source

Yummy Links: From Crownheart Cupcakes to Turkey Bacon

YumSugar — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 06:01:33 -0800

If you're still not over the cupcake trend, then be sure to check out this crown heart cupcake pan. — Baking Bites
Ready or not, 2008 is the year of the cheese cave. — Serious Eats
Be sure to check out this story about Thunder Parley, the famous Google foodie. — Los Angeles Times
Budweiser is offering a new canned version of Chelada, which is Budweiser and Clamato Juice. — Slashfood
Will these Nature Matching System Placemats make you eat more vegetables? — The Kitchn
Looking for a new grocery bag? Why don't you try making your own? — CasaSugar
The Girl Scouts have released Cinna-Spins 100-Calorie Packs. — Yummr
Jamie Oliver is causing controversy and is planning on cutting up a corpse on his UK show. — Chow
Like bacon? Why not try turkey bacon? — FitSugar

Do You Like Fig Newtons?

YumSugar — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:11:31 -0800

Today is National Fig Newton Day, and I want to know what you think of the snackable cookies. As a child I really enjoyed them, but haven't had one in years. I might have to remedy that today, how about you?Source

Do You Like Fig Newtons?

Yep, they're great!

Only the non-fig kinds

Only homemade ones

Nope, they're disgusting.

Other - tell us in the comments

Come Party With Me: Snow Picnic — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 07:28:31 -0800

I'm really excited for this weekend's snow picnic! Like any sort of picnic, all of the dishes should be made in advance. Fill a large thermo with hot tomato soup and serve in mugs at the picnic destination. Pack buttery croutons — they'll add a delicious crunch to the soup — in separate Tupperware. Make a giant mozzarella and red-pepper sandwich on a large baguette and cut into individual slices for serving. Store portobello mushroom salad in Chinese take-out containers and allow guests to top with croutons or prosciutto crisps. Supplement the menu with store-bought potato chips, crackers, or flatbreads. For these tasty recipes — perfect for energizing before a snowball fight — please

Do Cookies Make You Shop?

YumSugar — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:14:18 -0800

The smell of a warm chocolate-chip cookie is enough to drive anyone crazy. The warm, sweet aroma permeates the brain and makes you forget everything else. At least, that's what a recent study for the Journal of Consumer Research has (sort of) concluded.

Research done by Xiuping Li of the National University of Singapore showed than when exposed to a hidden chocolate-chip cookie scented candle, female consumers were more likely to make an unplanned purchase — even those on a tight budget — than those exposed to a hidden unscented candle. In fact, it wasn't just a little more likely, it was a lot more likely. In the chocolate-chip cookie group, 67 percent of those purchased, while only 17 percent of the unscented group purchased.

Unsurprisingly, Li concludes:

If retailers want to push their customers to shop more rather than stay longer, they should not only maintain a pleasant environment but also an environment full of temptations and excitement.

So have you guys experienced anything like this? Do you think the smell of chocolate-chip cookies would affect your shopping habits? If not chocolate-chip cookies, then what food?

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Delilicious: Extreme Cookie Contest

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:15:58 -0800

Delilicious: Extreme Cookie Contest
Mothers start your ovens! And, enlist the help of your lil one for the Second Annual WearEver AirBake Extreme Cookie Challenge.
Parents and their kids between the ages of five and 15-years-old should submit their craziest cookie recipe by January 31, 2008.

Yummy Link: Tetris Cookies

YumSugar — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:27:18 -0800

This set of photos explains how to design pixelated cookies. I love these hearts, but the Tetris set also rocks my world. — Eva Funderburgh on Flickr

Celebrate Chocolate-Covered Cherries in a Cookie

YumSugar — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 01:18:31 -0800

Like so many bizarre food holidays, I'm not sure we really need a National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day. But that day is today, and I can't argue that chocolate-covered cherries are worth celebrating. I used to be a big fan of syrupy chocolate-cherry candies like Cella's, but as I've gotten older, I gravitate toward more sophisticated and less artificial cherry flavors.

For an adult take on this sweet candy treat, I recently found a tremendous recipe for Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cookies; this dessert blends bittersweet and semisweet chocolate with dried cherries for a bold, decadent flavor. The consistency falls somewhere between a cookie and a fudgy brownie, and the flavor is more reminiscent of candy. To celebrate this weird food holiday, get the recipe, just