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The Perfect Scoop of Strawberry Sorbet

YumSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 15:45:18 -0700

I've had this great book, The Perfect Scoop by David Lebovitz, on my desk for a few weeks now. I've been drooling over it every day, but it was either too cold for ice cream, or the ice cream machine wasn't ready, or I was just too lazy. Lucky for me, I saw that Eat Drink Live was hosting a sorbet challenge and it was enough inspiration to whip up a batch of David's strawberry sorbet. The result was a delicious sweet treat with just the right amount of tartness. The best part was that it came together with very little effort. In fact, it was so easy, I decided to make an alternate version with balsamic vinegar and basil added in. If you've never made your own sorbet, stop reading and start creating! But first you're going to need the recipe. To check it out, read more

Strawberry Sorbet
Reprinted with permission from The Perfect Scoop: Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, and Sweet Accompaniments by David Lebovitz. Copyright 2007. Published by Ten Speed Press.

1 pound (450 g) fresh strawberries, rinsed & hulled
3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
1 tsp kirsch (optional)
1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
pinch of salt

Makes about 3 cups (750 ml)

Slice the strawberries and toss them in a medium bowl with the sugar and kirsch, if using, stirring until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Cover and let stand for 1 hour, stirring every so often.
Purée the strawberries and their liquid with the lemon juice and salt in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Press the mixture through a strainer to remove seeds if you wish. [I decided to leave them].
Chill the mixture thoroughly, then freeze it in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Enjoy!

Variation: I decided to go ahead and make a 2nd batch of my own variation. In Step 1 I substituted kirsch with 1 tbsp of good quality balsamic vinegar and added 4 large leafs of chiffonaded basil. I also omitted the lemon juice in step 3. The result was a refreshing strawberry balsamic basil treat. To me it tasted like summer, although Jimmy thought the basil was overpowering and the balsamic vinegar not prominent enough. I guess next time I'll add less basil and more balsamic, but I was really happy with my results!

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Get Alicia's Popping Pink Lips and Rosy Cheeks From the VMAs

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 14:45:00 -0700

With descriptions like "impeccable" and "chic" in the comments section of my love it or hate it poll for Alicia Keys, it was obvious you were feeling her 2009 MTV VMAs style. Celebrity makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff created the flattering look using Mary Kay products. You know I'm all about the basics, and for just under $25, you can have the same exact cheeks and lips palette Alicia wore last night. Since the lips are such a focal point of any singer's performance, Sheriff wanted to make Alicia's lips pop, but not at the expense of making them look unnatural. To achieve that goal, she used NouriShine Lip Gloss in Melon Sorbet ($13). To complement the palette, Sheriff opted for a rosy shade - Mineral Cheek Color in Strawberry Cream ($10).

Ben & Jerry's Breakdown

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:30:00 -0700

I love ice cream just about anytime of the year, but there's nothing more satisfying than spooning down some cold ice cream on a hot summer's day.

We all know that Ben & Jerry's ice cream is totally rich and decadent, and not exactly the healthiest thing on the planet. That's why it's great to know that they make healthier alternatives like Frozen Yogurt, Lighten Up (light ice cream and frozen yogurt with less fat, sugar, and calories), and Sorbets.

Want to check out the nutritional info for these delicious summer treats? Then read more

1/2 cup (1/4 of the pint)	Calories	Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough	270	15	65	32	24	4
Cherry Garcia	250	14	60	26	22	4
Americone Dream	280	15	60	32	24	4
Mint Chocolate Chunk	270	17	65	26	24	4
Half Baked	280	14	50	34	26	5
Peanut Butter Cup	360	26	60	27	23	7
Vanilla Heath Bar Crunch	290	18	65	29	27	4
Chocolate Fudge Brownie	260	13	35	32	25	5
Butter Pecan	280	21	65	20	18	4
Creme Brulee	310	17	90	36	31	4
Karamel Sutra	270	14	50	32	27	4
Organic Strawberry	210	12	55	21	19	3
Organic Vanilla	220	14	65	18	16	3
Organic Sweet Cream & Cookies	250	15	60	18	19	4

I have to say that although those contain a ton of fat, cholesterol, and calories, I think they are totally worth it! Of course, I wouldn't eat them everyday, so here's a breakdown of Ben & Jerry's healthier options:

1/2 cup (1/4 of the pint)	Calories	Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Carbs (g)	Sugars (g)	Protein (g)
Phish Food Low Fat Ice Cream	210	6	25	37	23	4
Strawberries & Cream Low Fat Ice Cream	150	2.5	25	29	24	3
Raspberry Chocolate Chunk Low Fat Ice Cream	180	5	25	32	24	3
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Low Fat Ice Cream	200	6	35	35	24	4
Half Baked Low Fat Frozen Yogurt	180	3	20	35	23	4
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Low Fat Frozen Yogurt	170	2.5	15	34	23	5
Cherry Garcia Low Fat Frozen Yogurt	160	3	15	31	20	4
Berried Treasure Sorbet	110	0	0	29	24	0
Jamaican Me Crazy Sorbet	130	0	0	33	28	0
Strawberry Kiwi Swirl Sorbet	110	0	0	28	24	0

Sunday Giveaway! Philosophy Classic Cookbook

BellaSugar — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:30:00 -0800

Do you enjoy treats and baked goods, but hate thinking about all the extra calories? Well, thanks to our pals over at Sephora, you'll have your cake and eat it too, if you're chosen winner of this fun set.

For today, we're giving away the Philosophy Classic Cookbook, a collection of sweet-smelling shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath trios. This unconventional cookbook collection includes fun flavors such as: Strawberry Milkshake, Red Velvet Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Senorita Margarita, Coconut Frosting, Cinnamon Buns, Double Rich Hot Cocoa, Raspberry Sorbet, Vanilla Birthday Cake, and Melon Daiquiri. It even includes real recipes, too - in case your sweet tooth needs a fix.

To enter, just take the quiz by 5 p.m. PST today, and one winner will be selected at random. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just on taking the quiz after you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member to enter. So if you're not already one, register for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored. Prizes can be shipped to US destinations only. Remember: You must be logged in to TeamSugar for your entry to count. For the complete rules, click here. Good luck!

Take the quiz

Saturday Giveaway! Philosophy Classic Cookbook

BellaSugar — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 23:30:00 -0800

For today, we're giving away the Philosophy Classic Cookbook, a collection of sweet-smelling shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath trios. This unconventional cookbook kit includes fun flavors such as: Strawberry Milkshake, Red Velvet Cake, Pumpkin Pie, Senorita Margarita, Coconut Frosting, Cinnamon Buns, Double Rich Hot Cocoa, Raspberry Sorbet, Vanilla Birthday Cake, and Melon Daiquiri. It even includes real recipes, too - in case your sweet tooth needs a fix.

Take the quiz

Product Review: Philosophy Raspberry Sorbet

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 10:00:58 -0800

Philosophy first came out with a Strawberry Milkshake 3-in-1 Cleanser - and all the boys came to the yard. Now with the release of the Raspberry Sorbet version ($16), I can barely keep the boys from banging down my door!

Ahh, if only this were really the case. But seeing as all jokes stem from a little bit of truth I'll have you know that after a few showers with my Raspberry Sorbet (sing along with me and Prince!) my beau has commented on how lovely I smell.

What I like about this sweet smelling shower gel, shampoo and bubble bath is that it leaves my skin feeling silky. The scent isn't overpowering, but it lingers just enough that you can skip wearing perfume if you like. I've also used it to shave my legs, and because it lathers well, it prevents nicks.

The downside: I wish that I could be more positive in my shampoo review. Although it claims to "smooth and condition the hair," mine needed heavy-duty conditioning to soften and detangle after just one use. That's not to say that those of you with oily hair won't like it, but anyone with semi dry to dry hair will appreciate the warning. After trying this and Amazing Grace, I think it's safe to say that Philosophy's three-in-one products work best when you don't use them as shampoos.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

Today is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's

FitSugar — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

OK, so if you didn't already know, my friend Yum reminded me that today is Free Cone Day at participating Ben & Jerry's ice cream shops!!!. Get there between 12 and 8pm today and get yourself a free ice cream cone.

I know it seems weird for me to be telling you this, considering Ben & Jerry's isn't exactly healthy for you, but you know how I feel about moderation -their scrumptious ice cream flavors are definitely worth experiencing.

Choose from their many delicious ice cream flavors (watch out - these will run about 8-23 grams of fat per 1/2 cup serving), or go for their light and fruity Sorbets. Check out Berried Treasure, Jamaican Me Crazy, or my fave, Strawberry Kiwi. These Sorbets have 130 calories or less per 1/2 cup serving, 0mg no cholesterol, and no fat whatsoever. Now that's a treat you can indulge in.

