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Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Patch Picnic —Dessert

partysugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:00:17 -0700

When planning a picnic always select an easy-to-eat, portable dessert. Cakes and pies are a show-stopping finish to a meal, but save those for the dinner party.

Pumpkin seed brittle is an appropriately sweet treat for a picnic at a pumpkin patch. The brittle can be made well in advance and it doesn't matter if it breaks while in transit.

This recipe is also fun to make at a pumpkin carving party: It uses up the pumpkin seeds and guests can take some home as a favor.

To check out the technique behind pumpkin seed brittle,

Adventures in Expensive Sandwiches: 'Wichcraft Anchovy

YumSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:00:13 -0700

On my last adventure in expensive sandwiches, I declared that while I will (in rare cases) pay $10 for a sandwich, it'd better be divinely delicious, pretty hefty, and well assembled. I can especially be persuaded to part with serious dough if the sandwich features somewhat weird ingredients, and this white anchovy and soft-cooked egg sandwich from 'Wichcraft is a far cry from turkey and swiss.I've sampled several sammies at 'Wichcraft, the chain cofounded by Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, and the results have been hit or miss. The slow-roasted pork with red cabbage and jalapeños is divine; the chicken salad is merely ordinary. Obviously, if you hate anchovies, you should probably skip this one, but for the more adventurous, this truly innovative and bold sandwich is worthy of its $8.95 price tag. To find out why, and get the recipe,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Gnocchi With Mushroom Gravy

partysugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 06:45:14 -0700

Gnocchi is not your average midweek meal. Made from scratch, the potato pillows are quite a process. However, if you jazz up a good, store-bought brand with a scrumptious, homemade sauce, no one will know the difference! With three types of mushrooms (porcini, portobello, and shiitake), this rich sauce is delicious but not heavy. Cream and butter are absent; instead the gravy gets its flavor from red wine and tomato paste. To indulge in this dish tonight,

Beef Chili Two Ways — Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 03:00:19 -0700

October is National Chili Month, and beef, with its unmistakably robust flavor, is the classic meat that's used in this dish. Aside from being an enduring crowd-pleaser, beef chili is also affordable to make, portable, and just as great-tasting the next day. The beginner recipe is a quick, effortless weeknight meal, while the expert recipe, developed by celebrity chef and southwestern specialist Bobby Flay, elevates chili to a gourmet level. To try both,

Reader Recipe: Corn and Kielbasa Chowder

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 15:00:11 -0700

I was captivated when I first saw this TeamSugar photo — the potato and meat in the soup look chunky and hearty, and I can just taste the dill on the tip of my tongue. I was too enthralled to even notice that this recipe, with its step-by-step photos, was actually Syako's first attempt at food photography! If you, too, are tempted by the dinner possibility, then

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Patch Picnic — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:15:23 -0700

Every October I look forward to picking out pumpkins. There's a great ranch near my parents house that has a pumpkin patch along with a picnic area and hay rides, so I'm grabbing a group of friends and hosting a picnic at the pumpkin patch! Since we'll be heading out this weekend, I invited everyone by phone.

The menu will be a hearty Fall-themed lunch. I'll start by setting up an assortment of cheeses and fruit. The elements to an autumn greens salad will be packed in separate containers. The greens, apples, and radishes in one, the cheddar frico in another, and the vinaigrette in third.

The salad can be assembled at the picnic table. Thermoses filled with a fragrant ginger, butternut squash soup are perfect for enjoying at the pumpkin patch. For these scrumptious recipes,

Yummy Links: From Jacques Pepin to Parmesan Fondue

partysugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:45:45 -0700

Jacques Pepin on cooking for Obama. — 7x7
Looking for an indoor composting system? Choose one of these composters. — Chow
Learn how to make bacon brownies. — geeksugar
Jazz up your Fall table with adorable paper gourd place cards. — Epi-Log
This year save money by ordering Halloween candy online. — Serious Eats
Four hearty dishes to keep you warm on cool Fall nights. — Bon Appétit
Flex-it measuring cups: love it or hate it? — The Kitchn
Fondue, especially this parmesan fondue with pesto, is great party food. — GlamDish

Source

Fast & Easy Dinner: Fragrant Fish Soup

partysugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 06:45:01 -0700

This interesting recipe combines four elements to make a healthy and balanced meal. Lemony rice, poached fish, steaming broth, and fresh vegetables are layered in deep soup bowls.

