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Do You Own a Rice Cooker?

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 07:45:49 -0700

Last week, the New York Times discussed the versatility of cooking with a rice cooker. I couldn't agree more: A rice cooker has always been standard equipment in my family's kitchen. Plus, rice has been making a comeback — so it doesn't hurt to have one for that reason, either. I love the convenience of owning one. I simply dump the rice and water in together, hit a button, and about half an hour later my grains are ready. What are your thoughts? Source

Do You Own a Rice Cooker?

Yes — I love it!

Yes, but I rarely use it.

No — but I really wish I did!

No, but I don't think I need one. (Tell us why below.)

Flatshare Fridge: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 04:00:38 -0700

Got roommates who steal your food? What you need is a flatshare fridge! This creative fridge consists of a base fridge and four stackable pieces that allow each user to have a private fridge. Made for the Electrolux Design Lab Competition by Austrian designer Stefan Buchberger, the flatshare — which comes in a variety of colors — can be customized to include a bottle opener or whiteboard. I think this fridge is incredibly clever, but wonder if the small compartment could hold all of my culinary needs. What do you think? Source

Flatshare Fridge: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Do You Care About Nutrition Information?

partysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:45:29 -0700

A couple of days ago California passed a law that requires chain restaurants to post nutrition facts. I think this is a great idea, but honestly I rarely check out nutrition information because I avoid processed and fast foods. However, I was wondering about you? How conscious of calories, fat, and sodium are you? Source

Do You Care About Nutrition Information?

Yes. I'm on a strict diet and always read nutrition facts.

Sometimes. I'll check out the nutrition info of certain products every now and then.

No. I don't check nutrition info.

Other — fill me in below.

Do You RSVP?

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 06:45:41 -0700

My birthday party is this Saturday night and so far, I've received only one RSVP! I sent over 40 homemade, snail-mail invitations and find it hard to believe that almost no one has called to tell me if they are or are not coming. Am I too old-fashioned? Is RSVP-ing a thing of the distant past?Source

Do You RSVP?

Yes! Always.

No, I usually forget.

I'm not invited to parties where I have to RSVP.

It depends on the party and the host/hostess.

Other — share your opinion below.

Do You Drink Girlie Cocktails?

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 10:15:05 -0700

Do You Drink Girlie Cocktails?

Yes! Sometimes a girlie cocktail is just what the doctor ordered.

It depends on the drink.

No, I don't like girlie anything.

I don't drink.

Other — fill me in below.

What Kind of Soy Sauce Do You Use?

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:15:33 -0700

Last time I went out for sushi, I debated over whether to use regular or reduced-sodium soy sauce. Reduced-sodium soy sauce is the condiment of choice for those who are watching sodium intake, as too much sodium can result in high blood pressure. Regular soy sauce, while definitely saltier, has more flavor, in my opinion. Ultimately, I opted for regular, but this prompted me to wonder what most people tend to use in their kitchens.

What Kind of Soy Sauce Do You Use?

I prefer to eat and cook with regular soy sauce.

I opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce when dining and cooking.

Either is fine with me — it doesn't matter.

I don't cook or eat with soy sauce.

Who Has the Best Italian Cooking Show?

partysugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:00:36 -0700

Yesterday Giada De Laurentiis was on the cover of the New York Post magazine. The article discusses her life as a new mother and her role as one of the industry's sexiest chefs. Giada refuses to describe her cooking style as a form of porn, but admits that her show is different: The way we shot close-ups, I just wanted the food to look beautiful. I thought that's what Americans loved about Italy — that it is so sensual and romantic. It's not PBS-style cooking. Lidia Bastianich, sorry, but she's kind of boring. I mean, I love Lidia, but you can fall asleep watching her. And Mario Batali? I love Mario to death...but he's not romantic or sensual. Those are the things I bring to the table.

I find it hard to believe that Giada would so quickly put down her peers and am curious to see what you think of the matter. Do you agree with Giada? Are Mario and Lidia boring? Which celebrity chef has the best Italian cooking show?Source

Who Has the Best Italian Cooking Show?

Giada. Everyday Italian has always been a wonderful show.

Lidia. She's classic and Lidia's Italy is informative and entertaining,

Mario. Molto Mario features delicious, authentic Italian cuisine.

My favorite Italian cooking show is ________ (fill in the blank below).

I've never seen any of these shows.

Would You Rather Eat Fried Mozzarella or Calamari?

partysugar — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 01:30:22 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Eat Fried Mozzarella or Calamari?

Fried mozzarella! There's nothing more heavenly than crispy melted cheese.

Fried calamari! The tasty fish is highly addictive.

Neither, I prefer _______ (fill in the blank below).

I don't eat fried anything.

Food Network's Online Makeover: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 04:00:28 -0700

For the past seven years, FoodNetwork.com has been one of my favorite recipe resources. As long as I can remember, the site has been a welcoming green color with golden accents. Imagine my surprise when I logged on two days ago and discovered a totally new Food Network! The green has been replaced with red, and there's a lot more going on: polls, videos, behind-the-scenes tours, top 10 lists, etc. I love the new In Season Now section, but haven't warmed up to the layout. Have you had a chance to check it out? What do you think?Source

Food Network's Online Makeover: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Have You Ever Made Cheese?

