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Do You Prefer an Early or Late Dinner?

partysugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 09:23:01 -0700

The other day I was coming home from the pool with my dad around 5 p.m. We drove by a crowded Italian restaurant and I couldn't help but wonder, what type of person eats dinner at 5 in the afternoon? Of course, if these diners knew my father and I wouldn't sit down to dinner until 9:30, they would be wondering the same thing about me! So I want to know, which do you prefer? An early or late dinner?Source

Do You Prefer an Early or Late Dinner?

Early, I'm really hungry between 5 and 6.

Late, I can't even think about dinner until after 8.

It depends on the night.

Generally, on the weekends I eat later than on weeknights.

I usually eat at the moderate time of 7.

Duck, It's What's For Dinner

YumSugar — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 08:00:20 -0700

Last weekend, I met up with some friends at a nearby butcher shop. The place is known for quality meats, and on this particular morning the duck legs looked mighty tasty. So I picked up a pair of them and went home for a cooking adventure.

I came across a recipe for roasted duck breast, but I adapted it to suit the legs. However, as much as I love dark meat, I think breasts would actually have been a better choice. It's a nice pairing of fresh plums and duck, and actually comes together in a short amount of time. To see how to put it together for yourself,

Reader Recipe: Greek Penne and Chicken

YumSugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:00:31 -0700

Audreystar says she's been on a Greek cooking kick lately, and she's not alone. I've also been somewhat fixated on feta cheese recently, and this Mediterranean mix of chicken, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, onions, parsley, and feta looks incredibly yummy.

I love that she found the recipe while looking for a way to use up her surplus of fresh parsley! Leftover herbs are always inspiring my dinners, too. This dish looks like a fast and easy weeknight meal, so to get her recipe plus step-by-step photos,

Let's Dish: What Is Your Quintessential Summer Dinner?

partysugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 05:30:31 -0700

The other day a girlfriend sent me an email titled "dinner question." Since I'm the residential foodie among our group of friends, I wasn't surprised to receive such an email. However, I was surprised at her thought provoking question: If you had to think of one quintessential Summer dinner, what would it be? Immediately barbecued ribs and Caprese salad came to mind. Several minutes later visions of succulent pulled pork sandwiches danced in my head and today I can't stop thinking about gourmet burgers and hot dogs with classic potato salad on the side.

While it's hard for me to select one quintessential meal, I've had a lot of fun coming up with possible menus. So in the spirit of dishing, tell me your definitive Summer dinner by leaving a comment below!

Source

Do You Ever Eat Cereal For Dinner?

YumSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:00:20 -0700

A friend recently told me he occasionally eats cereal for dinner. His girlfriend thinks he's crazy but I personally don't find it that unusual. Sometimes a nice bowl of cereal hits the spot, especially when you get home late and need a little chow. How about you? Do you ever eat cereal for dinner?Source

Do You Ever Eat Cereal For Dinner?

Yes, all the time!

Several times a month.

Only if I've gotten home really late or need something really quick.

Never. Cereal is for breakfast.

Other — I'll tell you my thoughts on cereal for dinner below.

At a Birthday Dinner, Who Should Pay For the Meal?

partysugar — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:01:51 -0700

Source

At a Birthday Dinner, Who Should Pay For the Meal?

The guests should split the bill. Everyone should pay for part of the birthday girl/guy's meal.

The birthday girl/guy should pay.

Everyone should pay for his or her own meal.

It depends on the restaurant, the guests, and the birthday girl/guy.

Other — see my thoughts below.

Yummy Link: Chicken With Almonds and Green Olives

partysugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 05:28:31 -0700

I love chicken, I love almonds, and I love green olives. Why haven't I ever thought of cooking all three together?! This dish for chicken with almonds and green olives does just that. It looks like a memorably delicious meal. — Smitten Kitchen

Yummy Link: Award Winning Menus

partysugar — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 03:03:31 -0800

Instead of serving a buffet of snacks at your Oscars viewing party, make a sit down dinner. For dinner ideas based on the Oscar nominated films, check out these cohesive and delicious menus. — Epicurious

The Importance of Eating as a Family

partysugar — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 03:00:17 -0700

Eating together as a family was always a priority for my parents. My siblings and I would sit down, at the same time, to enjoy dinner as often as our busy schedules permitted. Usually, my mom and dad made us turn off the TV in an effort to get us focusing on the food and on the family.

