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Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:00:09 -0700

After a rich, savory brunch have the young mother open up her gifts. While guests shower the lady of honor with baby toys, set up a small Belgian waffle bar. Place the batter in a pretty pitcher and plug in several waffle irons. Stack plates and arrange toppings — chocolate sauce, whipped cream, fresh berries, maple syrup, etc. — buffet style near the waffle irons. Once all the presents have been opened, invite everyone to Belgian waffles. For a more diverse spread, purchase dainty pastries from your favorite bakery. To see the waffle recipe I'll be using for Denise's baby shower,

Taste Test: Chuao Firecracker Chocolate Bar

YumSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:15:52 -0700

Last year, I sung the praises of a small chocolatier, Chuao, for its unique and delicious flavor combinations, like strawberry balsamic and spicy Cabernet caramel. I had a chance to try their newest bar, the Firecracker, and it was no exception.The chocolate smelled typical enough — bittersweet and slightly smoky. But once I took a bite, my experience took a turn for the bizarre. First, I tasted creamy dark chocolate then gradually intensifying heat and a tingly, burning sensation in the back of my throat. And all of a sudden, out of nowhere, loud crackling and popping, at which point I realized there was not only an explosion of flavor, but also a physical explosion of some kind. To find out what the cracker of the Firecracker was,

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:00:59 -0700

After a heavy meal of hearty cowboy fare, treat guests at a hoedown to something sweet, seasonal, and bite sized. Pumpkin whoopie pies are the perfect no-mess, nostalgic dessert. These soft, chewy pies are filled with a thick layer of smooth cream cheese frosting. They can be made in advance and require no serving utensils making them ideal for a large party. Pumpkin whoopie pies are also delicious at a bake sale or as a Fall-themed snack. Learn how to make them and

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Menu

partysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:00:01 -0700

Instead of serving dessert separate at my tailgate, I plan to serve it with the rest of the menu. Guests can enjoy a bite of sweetness with their savory nibbles. The dip theme will continue with this delectable white chocolate mascarpone dip. Served with fresh fruit, it's decadent, but not heavy. To get this lovely recipe — that also makes a great after-school snack for little ones,

Krispy Kreme's New Plan: Smaller Stores and Soft-Serve

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:28 -0700

After three years of floundering sales, Krispy Kreme has unveiled a new business plan. The doughnut chain famous for its hot-off-the-line, melt-in-your-mouth glazed doughnuts will roll out its own brand of soft-serve ice cream, Kool Kreme. The company also plans to open smaller-sized stores and expand its overseas market share.

Later this year the Winston-Salem, NC-based company plans to open smaller, less costly stores. Shops continue to open, with new franchises outside the United States, in Puerto Rico and Australia.

Kool Kreme has already been tested in markets such as such as Tacoma, WA, and will feature flavors such as Very Vanilla and Deep Chocolate, along with a toppings bar. Krispy Kreme is clearly trying to capitalize on the growing trend of frozen yogurt stores such as Pinkberry and Tasti-D-Lite, but I can't help but think that this move comes a year or two too late, as big cities have already become oversaturated with frozen dessert options. Will you try the latest offering from Krispy Kreme?

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Hershey's Switching to Cheaper Ingredients

YumSugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:00:15 -0700

Hit by the worsening economy and the rising costs of raw materials, candy giant Hershey's has not only raised candy prices, but has also begun replacing cocoa butter, the ingredient that allegedly gives Hershey's candies their delicious flavor, with vegetable oil.

The formulas of candy products such as Whatchamacallit, Milk Duds, Mr. Goodbar, and Krackel, among other candies, have been changed. Since experts say that the change was meant to go unnoticed by consumers, why the copy edit? Because without cocoa butter, FDA rules will not allow the product to be called milk chocolate.

The new formula has little impact on the nutritional value of the chocolate, and a Today Show blind taste test showed that half of the consumers actually preferred the new vegetable oil formulations. Fans after the taste of authentic milk chocolate can still find the real deal in Hershey's Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and the classic Hershey's chocolate bar. If in doubt, avoid labels that read "chocolate candy," "chocolaty," or "made with chocolate."