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:30:06 -0700

Last night we got a double dosage of Kitchen Nightmares. First Gordon Ramsay fixed up Trobiano's and afterward he headed to the Black Pearl. My favorite part was when Ramsay taught the chef and owners of Trobiano's how to make homemade mozzarella. I started thinking and realized I've never made cheese! How about you? Photo Courtesy of Fox.

Have You Ever Made Cheese?

Yes, I've made cheese before.

Nope, but I would love to experiment in cheese making.

No and it doesn't really interest me.

Other — please fill us in below!

Do You Like Raw Onions?

partysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 06:45:33 -0700

Source

Do You Like Raw Onions?

Yes, I love onions in any way, shape, or form.

No, I prefer cooked onions.

It depends on the preparation. For example, in salads no, but on a burger yes.

I don't eat onions.

Other — fill me in below.

Do You Eat at American Chains While in a Foreign Country?

partysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:15:15 -0700

Do You Eat at American Chains While in a Foreign Country?

Yes, I love to check out the country's perspective of American food chains.

No, when I travel I prefer to avoid all things American.

I try not to, but sometimes I end up at a McDonald's.

Other — Fill me in below!

What Fall Vegetable Are You Looking Forward To?

YumSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:30:00 -0700

Today is the autumnal equinox, also known as the first official day of autumn. Now that Summer is on its way out, what Fall vegetables are you looking forward to eating?Source

Do You Get Bottle Service?

YumSugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:45:47 -0700

The other day the New York Times wrote about how astronomically expensive it is to order bottle service in nightclubs. A bottle service can be found in many upscale bars and nightclubs wherein patrons purchase entire bottles of liquor to drink. Typically, bottle service includes a reserved table for the patron's entire party and accompanying mixers of choice. It doesn't surprise me to hear that the markup for bottle service can easily be as high as 900 percent. I've always known this, which is why if I enjoy bottle service, it's never my wallet that's covering it. Have you ever enjoyed bottle service, and are you willing to pay for it?Source and Source

Do You Get Bottle Service?

Whenever I can — I love it!

Sometimes, when I'm with a large group.

I've enjoyed it, but I never pay for it myself.

No way — I think it's way too expensive.

No, I don't go out much.

Would You Rather Eat a Cup Noodles or Top Ramen?

partysugar — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:30:51 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Eat a Cup Noodles or Top Ramen?

Cup Noodles.

Top Ramen.

Ewww . . . both are gross!

Neither, I prefer ______ (fill in the blank below).

What's the difference?

Celebrity Chef Barbie: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 04:00:19 -0700

Little girls who look up to Giada De Laurentiis and Rachael Ray can now play kitchen with the I Can Be TV Chef Playset Barbie ($44.90). Barbie is the star of her own cooking show, complete with a state-of-the-art kitchen and workstation. She shows that even while cooking, one should look stylish and fashionable. While I'm sure I would have loved this doll when I was young, I can't help but wonder if the celebrity chef phenomenon has gotten a little out of control. What do you think?

Celebrity Chef Barbie: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Would You Ever Open a Restaurant With Your Family?

partysugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:45:23 -0700

Last night's Kitchen Nightmares was all about one family's struggle to run a restaurant. The overbearing dad has diabetes, the son feels like he's never good enough, and the mom is stuck between the father-son battles. Although Gordon Ramsay manages to piece the family back together, the emotional episode made me wonder how I would feel if I worked in a family-owned restaurant. How about you?Photo Courtesy of Fox.

Would You Ever Open a Restaurant With Your Family?

I work in a restaurant owned by my family.

Yes. I'm very close to my family and think it would be fun to own a restaurant together.

No. I love my family, but could never run a restaurant with them.

Other — fill me in below!

Do You Prefer to Shop at Large or Small Supermarkets?

partysugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:45:59 -0700

Yesterday after reading about how supermarkets are shrinking, I got to thinking about the size of grocery stores. Just because a store is bigger, doesn't always mean it's better: Last Friday my sister went to the super-Safeway to pick up dried garbanzos, and they didn't have any! However, the Mexican specialty store closer to my house carries all kinds of dried beans. I prefer smaller markets that carry quality ingredients, how about you? Source

Do You Prefer to Shop at Large or Small Supermarkets?

Large. I like my grocery stores big!

Small. I prefer a cozy market.

I don't go grocery shopping.

The size of a store does not affect me.

Other — see my opinion below.

Do You Smuggle Food Into Movie Theaters?

YumSugar — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:15:40 -0700

When I made microwave popcorn the other day, it sparked a conversation in the office about sneaking food into movie theaters. Considering the majority of you like to eat popcorn at the movies, I'm wondering how many of you sneak in your popcorn? While I've never done the deed, I have plenty of friends who do, because store-bought popcorn is a fraction of the cost of movie-theater popcorn. I will admit to occasionally having snuck in my own candy and water, though. Fess up: Do you sneak food in, too?