However, a new study released by the University of Minnesota and reported in the New York Times shows that the television doesn't play a role in affecting dining habits. According to the article, the results were quite surprising:

Families who watched TV at dinner ate just about as healthfully as families who dined without it. The biggest factor wasn’t whether the TV was on or off, but whether the family was eating the meal together.

The study also showed that girls are less likely to have body image problems and boys consume more vegetables when eating accompanied by their parents.

All of this makes me wonder, how often do you eat with your family? Did you eat with your parents when you were little? If so, was the TV on or off?

Source

Reader Recipe: Salmon with Puff Pastry and Pesto

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 01:03:55 -0700

I was checking out all the great recipes in the Food & Entertaining channel, when I came across this colorful salmon with puff pastry and pesto that TeamSugar member rlveronica cooked up. It's simple to make, and whips up in no time at all. It's also quite colorful and flavorful and is bound to be a hit. To cook up this meal for dinner tonight,

Reader Recipe: Easy Homemade Stromboli

YumSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 03:18:31 -0700

Can the words dinner, easy and 15 minutes go together? You better believe it! TeamSugar member Shiloh Jolie Pitt has shared an amazingly simple, wonderfully easy and, if it looks anything like the picture, absolutely delicious recipe for Homemade Stromboli. It definitely uses a few shortcuts and is definitely worth checking out. To get the recipe,

Monday's Leftovers: Skillet Pork Hash

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 05:57:31 -0700

One of my favorite things to do with leftover meat is to throw it together with some potatoes and seasonings for a breakfast-inspired dinner hash. It works best if you've got leftover potatoes to deal with, but if you don't have any, simply precook a few beforehand, or get a package of precooked diced potatoes. Serve with a fragrant fruit salad and you've got a perfect dinner meal. To get a great recipe — the secret is in the few minutes of broiling at the end — for skillet pork hash,

At What Meal Do You Eat The Most Food?

partysugar — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 04:48:31 -0700

Image Source

At What Meal Do You Eat The Most Food?

Breakfast.

Lunch.

Dinner.

I try to eat equal sized portions at every meal during the day.

Other - see my response below.

Fragrant Beef Dinner From Indonesia

YumSugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:01:38 -0700

The first destination in this week's travel week is Indonesia. With over 300 ethnic groups, the food in Indonesia has been influenced by Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, Pacific Island and European cultures. With such a diverse food heritage, you can better believe that this country produces some seriously good eats. For today's dinner I thought we could all make a delicious beef curry. To check out the recipe for this wonderfully fragrant meal,

Monday's Leftovers: Grilled Pitas with Chimichurri Steak

YumSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:01:38 -0700

If you've somehow managed to save any of last night's Chimichurri Steak then you're going to love tonight's dinner. It's a simple, easy to put together meal that is perfect for a busy Monday night. And if you didn't make last night's dish, don't worry - I've got the full recipe for those of you starting from the beginning. If the thought of toasty warm pitas stuffed with steak, blue cheese, delectable grilled onions and juicy tomatoes sounds too good to pass up, then do yourself a favor and

No Fail Impromptu Party Menu

partysugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 08:01:38 -0700

I ended up throwing an impromptu dinner party last Wednesday. Instead of panicking, I took a deep breath, came up with an easy, manageable menu, and wrote out a grocery list. If you ever find yourself on the hosting end of an impromptu dinner party, be sure to check out my no fail planning tips.

For appetizers make one dip (I made a quick Sun Dried Tomato Dip that involved no chopping) and round it out with store bought goodies. Bowls of burst-in-your-mouth blueberries, salty black olives, crispy flatbread, and buttery french bread crisps can be plated in a matter of minutes. Chunk a few pieces of smoked gouda or other cheese and slice up some salami.

Choose a menu that is quick, easy and meat-free in case any vegetarians unexpectedly show up. Fresh Basil Pesto with pasta and a Green Salad With Citrus Vinaigrette is a simple meal that can be put together in under an hour.
For dessert, have everyone help out and make ice cream sandwiches.
Ask your guests to bring a bottle or two of wine.