What do you think of this news? If you eat Hershey's candies often, have you noticed a difference? Do you feel cheated by the news of cocoa butter being removed?

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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?

Come Party With Me: Heroes Season Premiere — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:00:29 -0700

No dessert says TV dinner more than a dish that features warm fruit and cool ice cream. While a pie or cobbler are delicious selections, wow guests at a season premiere party (or any party for that matter!) with this to-die-for apple cake.

Complete with toffee crust, fresh apple filling, and rich butterscotch sauce, it's luxurious and comforting — sort of like a glam, grown-up sister to apple pie. Although the recipe requires patience and a bit of skill, the finished cake is a worthy reward of the time and work put into it. To look at the steps involved,

Theirs vs. Mine: Chocolate Caramel Cream Pie

partysugar — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 08:00:59 -0700

With its cookie crust, cool filling, and fluffy topping, who can say no to a slice of chocolate caramel cream pie? I should have taken advantage of Summer's glorious fruits, but honestly I prefer cream pies. Just writing the name makes my mouth water and entices images of pillowy whipped cream. The chocolate pudding filling is like a glossy pool, you can't resist diving in with your spoon.

As you can tell from my photo, patience is not one of my virtues. The pie needed more time to set, and although the flavor was pure, rich deliciousness, it was a tad soupy. To experiment with your own scrumptious pie,

Name That Dish!

YumSugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:15:20 -0700

Can you guess the name of this flambéed French dessert?

Come Party With Me: Fashion Week Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:00:33 -0700

Since the fashion week party I'm throwing takes culinary inspiration from the Big Apple, I'm sticking with the theme and making a New York-inspired cheesecake for dessert.

To encourage that guests mingle, I'm going for a menu of mostly single-serving offerings. Dessert will be no exception: These mini-cheesecake snacks pack rich, chocolatey indulgence into pretty, bite-sized packages. To get the recipe,

Definition: Galette

YumSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 15:00:39 -0700

Galette
A flat, round French pastry with a thin crust that can be either sweet or savory. The galette may be made from puff pastry, a dough such as brioche, or, commonly, a sweet pastry crust. The range of toppings may include fresh fruit, nut pastes, jams, nuts, meats, egg, or cheeses. Unlike tarts, these pastries are more rustic, as they are made by hand without a flan ring or a quiche pan. Alternatively, a galette may also refer to a crêpe made with buckwheat.

Come Party With Me: Campfire Fiesta — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:45 -0700

This week I'm celebrating the waning days of Summer with a Mexican-inspired menu for my campfire fiesta. But I know that if I don't serve s'mores, there may be a wilderness mutiny. So I'm bringing along milk chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers to make the traditional fireside treat.

But I also want something special to kick the s'mores concept up a notch, so I'll use the same marshmallows and chocolate as filling for easy cream puffs. Baked in foil, these gooey goodies are made from buttery biscuit dough that's dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They're even better with high-quality milk chocolate, so be sure to splurge on the fancy stuff. To get the recipe,

Icy, Spicy Cantaloupe and Cucumber Paletas

YumSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 10:15:56 -0700

With the end of Summer fast approaching, I made a Popsicle inspired by Mexican paletas, a mostly pureed frozen fruit dessert that's either ice- or cream-based. After chopping up a cantaloupe last week, I wanted to combine it with a crisp cucumber and spicy jalapeño to create a refreshing yet snappy paleta.Zealous with my jalapeño, I chopped up an entire thing, seeds and all, and threw it in the blender. The result was too spicy for my taste, so I balanced the heat by adding a touch of sugar. Depending on your personal taste, I would recommend removing the seeds and the white flesh, the spiciest part of a jalapeño, before blending. These peppery paletas are perfect for a scorching hot day, so to learn how to make them,

Would You Rather Eat a Fruit or Cream Pie?

partysugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 01:30:52 -0700

The other day at Sugar HQ, the geeks had a pie craving so intense they ordered 10 pies from an online bakery. The delicious pies were made with local, seasonal ingredients and homemade butter. They ordered an assortment of flavors, but I preferred the cream pies to their fruit counterparts. If you were in this situation, which pie would you eat?