Since Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd, I thought you'd like to know that Ben & Jerry's is an extremely environmentally conscious company, supporting the fight against global warming. Want to know how? Then read more

They teamed up with the Dave Matthews Band and SaveOurEnvironment.org (a coalition of 20 of the nation's largest and most respected environmental advocacy groups) and concocted the flavor: Dave Matthews Band Magic Brownies. A portion of every sale of this flavor goes to help global warming initiatives.

On the Ben & Jerry's website, they also give you tips on how to reduce your carbon pollution and have a guide to help you learn more about global warming, our impacts, and how we can help fight against it.

Ben & Jerry's also uses packaging made with unbleached paper called Eco-Pints (that's why they're brown instead of white). These pints are filled with ice cream made from milk supplied by sustainable dairy farms.

They also have flavors made with Certified Fair Trade ingredients: Coffee Coffee Buzz Buzz Buzz, Coffee Heath Bar Crunch, Coffee, and newly introduced Fair Trade Certified Vanilla and Chocolate.

Now when you enjoy your tasty free cone, you can also feel good about supporting this company. Ben & Jerry's is good for your taste buds and good for the Earth!

Wrigley to Consumers: We're Getting a Facelift! New Flavors, Too!

YumSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 15:28:31 -0700

Call me old-fashioned, but I enjoy the little five-stick packs of gum. They're small and easy to carry, and apparently, on their way out. Yep, they're going the way of the dinosaur thanks to a new move by the Wrigley company. Instead of the simple five-stick rectangular packs, consumers will now be able to purchase sleek and slim envelopes of gum. The slimmer design is part of an effort to revive poor US sales. The packaging has been designed to attract teens and young adults - the folks who chew the most gum.

In addition to new packaging, they're also enhancing the flavors of their gum. The Doublemint, Juicy Fruit, Big Red, and Extra lines are all going to be reformulated to include "significant flavor improvements." They also plan on releasing a new line of gum called Fruit Sensations. The flavors will include Strawberry Banana, Berry Pearadise, Island Cooler, and Sweet Watermelon.

Meanwhile, their Orbit line - which is already slim packed and a hit with consumers - will also get a few new flavors including Sangria Fresca, Fabulous Fruitini, and Fruit Sorbet.

So tell me, do the new flavors interest you? How about the new packaging? Will it sway your gum-buying habits?

Source

More Tinted Lip Balms!

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 09:00:22 -0700

When good ol' Bonne Bell just doesn't seem sophisticated enough to whip out during your morning meeting, you can wow everyone with these designer tinted lip balms. These are perfect for the minimalist who is looking for an ultra-sheer wash of color without having to deal with any ooey-gooey-ness whatsoever.

Yves Saint Laurent Tinted Lip Balm ($23) is a new, slightly tinted, creamy lip balm that contains SPF 10 to protect lips from the sun. It is also enhanced with a fruity scent and flavor that makes your mouth perfect for summer lovin'! It's available in five shades: blackcurrant sorbet, love apple, rose cordial, sparkling praline, strawberry shake and toffee.

For two more tinted lip balms read more

Bobbi Brown Tinted Lip Balm ($17) moisturizes lips while adding a sheer wash of color. It moisturizes like a balm but has the advantage of a mess free application-plus, the newly designed metal case is also tres chic. It's available in eight shades: baby pink, citrus, champagne, pink popsicle, rose petal, pink raspberry, brown, and hazelnut.

Estee Lauder Tender Lip Balm ($14) is a sheer wash of conditioning color for the lips. It creates a little bit of shine, while also moisturizing lips by up to 28% and reducing flaking by 34% after four weeks of continued use. Also, it contains SPF 15 protect against damaging UV rays. This balm comes in six colors: tender berry, tender caramel, tender, peach, tender plum, tender nude and tender pink. Happy smackin'!

Coming Soon: DiorBlush Glowing Color Powder

BellaSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 14:44:48 -0700

This August, Dior will release its new DiorBlush Poudre Couleur & Lumiere ($34). This genius powder blush is actually the same color on both sides - but one side is matte and the other is shimmery. It will be available in nine shades in three different color groups: pinks, corals, and browns.

I've just tried it out, and the sheer color is long-lasting, smooth, and very blendable. The blushes will be available at beauty counters nationwide wherever Dior products are sold. For a complete list of all nine gorgeous shades, read more

Passion Fruit
Peachy Keen
Sunkissed Cinnamon
English Rose
Pinky Beige
A Touch of Blush
Sugar & Spice
Rosebud
Strawberry Sorbet