What do you cook for your last-minute dinner parties?? Share your menus with me below!

To take a look at a gallery of images from my middle-of-the-week dinner,

What Time Do You Eat Dinner?

partysugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 08:55:39 -0700

What's For Dinner? Easy Peasy Pizza!

partysugar — Fri, 18 May 2007 08:57:31 -0700

You all know how much I love pizza: in every shape, form, and flavor! Making homemade pizza does not have to be an elaborate production, with a little help from the grocery store you can have delicious crisp melt in your mouth pizza quicker than delivery. I know it's Friday and the last thing you feel like doing after a long week of hectic work is making dinner, but this is so fast, so simple, and so tasty that it really is a wonderful choice for tonight's dinner. The recipe calls for chopped green pepper but feel free to substitute your favorite vegetable: roasted red peppers, chopped tomatoes, or sliced mushrooms. Likewise use premade pizza dough if you're not a fan of pita. For the recipe,

Rapid, Hearty, Vegan Dinner: Texas Tofu

partysugar — Thu, 17 May 2007 09:09:32 -0700

I used to believe that vegetarian food could never be a filling, satisfying meal until I recently started to appreciate and embrace vegetarian cooking. I encourage you to give it a try with a super simple, quick fix dinner dish: tasty texas tofu recipe. It's a robust dish with layered spicy tofu, thick warm beans, and crisp sourdough bread. Turn it into a last minute week night dinner party with store bought chips and guacamole, icy cold beers, and a flan for dessert. Get the recipe now,

Dinner In 15: Chinese Corn and Crab Soup

partysugar — Wed, 09 May 2007 09:03:18 -0700

Take that Rachael Ray! You can do dinner in 30 and I can do it in half the time. With Ms. Ray as inspiration, I set out to make a quick meal that is tasty and takes a lot of help from the supermarket. Canned crabmeat - Costco sells a really delicious one in the refrigerator section - combined with canned corn and store bought chicken broth are the ingredients that make this super simple, incredibly easy dinner. Very little prep (grate some ginger, chop a few green onions) is important to creating swift dinners like this one, so when browsing recipes for quick fix dinners be sure to check out how much chopping, grating, and squeezing is involved. Great for a light and fresh meal or to be served as the first course at a Chinese themed dinner party. Want the recipe? Well,

Today's Special: Easy Pork Chop Simmer

partysugar — Tue, 01 May 2007 07:58:19 -0700

This week I am super busy, I have events and places to be every night. As much as I love eating out I simply can't afford to do it on weeknights and besides a delicious, homemade meal is comforting when there is so much running around going on. Also taking the time to cook, even if it is only 15 minutes relaxes me. However I'm not going to have a lot of time tonight so I need a meal that can basically cook itself. By mixing together a few staple condiments I can create a quick and easy sauce for pork chops. This is a great technique and one that can be used in infinite ways. Add in some freshly cut veggie chunks and a little white rice and dinner is done. To run your eyes over the recipe,

Come Party With Me: Wedding - Menu (Main)

partysugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 09:58:31 -0700

Planning the dinner for a wedding can be a very tedious task. Work with your event planner and caterer to determine the best, local and seasonal dishes to round out the menu. Offer a variety of choices with at least two entrees one meat and one vegetarian. Steer clear of choosing a dish that may not please the majority of guests like lamb, duck, or a fishy tasting fish. If you serve a cocktail hour with lots of heavier appetizers, dinner can be a light meal consisting of crab cakes or grilled marinated steak placed on salad greens. Likewise, if you are serving very light appetizers, do not skimp on the main course. Instead of serving dinner in buffet style with several long tables where a slow moving line is inevitable, create several buffet stations and place them around the locale. To see my main course serving suggestions for Julie and Scott's wedding,