Would You Rather Eat a Fruit or Cream Pie?

Fruit pie

Cream pie

I don't like pie.

I love cream pies and fruit pies equally.

Other — leave your opinion below in the comments.

Definition: Clafouti

YumSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:00:05 -0700

Clafouti
A rustic dessert from the French region of Limousin that is a cross between a pancake and a custard. While traditionally made with cherries that have not been pitted (the pits release more flavor), clafouti is also made with plums, blackberries, apples, and other fruits. Also spelled clafoutis.

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Come Party With Me: My Birthday — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:00:40 -0700

Although cheesecakes squares or macaroons are delightful options, my birthday party won't be complete without a birthday cake. Chocolate cake is my favorite and this interesting twist on the classic German chocolate cake is unexpected and scrumptious.

Since my party is at a bar, 15 Romolo, I'll show up early enough for the bartenders to securely store the cake in a refrigerator. Let the bartenders know when you want to sing "Happy Birthday" and don't forget candles. For the inside-out German chocolate cake recipe,

Do You Have an Eye For Pie?

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 05:30:38 -0700

This week would be the 280th birthday of Johann Heinrich Lambert, who proved that ~~pie was an irrational craving~~ pi was an irrational number. So far, nobody in history has been able to explain irrational cravings for pie! In the meantime, I thought I'd whet your craving (and test your identification skills) for different varieties of this heavenly pastry. Do you have an eye for pie? See if you can match the pie to its name to find out.

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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,

Come Party With Me: Going Away Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 15:00:36 -0700

When a friend moves away, it's nice to let them know how much they'll be missed by hosting a bon voyage fiesta. Keep the theme of the menu — comforting food native to the honoree's new hometown — going with the dessert. Since Kara is moving to Boston, I'll be making this variation of Boston creme pie. These cream-filled cupcakes are perfect: they're crowd-pleasing, individual treats, and Kara can take home the leftovers! To look at the easy recipe that take helps from a cake mix,

Reader Recipe: Monkey Bread

YumSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 15:00:28 -0700

I swooned when I came across Phasekitty's pictures of her mother's monkey bread. Eating this treat reminds me of hanging out with friends and family. There's nothing better than catching up on good conversation while picking apart pieces of the gooey bread. The best part? Licking the cinnamon sugar off your fingers.
Besides being a great breakfast, dessert, snack, and gift, monkey bread is great to make with kids. To get Phasekitty's family recipe,

Nutella + Wafer Cookies = Ferrero Rocher Frozen Pie

YumSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:15:16 -0700

After drooling over PartySugar’s mojito cakes, I wanted to experiment with my own freezer pie. When searching for a recipe, I remembered one of my favorite frozen dessert cookbooks, Icebox Pies by Lauren Chattman. Since I'm crazy for Nutella, I decided to make her Gianduia Pie. Gianduia is a type of chocolate candy made with hazelnuts or almonds.
I was unable to find chocolate wafer cookies, so I substituted Fudge Stick cookies, a wafer sandwich-cookie covered in chocolate. To my delight, the creamy, chocolately, hazelnut filling and crunchy crust reminded me of delicious Ferrero Rocher chocolates, minus the gold wrapping! Learn how to make this divine yet minimal, no-bake pie when you,

Come Party With Me: Movie Club Meeting — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:00:23 -0700

For my movie club meeting, I've planned a corn tasting menu. Each of the dishes feature corn as an ingredient. Since sweet corn is available, the dessert will be no different.

Made with pureed corn, this creme brulee recipe is silky and delicious. Guests will be awed by the creamy texture and subtle corn flavor.