If your grocery store doesn't have tilapia, substitute another budget-friendly firm white fish. This dish is also a great way to use leftover fish fillets. Cut the fish into chunks, stir into broth, and simply cook until warmed through. Get the delicious recipe and

Monday's Leftovers: Flash Fajitas

YumSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 07:45:00 -0700

If you've got skirt steak left over in your fridge, transform them into a quick meal for a busy Monday night: fajitas. Not only are skirt steaks the cut of choice for fajitas because of their smoky, deep flavor, but they are also thin enough that they cook extremely quickly. To get this easy, breezy, in-a-jiffy meal onto your table,

Sunday Slow Cooker: Skirt Steak With Cipollini Onions

YumSugar — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

The beef cut known as skirt steak is known for being inexpensive and flavorful. Because it can also be slightly tough, the slow cooker is an excellent choice for cooking it: after being cooked slow and low for seven hours, the meat will be falling-apart tender and juicy. For maximum tenderness, slice the meat against its grain when you're ready to serve it.

This recipe calls for cipollini, small pearl onions. To peel these baby onions easily, just plunge them into boiling water for 15 to 30 seconds, and then shock them afterward in a cold water bath. The skins will slip off when loosened with a knife. Alternatively, if you've got larger onions on hand, slice those thinly into the slow cooker instead. To serve this dish (great alongside simple pasta and veggies!),

Butter-Braised Radishes: An Unexpected Surprise

YumSugar — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Lately I've been drawn to preparing everyday vegetables in unexpected ways: Last week, I wrote about turnips and the spicy quality they take on when served raw in a salad. Likewise, when I saw a recipe for braised radishes, I couldn't wait to try it. Unlike turnips, which are often found simmering in stews, radishes are typically served raw in salads or as crudités. However, the fuschia-hued root vegetable is delicious when cooked. After braising these radishes, they tasted and looked liked red-skinned potatoes, with a blush-colored skin, a soft, waxy texture, and a mellow flavor.

Radishes, when sautéed with a little butter and quick-braised, are as comforting to eat as potatoes, but they require a fraction of the labor and have none of the heaviness of a serious starch. To get the recipe for this surprisingly stunning dish,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata

partysugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 09:15:00 -0700

Today is world egg day, and to celebrate we should have eggs for dinner. For some crazy reason, the majority of Americans associate eggs with breakfast, but the incredible, edible egg can make a delicious dinner dish.

For example, the fashionable Italian frittata is a scrumptious meal. In this variation, goat cheese adds a delicate creaminess that pairs perfectly with the snap of the red pepper. To honor the egg, get the recipe and

Five Wholesome Pork Dishes

YumSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:30:00 -0700

From bacon to egg rolls and sausages to smoked ham, pork is crucial to so many of the things we eat. That's why we're celebrating National Pork Month. To celebrate, take a cue from one of these five ways to prepare succulent, flavorful pork.

Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:30:17 -0700

At a baby shower, it's incredibly important to have a nonalcholic specialty drink. That way the mother-to-be can join in the festivities. For Denise's baby shower brunch, I'll offer guests mimosas and spiced pomegranate sparklers.

The concoction is made with a cinnamon-spiced pomegranate juice and sparkling water. Do take the time to make the garnish — frozen whole cranberries — because it's a lovely addition to the drink.

Also have an assortment of juice, coffee, and tea on hand. To get the refreshing recipe to the sparkling mocktail,

The Amazing Rice: Cilantro-Lime Rice

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:15:52 -0700

In many cases, white rice is served alongside a saucy dish. When this happens, the rice is normally overlooked. However, white rice doesn't have to be boring, it can be delicious! Especially if you jazz it up with a simple stir-in of cilantro and lime juice. This recipe is incredibly easy — almost as uncomplicated as making white rice. Cilantro, garlic, and lime juice is blended with olive oil before being mixed into the cooked rice. If you don't like cilantro, get creative, white rice would be divine with a basil-lemon or parsley-orange oil folded in. To learn the technique,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Baked Potatoes With Spicy Vegetable Stew

partysugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 07:45:29 -0700

Baked potatoes are totally underrated, and for some reason they've got a bad rap. It's time we gave the stuffed potato some love. Instead of topping them with cheese and sour cream, these baked potatoes are filled with a spicy vegetable stew making them an entire delicious meal. The stew consists of black beans, carrots, zucchini, and squash, but feel free to stir in your favorite vegetables, or use the stew to top baked sweet potatoes.

