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Killer Apps: Clams Casino

partysugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:00:38 -0800

Although appetizers aren't the first thing that come to mind when one thinks of Thanksgiving dinner, I like to give my family something to nibble on while they wait for the big meal. Usually I serve a luxurious bite like crab cakes or baked brie with mushrooms. This year, I'm offering a classic seafood crowd-pleaser, clams casino.

Even my mom, who's not into clams, enjoys these savory, finger-licking-good, bacon-and-shallot-topped clams. They can be assembled in the morning and baked later, making them ideal for an event like Thanksgiving. These delicious clams are also an excellent addition to a cocktail party menu, so bookmark the recipe now

Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms Two Ways - Beginner and Expert

YumSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:50:53 -0700

Rustic, woodsy cremini mushrooms are the perfect flavor this time of year, and they make a killer app for gatherings big and small - especially when combined with the nuttiness of aged, hard Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.

Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned expert, stuffed mushrooms are an ideal start to any meal, and many versions are vegetarian! Keep it simple by baking 'shroom caps with a cold cheese mixture, or opt for a more sophisticated variation by making your own breadcrumbs, then adding sautéed vegetables into the stuffing before sticking the bites into the oven. Interested? Then keep reading.

Celebrities and Chefs Converge at New York Food Festival

YumSugar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:40:43 -0700

This past weekend, Food Network's famous hosts, New York's foremost chefs, and other celebrated figures came together to attend the New York City Wine and Food Festival.

The four-day event was chock-full of demos, discussions, and, of course, parties. Food Network favorite Giada De Laurentiis and actress Alicia Silverstone signed copies of their books. Former President Bill Clinton, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Rachael Ray talked about tackling childhood obesity. Everyone, including fellow network stars Guy Fieri and Giada De Laurentiis, turned out for the biggest event of the festival, Rachael Ray's Burger Bash.

Want to know who else was there - and who took top honors at the Burger Bash? Find out when you keep reading.

Rachael Ray, Ina Garten Nab Daytime Emmys

YumSugar — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:00:22 -0700

Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay, and Ina Garten took home top honors at the 36th Annual Daytime Emmys on Saturday night.

For the second year in a row, Rachael Ray won the outstanding talk-show prize for Rachael Ray, her daytime TV spot. Grill It! With Bobby Flay took home the award for best culinary program, beating out Barefoot Contessa, Giada at Home, Gourmet's Diary of a Foodie, and Simply Ming. But Ina Garten had her time to shine, too, prevailing with the award of outstanding lifestyle host for Barefoot, an honor bestowed on Giada De Laurentiis last year for her show, Everyday Italian.

But Giada De Laurentiis didn't go home empty-handed, either. Her newest project, Giada at Home, won for directing in a lifestyle program. Food Network's only Susan Lucci of the bunch? Sandra Lee, who lost both her nods - one in outstanding achievement in hairstyling and the other for makeup - to The View. Judging by her ultrapolished, Barbie-esque look at the awards, however, perhaps the Academy should reassess. Are you surprised to hear who the winners are?

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Giada De Laurentiis: Love Her or Leave Her?

partysugar — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 04:00:03 -0700

While taking a look back at Giada De Laurentiis's culinary career, I realized how much I respect her.

I know some people think she's just a bobble head who bares all, but I happen to enjoy her show, Giada at Home and more importantly, I love her recipes! They are reliable, delicious, easy to follow, and make for some wonderful everyday Italian food.

Since today is her birthday tell me, how do you feel about the Food Network star?

Giada: From Pretty Cook to Full-Blown Celebrity Chef

YumSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:50:24 -0700

Regardless of whether you think she hosts the best Italian cooking show, Giada De Laurentiis has made a tremendous mark on home cooking in America. Over the years, Giada's evolved from fresh-faced home caterer to full-blown celebrity TV personality - and tomorrow, the Food Network star turns 39 years young. To pay tribute to her influence, I thought I'd show you a glimpse of her best moments over the years. Check it out when you keep reading.

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The Basics: Pesto

partysugar — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:15:17 -0700

When basil is in season, I can't make enough pesto. The classic Italian sauce native to Genoa tastes delicious on everything from pasta to pizza to grilled fish. It's excellent stirred into salads or slathered on sandwich bread. Although store-made pesto is widely available, it's easy to make. Pesto is simply an uncooked paste consisting of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It can be made with a mortar and pestle or in a food processor. Once you have mastered the basic recipe, you can get creative with other herb, nut, and cheese combinations. To learn the basic technique, read more.

Pesto
From Giada De Laurentiis

Ingredients

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1 garlic clove, peeled
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1/2 to 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan

Directions

In a blender or food processor, pulse the basil, pine nuts, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper until finely chopped.
With the machine running, slowly add the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and thick consistency. Add the Parmesan and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Makes 1-1 1/2 cups.

Print recipe with images | without images

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Meryl and Amy Cook Up a Premiere of Julie and Julia

PopSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:30:00 -0700

Amy Adams and Meryl Streep posed side by side at the LA premiere of Julie and Julia last night. Ashley Greene looked hot all glammed up after her trip to Comic-Con while Chuck's Yvonne Strahovski went for a fresh-faced look. The food-centered film will hit theaters on Aug. 7, and we're getting hungry just thinking about all the delicious recipes.

To see a lot more photos including Jane Lynch and Maria Menounos, just read more.

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Images include: Amy Adams, Ashley Greene, Chris Messina, Giada De Laurentiis, Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Meryl Streep, Maria Menunos, Yvonne Strahovski, Kaitlin Olson, Rob McElhenney

Trend Alert: Light, (Almost) White Nail Polish

BellaSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:05:56 -0700

With the matte nail trend going full force, it's all about polishes with white, off-white, and nearly white tones. While it has the low-shine finish that's so very of-the-moment, it's not a chalky, dull look, but it's not an overly sheer or glossy look, either.

The always-fashionable Gwen Stefani has been spotted wearing a more opaque version during her current tour with No Doubt, and other celebrities, such as Paris Hilton, Rachel Zoe, and Molly Sims, have taken part - each with her own twist on the trend.

To get the look, try Essie Nail Polish in Blanc ($8), a snowy white; OPI Nail Polish in Alpine Snow, a matte white; or make your own light polish into a matte one with Essie's Matte About You ($10). See more celebrities who have worn variations of this white/almost-white trend below.

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Come Party With Me: Annabelle's Birthday - Desserts

partysugar — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:45:03 -0700

To celebrate her fourth birthday, FabSugar and her Frenchie, Annabelle, are going to make dog-friendly cupcakes. Annabelle loves to cook, so they'll be using Francesca and Sharkey's (Martha Stewart's Frenchies) recipe. The cupcakes are a mixture of ground, dried dog food, carrots, and peas. For the people in attendance, Fab's mom is taking a tip from Giada de Laurentiis and will be putting together a gelato bar!

She'll make a simple chocolate sauce and freshly whipped cream. Then she'll set out an assortment of toppings like chopped nuts, peanut butter chips, and rainbow sprinkles. The guests can make a sundae to their liking. Sound fun? Get the recipe.