If you have time, make a batch of caramel corn clusters. Fill plastic favor bags with the clusters and give to friends as they leave. To look at these corny dessert recipes,

Come Party With Me: Olympics Viewing — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:00:38 -0700

Like a medal ceremony during the games, the dessert to your Olympic viewing should be rewarding and sweet. During the Summer nothing beats homemade ice cream, so wow guests with fresh scoops of cold, green tea ice cream.

This exotic flavor continues the Asian-influenced theme of the menu. Make the mixture the night before the party and freeze in an ice cream maker a half an hour before serving.

To learn the technique for green tea ice cream,

Taste Test: PhillySwirl Ice Cream Cupcakes

partysugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:18 -0700

A little while back, I received a box of ice cream cupcakes by PhillySwirl. I put the box in the freezer and totally forgot about them until I saw them featured on the Today Show. So last week, Yum, Molly, and I cracked open the box. There's nothing fancy or pretentious about these cupcakes. They come in two flavors: chocolate and vanilla. Each cupcake has a layer of cake, a layer of ice cream, a hard chocolate candy coating, a frosting topping, and a sprinkle of jimmies. To see what I thought of these frozen treats,

Cool and Creamy Frozen Mojito Cakes

partysugar — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 08:00:34 -0700

When I saw the recipe Yum found for frozen mojito cakes, I knew I had to make them. A cross between key lime pie and a mojito, these individual cakes are everything you want in a summer dessert. They are sweet yet tart, cold but creamy, and downright delicious.The pretzel crust adds a salty flavor and crunchy texture. It's a scrumptious alternative to the classic graham cracker crust that I will definitely experiment with in the future. To get the ideal-for-entertaining recipe, which happens to be from the current issue of Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine,

Come Party With Me: Waterpark Party — Desserts

partysugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:00:42 -0700

Although we will be splashing around in bathing suits, I want to offer my friends one decadent treat at my waterpark party. A chocolatey brownie — kept cold in a cooler — is deliciously rich.

This wonderful recipe, from our friends at MyRecipes.com, is simple and straightforward. I'm not a fan of walnuts in brownies, so I'll substitute chocolate chips! To learn how to make this portable picnic dessert,

Coming Soon: Tasti D-Lite

partysugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:15:47 -0700

New York's most popular low-calorie, ice-cream alternative, Tasti D-Lite, has announced plans for international expansion. James Amos, the owner of Tasti D-Lite, which was featured on Sex and the City, told the Wall Street Journal about the brand's growth:

Two Tasti D-Lite stores opened this month in Seoul; expansion into Israel and Mexico is in negotiation. Late last month, Tasti D-Lite signed franchising deals for a minimum of 16 stores in Tennessee and at least 40 in Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. It is working on expanding into California and adding to the seven stores already in New Jersey. Next month, Tasti D-Lite plans to open two flagship stores in New York, including one on the ground floor of the Empire State Building.

The chain offers over 100 flavors and has developed a cult-like following among New Yorkers. As Pinkberry and Red Mango continue to open stores across the US, it's no surprise that Tasti D-Lite is following suit. Have you had Tasti D-lite? Are you excited the chain may be coming to a location near you?

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Test Your Cheesecake Facts

YumSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:30:21 -0700

Did you know that today is National Cheesecake Day? No doubt this decadent dessert, a well-loved American favorite, deserves to be honored. But what do you know about this creamy cake, aside from the best slices to order at The Cheesecake Factory? Take our quiz and find out!

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Tropical Mango Dreamsicle

YumSugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:15:55 -0700

With their tart, sorbet-like outside and smooth center, I love classic orange creamsicles. As I continue my popsicle obsession, I decided to experiment with my own variation. Using mangoes and lime, I made creamsicles with a tropical twist!

The tartness of the lime zest perfectly complements the sweetness of the mango and the creaminess of the vanilla ice cream. Replicating the ice cream center of a creamsicle proved extremely difficult (believe me I tried!) so instead, I opted for a swirl effect by alternating layers of mango-lime puree and ice cream.