To bring the baked potato back into your life,

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,

'Wich of the Week: Fall Gouda-ness Grilled Cheese

YumSugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:00:39 -0700

When the produce bins brim with Fall bounty, I love to swap out the tomatoes on my sammies for sliced apple. Together with melted cheese, the slightly sweet, slightly tart fruit makes for a hearty autumnal meal.

Though apple and cheddar is always a safe bet, last night I whipped up a grilled ham and cheese with one of my favorite indulgences: smoked gouda. With the condiments, I created two versions: one with just sweet mustard and another with mustard and Branston Pickle relish. I actually preferred the robust, saltier sandwich with the Branston, but if you don't like (or can't find) this popular British spread, sweet mustard will do just fine. For vegetarians, just subtract the ham. To get the recipe and see how I made it,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Margherita Pizza

partysugar — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:45:52 -0700

Sometimes the simplest of dishes can be the most rewarding. Take the classic margherita pizza, for example. With its crispy crust, fresh tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, it's far from complex, yet it's probably the world's most well-known pizza!

It's the perfect comfort food for a busy Wednesday evening, especially when topped with slivers of prosciutto and a shower of arugula. To treat yourself to this lovely pizza tonight,

Come Party With Me: Baby Shower — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 09:00:09 -0700

When hosting a baby shower, be sure to consult the mother-to-be before selecting a menu. Her appetite may have changed, so ask her what she wants to enjoy at the party. My pal Denise has requested a delicious spread of savory brunch dishes. Thus the menu will consist of a crisp breakfast pizza made with hash browns and two types of cheese, home fries with peppers and onions, and crunchy slices of fried bacon. The pizza recipe calls for sausage, but I'll make a couple pork-less pies for the vegetarians in attendance.

Supplement the homemade items with easy, grocery store additions. Fresh fruit, plain yogurt, and an assortment of breads are delightful finishing touches. To experiment with these mouth-watering breakfast recipes,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Tetrazzini

partysugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 06:45:15 -0700

If you're short on time, this recipe is for you. Not because it's super quick, but because it makes enough food for two whole meals! You can enjoy some tonight and freeze the rest for later.

With its savory rotisserie chicken and creamy Parmesan wine sauce, this classic baked pasta dish is rich and rewarding. To learn how it's made,

Stuffed Chard Lamb is Delicious for Dinner

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:15:18 -0700

Whenever I take a trip to the store, a couple of items that aren't on my grocery list make their way into my cart. When I spotted a California-raised lamb shoulder at the meat counter, I couldn't stop myself from sliding it into the shopping cart.

I was eager to experiment with lamb because of a recent disappointing experience with imported Australian lamb. Ironically, I found an Australian recipe that I decided to try. If I made it with a local piece of meat, the dish might taste better.

And taste better it did! The lamb is filled with a rich stuffing of eggplant, onions, bell pepper, wine-soaked dried currants, and toasted pine nuts. The bold flavor of the lamb balances out the sweetness of the stuffing and the bitterness of the chard resulting in a dish that is succulent and scrumptious. To try this rewarding lamb dish,

Monday's Leftovers: Roasted Vegetable Panzanella

YumSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 06:45:13 -0700

This all-purpose recipe is a practical rendition of the traditional Italian bread salad. If you have leftover beans or vegetables to use, or vegetables you want to showcase from your backyard, then this panzanella is perfect for you.

Here's a great tip I learned from my bread purveyor: Use a quality baguette that's a day old, as stale bread makes for crustier panzanella than fresh bread does.

To get the recipe,

Sunday Slow Cooker: Vegetable Casserole

YumSugar — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 06:00:00 -0700

This casserole of polenta and vegetables uses canned beans and store-bought pesto to cut down on preparation time, but the slow cooker does all the hard work.

The recipe calls for an Italian cheese blend and specific vegetables, but feel free to mix things up with an American or Mexican cheese blend and different beans and vegetables, if you like.