Come Party With Me: Wedding - Menu (Appetizers)

partysugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:58:34 -0700

It's wedding time here at the Sugar Network and I'm pulling out all of the stops to create and inspire the perfect reception for julieulie and her fiancé Scott. We kicked things off yesterday with a beautiful baby blue, black, and white invitation and today we are moving right along to the food - where the majority of your reception budget will be spent. At Julie and Scott's more formal wedding, cocktails will be served with passed tray appetizers and an antipasto bar in a small room overlooking all of Philadelphia. Then for dinner the entire party will move into a lavishly decorated ballroom where the sit down meal will be served. Julie is a vegetarian, but Scott is not, so the menu should be both veggie and meat eater friendly. I have a variety of six appetizer suggestions that reflect the location and the religion of the wedding. For these savory tasty bites,

Today's Special: Honey Teriyaki Chicken with Rice & Pineapple

partysugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 08:56:41 -0700

When I was in high school, one of the cool things to do during lunch time was head over to the China Dragon across the street from the public library and get a teriyaki chicken and rice bowl for lunch. My most popular friend, Cameron, introduced me to the scrumptiously simple secret that was the rice bowl. Last night, as I was driving down the street, I looked up to see the familiar faded red dragon and suddenly, an uncontrollable craving for a chicken teriyaki bowl took over my entire being. I came to work this morning and immediately knew I had to recreate that sweetly glazed sticky chicken and rice in my very own kitchen. To check out the more grown up recipe - this is more than just chicken and rice drowned in teriyaki -

Come Party With Me: Baby Shower - Menu (Main)

partysugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 09:51:47 -0700

At most baby showers, it's customary to open the gifts during the celebration - providing the perfect reason to host an elegant sit down luncheon. Girlfriends can enjoy wine and a light meal, while the mommy-to-be opens her gifts. I'm supplying you with all of my best baby shower party planning ideas this week. The invitations can be pretty and polka dotted and the menu can be healthy, vegetarian, and delicious. Curried vegetable dip with homemade potato chips is just the start of a meal that is sure to have your female friends begging you for the recipes. To check out the classic soup, salad, and sandwich lunch menu,

Today's Special: Smoked Turkey and Couscous Salad with Lemon-Chive Vinaigrette

partysugar — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 07:58:31 -0700

Isn't it lovely when, every once in a while, you find yourself home alone for a few days? I woke up this morning and found myself in that exact situation, which means I can have anything I want. So I'll do what I normally do when I'm home alone - head to Whole Foods and browse the aisles for inspiration. I like to check out what they have in the premade section and usually purchase a few things to jazz it up. Hopefully they'll have spicy cooked turkey breasts because I'm in the mood for a fresh couscous salad. Whether you're home alone or not, pick up some cooked turkey or chicken breasts at your local grocers and make this scrumptious, savory salad for dinner. Get the recipe now,

Today's Special: Herbed Clam Linguine

partysugar — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 07:53:13 -0700

It's Friday, and I don't know about you but I've had a hard and exhausting week. Every once and awhile, on days like today, I like to reward myself with a decadent dinner. I want something easy to make but full in rich flavor that will melt in my mouth with each bite. Fresh pasta with just cut herbs and a hint of the ocean (in the form of clams) sounds heavenly. The smooth sauce is ready in the amount of time it takes to boil the pasta and if you have access to a local fish market, throw a few live clams into the pasta water and top the finished dish with the opened shells. Pour a glass of sparkling wine and cheers! - the weekend has finally arrived. For the recipe,

Today's Special: Indian Lentils and Rice

partysugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:59:31 -0700

I have a confession to make: I used to be afraid of cooking beans. I was incredibly nervous about the soaking overnight thing and always wanted to make a bean recipe in a specific moment for a certain need, usually when I did not have the time or patience to soak anything overnight. I got over all of this quite quickly when I realized that lentils (which happen to be one of my favorite beans) don't have to be soaked for the requisite 24 hours. I immediately started to experiment with lentils in the kitchen and found that they are a hearty dish to make for vegetarians, great for enhancing salads and awesome at thickening soups. Tonight's version has Indian flavorings and when served over rice - which cooks in the same amount of time as the lentils - will make a delicious and healthy dinner. Get the recipe,