Do You Smuggle Food Into Movie Theaters?

Yes. Theater food's so overpriced!

No. I'd be too afraid to get caught!

Other — see my comments below.

How Do You Like Your Oysters?

YumSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:45:00 -0700

A while back, you told us that you love oysters. We do, too! My favorite way to enjoy them is on the half shell, with a little bit of soy sauce and green onion. I have friends who will only eat cooked oysters, though, and I know a few people who prefer to eat them with no dressing whatsoever. Tell me: how do you eat your oysters?

Would You Rather Eat Oatmeal or Granola?

partysugar — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:30:46 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Eat Oatmeal or Granola?

Oatmeal

Granola

Neither, I prefer _______ (fill in the blank below).

Piglets Salt and Pepper Holders: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 04:00:15 -0700

Like Rachael Ray's garbage bowl, the shape and form of these salt and pepper shakers ($19.95) are instantly recognizable thanks to celebrity chef Nigella Lawson. On her shows, Lawson uses a variety of whimsical and unique cooking tools, such as her mezzaluna or handle-less salad tongs. Naturally all of these products are available to the public at the Food Network store. I like how they're holders rather than shakers, but can't help but wonder if it's all a marketing scheme. Does Nigella really use a similar product in her home? Thoughts?

Piglets Salt and Pepper Holders: Love It or Hate It?

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Do You Eat at Restaurants With Picture Menus?

partysugar — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 06:45:20 -0700

Do You Eat at Restaurants With Picture Menus?

Sure! Why not?

No, something about restaurants with poorly photographed dishes turns me off.

If I can, I avoid them. However, sometimes when traveling it can't be avoided.

I've never been to a restaurant with pictures on the menu.

Is a Hamburger a Sandwich?

YumSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:15:19 -0700

My friends and I often debate this very question. Does the almost universally loved category of sandwich include hamburgers? In many ways, the hamburger has transcended the definition of sandwich; if you are craving a burger, you probably wouldn't say, "I really want a sandwich." But I guess technically, it's still a sandwich. What do you think? Source

Is a Hamburger a Sandwich?

Of course a hamburger is a sandwich!

No. I think "hamburger" has become its own thing.

Hmm . . . I'll have to think about this some more.

Who cares? I just like to eat.

Other — Tell me your take on hamburgers vs. sandwiches below.

What's Your Favorite Kind of Bell Pepper?

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:19:08 -0700

Bell peppers are in season in many parts of the country right now. I picked up some delicious yellow peppers at the farmers market this weekend, though my default is usually red peppers. How about you?Source

What's Your Favorite Kind of Bell Pepper?

Red

Green

Yellow

Orange

It all depends on how I'm eating them.

I don't care for bell peppers in any color.

Other — I'll tell you in a comment below.

Would You Eat These Soda-Flavored Doughnuts?

YumSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 05:27:59 -0700

Last time I went to the store, I spotted these doughnuts in flavors such as Hawaiian Punch, Orange Crush, and Dr Pepper. At first, I was curious and somewhat puzzled: Why would anyone think to pair soda flavors with doughnuts? Ultimately I'm not sure what to think of this concept; I'm inclined to believe that food and beverage companies are running out of novelty ideas. Have you ever come across these doughnuts?

Would You Eat These Soda-Flavored Doughnuts?

Sure — I'll try anything once, and it sounds interesting.

Only if you paid me.

No — I think that looks disgusting!

What Do You Wrap Food In?

partysugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 07:45:19 -0700

Source

What Do You Wrap Food In?

Saran wrap

Aluminum foil

Wax/parchment paper

Plastic baggies

I store food in tupperware.

It depends on the food I am wrapping.

Other — I'll tell how I wrap my food below.

Would You Rather Eat Mussels or Clams?

partysugar — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 01:30:43 -0700

Source

Would You Rather Eat Mussels or Clams?

Mussels please.

Clams por favor.

Ewww, both mussels and clams gross me out.

Please don't make me choose!

Neither — I prefer ______ (shrimp, oysters, etc. Fill in the blank below).

Latte Art: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 04:00:28 -0700

As Starbucks's dominance slips, I hope more people will turn to local coffee shops for their daily caffeine fix. The number one thing I love about my neighborhood cafe, Murano, is that the cappuccinos come with a pretty foam heart. In my opinion, the best coffee drinks are made with love, and latte art of any kind demonstrates a true passion for coffee-making. How about you: Do you appreciate latte art?Source

Latte Art: Love It or Hate It?

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

What Side Do You Enjoy With a Sandwich?

partysugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:45:00 -0700

Source

What's Your Favorite Dive-Bar Snack?

partysugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 06:45:42 -0700

Recently I read an interesting article in 7x7 magazine about the pleasures of dive bars. It got me thinking about dive-bar food. You don't have to admit that you frequent dive bars, but 'fess up: What is your favorite dive bar snack?Source