To learn more about this easy-to-make, one-pot meal,

Killer App: Grape Goat Cheese Crostini

partysugar — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 08:00:17 -0700

I have a weakness for crostini. I simply can't get enough of the thin, crisp toasts with savory toppings. Since I jump at the chance to try a new variation, I recently made this easy, vegetarian crostini recipe. The ingredients are ordinary — baguette, grapes, and goat cheese — but the results are divinely delicious. The superb balance between the crunchy bread, juicy grapes, and creamy goat cheese is rich and luxurious. This dish proves that simple food can be incredibly satisfying — especially if served with a glass of bubbly on the side! To learn how to make this killer appetizer,

Happy Hour: Sweeney (Hottie) Toddy

partysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:00:02 -0700

Now that Fall is here we can start to think about cold-weather cocktails, especially the warming toddy. With its burnt orange color, caramelized sugar rim, and creative name, this modern variation of the classic drink is not your grandmother's nightcap. Made with rum and Canton Ginger Liquor, it's delicious and surprisingly easy to drink. Created especially for my birthday party, by superstar bartender Aaron Smith, of 15 Romolo, the Sweeney (Hottie) Toddy is also a wonderful concoction for a Halloween party. Lighting the glass on fire to caramelize the rim makes for a fabulous party trick! Learn how it's done and

Fast & Easy Dinner: Sauteed Pork and Pear Salad

partysugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:30:09 -0700

A great thing about Fall fruits, specifically pears, is that they can be used as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. In this case, the pears are a crisp addition to a scrumptious salad. The classic pairing is pork and apples, but pears complement the peppered protein as nicely as their crunchy counterpart. A drizzle of a quick honey-mustard sauce finishes off this hearty and delicious dish. To start your weekend with this salad,

Simple and Hearty Sauerkraut With Sausages

YumSugar — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 03:00:44 -0700

I wasn't able to celebrate Oktoberfest in Munich this year, but I still wanted to bring the holiday's festivities to my home. I wound up making a German-inspired dish with sauerkraut, smoked sausage, and beer. Even though I used smoked beef sausage, you could easily use knockwurst, bratwurst, kielbasa, or any other sausage link. For a sweeter edge, add a few tablespoons of brown sugar into the mix (I prefer savory dishes, so I left this out). Best of all, the rest of the beer is yours to drink while making it! To get the basic, no-brainer recipe,

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 12:30:33 -0700

A lot of manly men will be attending my hoedown so I've decided to get a keg of beer. When selecting a keg, choose a versatile, easy-to-drink beer that's neither high- or lowbrow. I've ordered a keg of Lagunitas, an IPA native to my hometown.

For the ladies, offer a spicy rum punch. Made with a spiced sugar syrup, rum, and fresh lemon and orange juices, this punch is refreshing and potent.

Of course, water, soda, and wine are always good to have on hand at any event, so stock up on those as well. Get the punch recipe when you

Fast & Easy Dinner: Polenta With Chard

partysugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 07:45:30 -0700

A member of the beet family, Swiss chard is a dark, leafy green that's in season now. Chard's somewhat bitter taste can be neutralized by cooking.

In this vegetarian recipe, chard, the stellar ingredient, is sautéed with garlic. Placed on a bed of creamy polenta and topped with tangy blue cheese, this dish is filling and soothing. Bring Fall into your kitchen with this recipe when you

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

'Wich of the Week: Fish and Farm Baguette

YumSugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:00:42 -0700

Faced with some random farmers market booty a few weeks back, I ended up inventing a rather out-there sandwich that may just be one of my favorite creations since I started this series. This pile of goodness combines quick stir-fried veggies with orange roughy fillets baked in a parchment paper pouch — or, in my case, a paper bag since I was out of parchment. Either one works equally well.I used zucchini, leeks, and peppers to take advantage of what's in season, plus some enormous trumpet mushrooms I couldn't resist buying. But you could easily adapt the veggies on this 'wich to correspond with the changing seasons. The sweet marinade for the fish reminded me of a delicious sea bass, and the Asian flavors played well off of the simple baguette. To see how I made this easy but surprising sandwich,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Penne With Butternut Squash

partysugar — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 06:45:17 -0700

Fall produce week continues, and today's featured ingredient is the beloved butternut squash. Although it has a thick skin, squash flesh roasts in a high-heat oven in less than 20 minutes.

Tossed with pasta, sage, and a creamy mascarpone sauce, this dish is decadent and delicious. If you are a vegetarian, simply omit the ham.