The Impromptu Dinner Party

partysugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:53:32 -0700

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I love dinner parties. I love intimate family dinners, elaborate planned meals with a group of select friends, and last night I was reminded of how much I love impromptu dinner parties. My mom ran into one of her best friends from college who asked us to come by her house for a quick drink. She lives in a beautiful house overlooking the bay and when we arrived, the house was filled with wonderful aromas of something delicious in the kitchen. Wine was poured, we got to talking and it turns out her husband had made a fresh pesto dish with basil fresh from his garden. He had the fixings for salad too and my dad happened to have a fresh baguette in his car that he had picked up at the Ferry building. I set the table in their dining room and BAM! instant dinner party! It was absolutely wonderful, good fun paired with fabulous food and company. But not everyone is like me and my hosts from last night, Dave and Michelle - so to learn a few tricks to pull off a successful last minute surprise dinner party,

Today's Special: Beef Burrito Skillet

partysugar — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 08:59:32 -0700

My mom, who I love dearly, does not cook. She rarely prepared us dinner when my siblings and I were younger, but when she did it was one of her simple specialties: chicken and pasta, pancakes, sloppy Joes, or tacos. My favorite of her meals was tacos. The fragrant smell of taco seasoning filled the air and I could help her by grating the orange cheese. Tonight's quick fix dinner recipe is an ode to these childhood taco nights with a twist. Instead of piling the filling into taco shells the beef gets mixed with beans and tortillas for a casserole like dish. Whether you eat it alone, or use it to top a salad or tortilla chips, this is one scrumptious Tex-Mex skillet meal. You know you want the recipe so

What Is Your Ideal Romantic Meal?

partysugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 10:55:31 -0700

I was just reading all of the fabulous engagement stories over on DearSugar and it got me daydreaming about candlelit dinners, beach-side lunches, and breakfasts in bed. I am a huge fan of romantic meals in every shape and form. My last boyfriend was a soccer player and he had practice every night which allowed me to prepare surprise lovey-dovey dinners for him as often as once a week. Still it's always wonderful to go someplace insanely romantic and enjoy a delicious meal as well as each other's company. So in honor of engagement week, what is your ideal romantic meal?

What Is Your Ideal Romantic Meal?

A surprise candlelit dinner at home.

A meal at a restaurant with a spectacular view.

A picnic at a winery.

Late lunch on the beach sunset watching.

Room service in an expensive hotel.

Other: do tell me below!

Today's Special: Artichoke & Feta Cheese Pizza

partysugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 08:58:32 -0700

One of my pantry staples is canned/jarred marinated artichoke hearts. I always have these babies on hand because there is so much that you can do with them. Toss them with pasta and vegetables for a quick dinner or mix with cheese, homemade mayonnaise, and green onions for an instant appetizer at the arrival of an unexpected guest. Marinated artichokes can liven up store bought salad greens or be blitzed into a creamy soup with an onion, potato, and broth. However, tonight I'm in the mood for pizza, so I'll use the little hearts to top a crisp, irresistible pizza. The recipe is vegetarian but if you want to add meat try adding ham - in one of its more glamorous forms - will pair perfectly with the artichokes and feta. Take a quick look at the super easy recipe,

Today's Special: Tuna Casserole

partysugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 08:54:18 -0800

Lately my dad has been into making old school classics for dinner. Dishes that he used to make thirty years ago that were delicious then and still are today. It's important to make these comforting dishes every once in a while because they bring a sense of nostalgia to the meal and so that the recipes and flavors are not lost forever. I enjoy making my father's old recipes from 1977 and updating them to suite the needs of 2007. Tuna casserole is a dish my grandma used to make when he was a kid and is wonderful now when made with fresh mushrooms and higher quality tuna steaks. To make this old fashioned favorite,

Menu Planning 101, Part 2

partysugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 03:18:48 -0800

On Monday I gave you a few of my menu planning tips and today I'm going to fill you in on some more of my successful secrets to planning the perfect dinner party. Don't feel overwhelmed if you are hosting a dinner any time soon, read through my advice, take a deep breath, and start planning. If you missed Monday's post, read the suggestions and check out today's tips - just