If you love the flavor of fresh tropical fruit and want to learn how to make these exotic creamsicles,

Homemade Chocolate-Covered Bacon

partysugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 10:15:33 -0700

A little while back the Internet went crazy for chocolate-covered bacon. Like every bacon lover, I fantasized about tasting the ultimate salty-sweet combination of bacon and chocolate. Instead of hopping in a car and heading to the Santa Cruz store that makes the pork-chocolate treat, I decided to experiment with my own variation. If I've been making chocolate-covered strawberries since I was 13, I can most certainly make chocolate-covered bacon! The process is straightforward: it involves two simple ingredients and an even simpler cooking technique. The result is an oddly delicious dessert with a rich, delicate balance of sugar and smoke. So scrumptious, homemade chocolate-covered bacon is the ultimate edible gift. To see the recipe,

7 Easy No-Bake Desserts

YumSugar — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:30:06 -0700

Let's face it: some days, it's too hot to even consider turning the oven on. However, the heat shouldn't hold you back from making delicious desserts. Here are seven sans-oven options (even cookies and tarts!) that you can turn to when the heat is on.

Come Party With Me: Boy's Birthday — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:00:50 -0700

Although there a tons of different equally delicious desserts out there, for a child's birthday, let them eat cake. Ask the birthday honoree what type of cake they would like to celebrate their big day.

Kenny is a huge fan of Butterfinger candy bars, so this milk chocolate-peanut butter layer cake is perfect for him. It has a crunchy middle layer filled with almonds, peanuts, and rice krispies.

This scrumptiously rich cake is sure to impress any age, so get the recipe and

Reader Recipe: Cream Cheese Stuffed Cupcakes

YumSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:00:07 -0700

Cupcakes are one of my favorite things, so I thought I'd died and gone to heaven when I saw Renees3's recipe. She starts with chocolate cupcakes, stuffs them with a white chocolate filling, ices them with a cream cheese frosting, and tops them off with a drizzling of seedless raspberry sauce. When Renees3 couldn't find an adequate cupcake recipe, she decided to adapt a bunch of different recipes to make her own customized cupcakes. To me, that's one of the true virtues of cooking: You can tailor any recipe to suit your needs, which can result in something even better! To see how her cupcakes came together,

Come Party With Me: Housewarming Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:00:32 -0700

When selecting a dessert recipe for a housewarming, choose a dish that can be eaten on the go without any utensils. Cookies and cupcakes are delicious, but empanadas keep up with the tapas-themed menu. These tasty, small pastries are filled with berries and goat cheese. If you don't have the time or expertise to make dough, simply use premade refrigerated pie crust.

To learn how they are made,

Yummy Links: From the Barefoot Contessa to Ginger Ale

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 08:00:37 -0700

Go inside the Barefoot Contessa's downtown Manhattan apartment. — Serious Eats
The FDA has ruled that high fructose corn syrup is still considered natural. — Slashfood
Learn how to make the perfect martini. — Chow
Bake up a batch of strawberry goat cheese scones. — Baking Bites
If it's too hot to bake in your neck of the woods, consider cooling down with this no-cook biscotti mascarpone parfait. — GlamDish
America's sassiest lifestyle guru, Steve Kemble, teaches you how to host a high style, no stress party. — Hostess with the Mostess
Did you know okra is in season? — The Kitchn
Make homemade ginger ale for just .61 cents. — The Epi-Log

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Off to Market: Popsicle Molds

partysugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:30:15 -0700

This summer popsicles are all the rage. While YumSugar's been experimenting with them for weeks now, I have yet to join her on this icy adventure. The reason I haven't made popsicles is because I don't own any popsicle molds. However, I'm dying to whip up some fabulous frozen treats, so can you help me find some popsicle molds? Look for popsicle molds in any color, shape, or size. If you find some cool sticks, save those as well! Bookmark everything you find in the Yum Market on TeamSugar with the keyword tag, Popsicle Molds. Thanks for your help and happy hunting!

Interested in bookmarking? Read geeksugar's explanation of this feature to learn how to participate.