Look at this luxurious recipe when you

Come Party With Me: Hoedown — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:15:18 -0700

At a barn shindig, serve a hearty meal with plenty of napkins to mop up the finger-licking good eats.

Start the meal off with a spicy appetizer in the form of shrimp with barbecue seasonings. Slow-cooked beef brisket is a savory, smoky, and scrumptious entree. It's also the perfect cut of meat to affordably feed a crowd.

Classic cowboy sides — barbecue "baked beans" and crisp apple coleslaw — round out the mouthwatering menu. To look at these recipes,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Broccoli Soup With Cheddar Toasts

partysugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:45:15 -0700

Although broccoli can be found year-round, it's actually in season during the Fall. Take advantage of the crisp, green vegetable with this upscale variation of the classic broccoli and cheddar combination.

The delicious and well-seasoned puree makes for a healthy yet comforting meal. Topped with crisp cheddar toasts, this soup is elegant enough to entertain with. Get the recipe and

Green Spaghetti and Meatballs

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:15:50 -0700

If you're in the mood for a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, but want something other than a traditional tomato sauce, I highly recommend this creamy pesto dish! A tasty blend of bread and seasoning, the meatballs that dot the pasta are scrumptious with the perfect texture.Both the pesto and meatballs are simple to make, but do require time. The best thing about this recipe is it makes a lot, so save some for a later date. The cream-less pesto keeps for up to 3 weeks in the fridge. The finished meatballs keep in the freezer for up to 2 months and are easily reheated in a pan with a small amount of olive oil to make crispy.

Not only did I enjoy this as a main course, but also a few days later as a delicious appetizer: The meatballs are great with the creamy pesto sauce as dip. To make your own green spaghetti and meatballs,

Happy Hour: Buzzy Navel

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:01:05 -0700

This past weekend might have been the last seriously warm Saturday of the year. To celebrate, I mixed myself a fruity refreshment.

The Buzzy Navel, as it's called, is closely related to a perennial favorite, the Fuzzy Navel. The primary distinction? It includes a surprise element of beer, which alters the taste of the cocktail, mellowing out the hot flavors of hard liquor and adding a lingering, malty finish.

When I mixed my Buzzy Navel, I tweaked the recipe to my own liking, adding an extra 1/3 ounce of beer and omitting the ice. You can do the same when you

Monday's Leftovers: Roasted Chicken With Fall Fruit Salsa

YumSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:15:01 -0700

Lately, I've been stocking up on all the great-looking Fall produce that's at the farmer's market, but sometimes I run out of creative ideas for cooking with it. This entrée is just the solution to my quandary, as it incorporates a flavorful topping with in-season fruits. It's also perfect if you have chicken thighs on hand. To get the hassle-free recipe,

Sunday Slow Cooker: Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

YumSugar — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 06:00:19 -0700

Now that Summer's winding down and Fall is officially here, I'll be featuring a new series called Sunday Slow Cooker, with a set of easy-to-make one-pot recipes.

Today's hearty recipe calls for sweet potatoes and slow-cooked chicken thighs that'll be falling-off-the-bone tender by the time you return to the crockpot hours later. Alternatively, you can opt for thighs that have already been de-boned, or even boneless, skinless chicken breast. To get this Fall recipe,

Smooth and Creamy Homemade Hummus

partysugar — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 08:00:57 -0700

Although I've made hummus with canned garbanzo beans a bunch of times, recently, I decided to experiment with a dried variety. The resulting hummus was delicious and incredibly rich with a perfect texture. Using the dried beans seemed to make it fuller and more luxurious than other any other hummus. You do, however, need to let the beans soak overnight, so don't wait until the last minute to make the puree. Served with crisp pita chips, this hummus was a scrumptious start to a Mediterranean meal. To look at the recipe,

Let's Dish: What Family Recipe Did You Love to Eat as a Kid?

YumSugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 11:45:04 -0700

Growing up, there were a few dishes that my dad cooked, and one of them was an item that my mother taught him to make: almond tofu. In retrospect, the quasi-traditional Chinese dessert, which actually contains no tofu, sounds like it came right out of a 1970s recipe book, as it was simply canned fruit syrup, cubes of almond-flavored gelatin, and pieces of canned peaches, pears, and — my favorite — cherries. But back then, whenever Dad made that dish, my heart (and stomach) would do a little dance inside.