Today's Special: Adobo Pork & Potato Packets

partysugar — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:51:17 -0800

Adobo is a sauce or paste used as a seasoning for meats, seafood or poultry typically in Philippine and Mexican cooking. This easy yet tasty pork is rubbed in an adobo of paprika, vinegar, garlic, and salt. The potatoes are rubbed in the same mixture and cooked together in a tight packet. You can make this on the grill or put the potato packets in a 375°F oven and cook the pork chops on an indoor grilling pan. Slice the potatoes very thinly, no thicker than 1/8 inch. For best results use a mandoline or the 2mm slicing blade on a food processor—or if you like cut them slowly with a very sharp knife. To make this for dinner tonight,

Today's Special: Cheese Olive Panini

partysugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 08:59:11 -0800

A few years ago my sister and I bought my dad a panini maker for Father's Day. My mom worried that it would never get put to use, but we make the warm pressed sandwiches at least once a week and she is the one who is always begging for more! If you don't have a panini maker you can still make this a pressed sandwich by placing another heavy pan on top of the sandwich, pressing down with a can of tomatoes or a bottle of wine (I've used this technique many times when I lived in Spain). Add a quick chopped salad, a glass of red wine, or pita chips and hummus and you can have yourself a little Mediterranean par-tee. Bread, melted cheese, olives, could delicious be described any more simply? Check out the recipe and,

What's Your Favorite Meal of the Day?

YumSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 10:58:31 -0800

Today's Special: Halibut with Swiss Chard, Leek and Pepper Stew

partysugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 08:53:12 -0800

I was pleasantly surprised to see that in a recent poll, the majority of you guys said you enjoyed eating fish. We all have heard how fish is really important to incorporate into our weekly diets, due to its myriad of health benefits, and I'm glad to see that most of you have turned this information into action. Tonight I propose we have fish and vegetables for dinner, seriously could it get any healthier? The vegetables are sautéed until tender, the fish is placed on top and the dish gets baked quickly in the oven. This is a great everyday dish and an easy entertaining meal for a small impromptu crowd. To make your grocery list,

Sunday Dinner: Cassoulet

partysugar — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 00:31:11 -0800

A few weekends ago I got a craving for cassoulet: the day was cold and dreary and I was in the mood for a provencal French dish. It was a completely illogical desire: I've never spent time in the French countryside and I've never made cassoulet at home in my kitchen. After consuming cassoulet a few times at restaurants, I suddenly was ready to take a stab at making it on my own. Cassoulet is a French stew made with meat and white beans. Typically the duck or pork used is slowly cooked in its own fat days/weeks before making the stew. If the thought of slowly cooking meat in its own fat disgusts you have no fear, my recipe is a variation on the theme in which the meat is browned and cooked with the beans. A great one pot meal, this dish is perfect for a lazy, rainy Sunday when you have nothing to do but curl up with a blanket and watch movies. To make cassoulet for your Sunday dinner,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Beef Stroganoff

partysugar — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 08:58:27 -0800

I know you had to work all day and are tired and are looking for a dinner that is quick, easy, and healthy. Well look no further than my beef stroganoff. Think beef stroganoff is a slow cooked meal that takes several hours to make? Think again. Mine is quick: ready in the amount of time it takes to cook rice (20 minutes), easy: minimal chopping, especially if you purchase pre sliced mushrooms, and healthy: it has one starch, one meat, and one vegetable. So grab a pen and pad and make a grocery list. Thursday night's special is hearty, creamy beef stroganoff. For the recipe,

Today's Special: Lemon Mint Risotto

partysugar — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 08:59:17 -0800

I used to think that risotto was a fearful and extremely difficult dish to make - one left only for the expert chefs of several starred restaurants. Then I went to dinner at my aunt's house where my cousin, Sarah, had successfully mastered and produced a delicious wild mushroom risotto. She said it was easy, you just have to make the time to stir the rice. With her as inspiration, I made my first risotto and I've been making them every since. I actually find the 15 minutes spent stirring the rice to be quite soothing; to me cooking is comforting. Plus it'll wow your family when you tell them risotto is on the menu for dinner. Technically a rice dish could hardly be described as refreshing, but this scrumptious simple vegetarian dinner is just that: refreshing. The flavors of mint and lemon meld perfectly to create a bright and clean taste for your palate. To see the recipe,