Find out where I like to shop online for food and entertaining accessories when you

Come Party With Me: Pool Party — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:00:57 -0700

Although I love a decadent chocolate cake, there is no place for rich desserts at a pool party. Guests will be in swimsuits, so serve something that's refreshing, cold, and not too sweet.

These sangria popsicles are a delicious grownup treat. Made with white wine, rum, pineapple chunks, and fresh orange juice, they're the perfect pool party crowd pleaser.

For the recipe,

7 Sophisticated Ice Cream Sundaes

YumSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:27 -0700

On this day in 1881, the ice cream sundae was invented by a soda fountain operator in Two Rivers, WI. In honor of the occasion, I've found seven grown-up versions of the childhood favorite. Some are simply gourmet, while others use adults-only ingredients. But don't worry: None of them will cost you $60,000. To get your mouth watering, click "start."

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?

Show Your Patriotic Pride with a Flag Cake!

partysugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:00:09 -0700

No dessert screams Fourth of July more than the classic flag cake. Making this fun and festive dessert is a great way to introduce your children to cooking. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned master, I've rounded up a bunch of recipes for you to choose from. If cake isn't your thing, don't worry, there's even a flag pie! To find the flag cake recipe that suites your culinary needs, click "start."

Come Party With Me: Black and White Luau — Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:00:40 -0700

For our black and white luau, FabSugar has requested a special dessert. While marshmallows don't have anything to do with the luau part of the theme, they'll be black and white, and more importantly: bite sized and delicious! Homemade marshmallows are a marvelous treat that will impress guests. Once you make them, you'll never go back to purchasing their grocery-store counterpart. Instead of dipping the marshmallows in coconut, I plan to dip the squares in chocolate and roll them around in crushed oreos! Served plated with toothpicks they're the perfect party dessert. For the recipe,

Peachy Keen Pound Cake

YumSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:30:09 -0700

A few weeks ago, a large bag of ripe white peaches arrived at the Sugar HQ. We ate as many as we could, but on Friday afternoon I noticed that there were quite a few left. Knowing that they wouldn't last the weekend, I brought them home and decided to make a sweet breakfast treat for the office.I found a recipe for a peach pound cake, and while not particularly healthy, it was absolutely delicious. The peaches added a nice fragrant flavor, and the yogurt allowed for a perfectly moist crumb. To get the recipe, just

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: 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,

Get Your Final Fix of Strawberries With Strawberry Pie

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:00:03 -0700

The other day I was going on about wanting to make strawberry pie (I saw the recipe in Gourmet's June issue) when my friend interrupted me. She pointed out that sadly, strawberry season is almost over! Determined to make the pie, I headed to my local market in hopes of finding the last of the season's berries. Lucky me, they still had some left!This pie is sweet, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. It takes time to set and chill, so make it the night before you plan on serving it. If you want to taste this pie, make it soon, before strawberry season ends. To check out the recipe,

Fudgesicles en Fuego!

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:15:39 -0700

A heat wave here in San Francisco inspired me to continue my popsicle kick. This time I combined childhood memories of fudgesicles with a passion for Mexican hot chocolate. Mexican hot cocoa is traditionally made with milk, chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of chili. When frozen it translates terrifically into a fiery chocolate popsicle, aptly named fudgesicles en fuego!

The rich, chocolaty popsicles have a silky, creamy texture and slightly spicy flavor. To avoid making the popsicles too hot, add the chili slowly to taste. However, remember that once frozen, the flavor will be more subtle. If the finished popsicle is too spicy, simply dust with sugar.

To learn how to make these fantastic fudgesicles,

Test Your Ben & Jerry's Flavor I.Q

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:00:57 -0700

This year Ben & Jerry's, Vermont's finest ice cream, is celebrating their 30th birthday. Ben & Jerry's is known for their crazy delicious ice cream flavors that have funny names and interesting ingredient combinations.

To wish the brand a happy birthday, I've put together this fun quiz. I'll list a bunch of ingredients and you choose that flavor's name. Sound fun? Get started!

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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,