As an adult, I crave my father's barbecue: I make a special request for it every time I fly home. (I suppose canned fruit no longer makes my stomach flitter the way it once did.) What special dish requests do you make of your family? Growing up, was there a certain thing that you were always excited to eat?

Source

Fast & Easy Dinner: Vietnamese-Style Beef and Noodle Broth

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 09:15:42 -0700

Ward off the early Fall chill with a steaming bowl of this scrumptious soup. It's perfect for a Friday night — all you have to do is drop the ingredients in a pot. Crunchy bean sprouts and fresh, fragrant basil finish off the soup. To add more heat, serve with a spicy Asian sauce. Learn how to make this dish when you

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:30:53 -0700

When one hears the words "tailgate" and "drinks," the first thing that comes to mind is beer. And lots of it. At my tailgate, I'll supply guests with a selection of cold brews and an updated version of the shandy, a classic beer cocktail. Tailgates always get a little rowdy, so I won't serve hard alcohol.

It's a good idea to have sodas, water, and a couple bottles of chilled white wine on hand. Before heading to the stadium, don't forget to stock up on ice. There's nothing worse than warm beer on a hot afternoon. To look at the refreshing recipe for the beer cocktail — at my party it will be poured into Cal cups! —

The Amazing Rice: Indian Rice With Red Lentils

partysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:30:43 -0700

Like David Chang, I believe this year is all about rice. It's a delicious and ancient staple consumed by more than half the world's population. There are more than 7,000 varieties of rice and countless cultural preparations, so I've decided it's time to race around the world in the comforts of my own kitchen. Naturally I'm inviting you to join me on my rice adventures as I travel the globe experimenting with risotto, sushi, gumbo, and everything in between. To get things started, let's head to India with this rice and lentils with raita. It's healthy, fast, and delicious. Learn how I made it and

Fast & Easy Dinner: Frisée With Potatoes and Eggs

partysugar — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:45:56 -0700

Eating this uncomplicated, vegetarian meal is like taking a trip to the French countryside. With its crisp potatoes and oozing egg, this salad is simple, elegant, and pure deliciousness. Feel free to substitute your favorite green for the frisée. Serve with rustic, crusty bread and a French white wine for an enlightening experience.

To look at the recipe — which also makes a beautiful brunch —

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,

'Wich of the Week: Peanut Butter and Jelly Waffle 'Wich

YumSugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 14:00:51 -0700

Last weekend I was struck by a very intense craving for one of my nostalgic childhood foods, so I hightailed it to the grocery store to buy some frozen waffles. I've said before that some of the best sandwiches evoke memories, and this recipe goes back when I was maybe 7 or 8, and my mom fixed me some waffles before realizing we were out of syrup. She improvised to make this sandwich, and "peanut butter and jelly waffles" soon became one of my favorite meals.Like the nonwaffly version, this PB&J is very easy to make and can inspire countless variations: almond instead of peanut butter, different flavors of waffles or even waffles from scratch, honey in place of jelly, Elvis-style with bananas, and on and on. To see what I did,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Salsa Fish

partysugar — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:45:59 -0700

Fish and couscous are two simple ingredients that, when paired together, make a very quick meal. The couscous takes a mere five minutes to cook and the fish requires about 10 under the broiler.

Although the ingredient list calls for store-bought salsa, if you have time, make it fresh! This recipe is versatile, balanced, and delicious. Get it now and

Come Party With Me: Tailgate — Menu

partysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:00:57 -0700

Can you dip it? If you are coming to my football tailgate you better be able to, because the entire menu consists of dips! I'll have a smorgasbord of delectable dips and equally delicious dippers. With four different types of dip, there is something for everyone. Vegetarians will enjoy sweet potato chips with caramelized onion dip. Classical eaters will love the crudités with ranch dip. Carnivores will savor chili-lime fried chicken wings with honey lime dip. Cheese fiends will go ga-ga for fontina-gorgonzola fonduta.

To serve these football-friendly recipes at your tailgate,

Fast & Easy Dinner: Chicken Picadillo

partysugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:45:36 -0700

A traditional picadillo usually consists of ground beef or pork, but in this easy variation, chicken tenders are featured. The quick-cooking protein is sautéed with onions, garlic, and cumin.

At this point the recipe adds in raisins and olives, but any vegetable mixture would be delicious. The finished dish is served in warmed tortillas. To learn how to make this south of the border crowd-pleaser,