Today's Special: Mediterranean Tuna Melt

partysugar — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 08:59:32 -0800

Tuna melts are one of my all time favorite comfort foods. It's like a grilled cheese, there is something about melted cheese and warmed bread that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Tuna melts are a great go to meal when you have no time and no fresh food in the fridge. I always have canned tuna, bread, and cheese in my kitchen. Tonight's recipe is a jazzed up version with a Mediterranean twist: garbanzos, capers, and green olives. I've made this open faced sandwich many times and it's absolutely delicious. To make it for dinner,

Today's Special: Linguine with Squash, Bacon, and Goat Cheese

partysugar — Tue, 30 Jan 2007 09:01:15 -0800

Last week YumSugar and I were lucky enough to attend the Fancy Food Show. One of the trends that we noticed was that goat cheese was everywhere. For a goat cheese lover like myself, it was heaven. What foodies seemed to be doing is substituting their regular old Parmesan or mozzarella with oh-so milky goat cheese. Normally when one thinks of adding cheese to pasta, goat cheese is not the first and foremost that comes to mind. However, I added goat cheese to a pesto pasta dish once for a small pasta party and it was excellent - so much so that I wish I had doubled the amount of goat cheese. If you have yet to incorporate goat cheese into pasta, do so with this recipe. Oh and if you're feeling adventurous, invite your friends over and tell them all about how goat cheese is so in right now. For the goat cheese and bacon recipe,

Today's Special: Tagliata with Arugula

partysugar — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 09:03:41 -0800

My dad recently found out that he has high cholesterol. He likes to ignore this fact and pretend that he doesn't run a greater risk for heart problems, but me and my mom care about him too much to let it go un-noticed. According to the doctor, my father should cut back on white starches: potatoes, white rice, white pastas, white bread, etc. and eat more vegetables, wheat, and whole grains. This is difficult for dad because he has always been a meat and potato sort of guy, so I've been searching for recipes that are hearty and tasty without all of the starch. I found this recipe for a steak that is served over a crisp green salad and garnished with Parmesan cheese that is sure to please both dad (the steak) and the doctor (the salad). I looked up the name of this dish, tagliata, and in Italian it means cut, cutting, trim, or clip...which is exactly what I want to do with my dad's high cholesterol! To make this for your loved ones,

Today's Special: Balsamic Vinegar Chicken with Almond Peppers

partysugar — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 09:00:08 -0800

Isn't chicken a wonderful meat? Almost everyone eats chicken and almost anything can be done to chicken, how could you not love it? Chicken can be cooked hundreds of different ways and seasoned with hundreds more flavorings. However there are those people who get themselves into a chicken rut. You know who I'm talking about, those people who have one chicken dish that is their staple that they make over and over again until their special chicken dish becomes boring and tasteless. If you are one of these people, I have the recipe for you. It's time to break away from the hum-drum dullness of your lemon pepper chicken with pasta and it's time for a new technique (breading), a new pairing (bell peppers, almonds, and raisins), and a new flavor (balsamic vinegar). Roll up those sleeves, tie on that apron, and prepare yourself for a whole new taste experience. For the recipe,

Which of These Celebrity Chefs Would You Want to Have Dinner With?

YumSugar — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 00:08:01 -0800

Everyone's got a favorite celebrity chef, and there were too many to list, so sorry if your favorite isn't here. However, out of these celebrity chefs, which one would you want to have dinner with?

Today's Special: Sake Salmon and Rice

partysugar — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 09:03:01 -0800

Cooking with fish is a great healthy way to create a quick, flavorful meal for you and your family. Fish needs little time to marinate in comparison to meat or chicken making it the ideal dish for those nights when you are on the go. Fish can be poached, broiled, roasted, or fried, and served with an endless assortment of vegetables, rice, sauces, or potatoes. This recipe is for an Asian-inspired salmon with a spicy sake marinade. Throw in steamed rice and you have an almost instantly delicious dinner. For the recipe,

What Meal Do You Go Out For the Most?

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 03:30:11 -0800

What Do You Like To Drink With Dinner?

partysugar — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:02:43 -0800

When I'm too tired to cook I

YumSugar — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 10:32:45 -0800

When I'm too tired to cook I

make a simple sandwich or pasta.

order take out or delivery.

head to my favorite resturant.

pick up a pre made dinner at a gourmet supermarket.

pop a frozen dinner in the microwave.