BuzzSugar

Is It a Tomato or Squash?

partysugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:50:28 -0700

In terms of produce, the end of September is a time that straddles Summer and Fall. Late-season heirloom tomatoes are juicy and plump, while early-season butternut squash are way too tempting. To celebrate the plethora of produce that can be found in markets, I've put together this fun quiz. I'll list a variety of tomato or squash and you tell me which it is. Ready, set, go!

Source: Flickr User nim

Take the quiz

Sunday BBQ: Dill Chicken With Tomato Relish

YumSugar — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 06:00:30 -0700

Last week, I pounded some pork cutlets and put them on the grill. They were such a smash hit with my crowd that I'm going to use the same technique again this weekend - only this time, with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I'll be coating chicken paillards with a marinade that's filled with my favorite flavorings, like grainy French mustard, shallots, and dill, and serving it alongside cherry tomatoes tossed with the same bright dressing. To make this meal, read on

Pesto: Love It or Hate It?

partysugar — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 04:00:16 -0700

One of the things I'm going to miss most about Summer is homemade fresh pesto. I just can't get enough of it: I love it on everything from pasta to seafood to sandwiches. However, with its green color and pungent raw garlic, pesto is not enjoyed by everyone. Take my mother, for example; she's crazy about basil but hates pesto. Even though I say, "Mom, pesto is basically liquid basil," she still doesn't like the classic Italian sauce. How about you?

Source: Flickr User foodistablog

Which Travel Planning Website Is Your Favorite?

GeekSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:05:00 -0700

Ahh, Summer. Although I love Fall (hello, gadget fashion!), I can't help but get a pang of sadness knowing that this is really the last warm holiday weekend to look forward to this year. Summer is the quintessential time of year to travel and lounge around in the sun, and if you've headed out of town this season, you've most likely used a travel-planning website like Trip Advisor or Diddit to help you get there.

Besides the excellent deals you can find on sites like this, they make it super easy to book a room, get insider details on your destination, and mark that off your travel to-do list. Have you used travel-planning sites, and if so, which one is your favorite?

Give Me a S'more Popsicle

YumSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 08:00:23 -0700

Summer is coming to an end! I don't want it to, but there's no way to fight it, so instead, I celebrated by creating a frozen treat inspired by the great camping tradition of s'mores. Only a few days ago, PartySugar made homemade smores, and I decided to try my hand at s'mores popsicles. These easy popsicles only require five ingredients: vanilla ice cream, marshmallows, chocolate chips, graham crackers, and vegetable oil.To mimic the shape of a marshmallow, I made the pops in small juice glasses, although any pop mold or dixie cup would work. While these popsicles are not gooey and warm like the original s'more, they have the same great flavor. The first bite of roasted marshmallow ice cream, crisp chocolate, and crunchy graham crackers will cool down anyone who is basking in the last fiery days of Summer. These popsicles are irresistible to kids and adults, so if you want chilly s'mores, keep reading.

What's Your Favorite Season?

TresSugar — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:00:00 -0700

Today's Labor Day, which means the Summer season is behind us. Luckily we have the crisp and cozy Fall right around the corner. If you could live year-round in your favorite season, which one would it be?

Source: Flickr User ReneS

Do You Watch TV on Vacation?

BuzzSugar — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 13:30:00 -0700

This holiday weekend, many folks will pack as much fun and relaxation into these end-of-Summer days as they can. When I was growing up, this often meant spending a few days at the beach - and turning off the TV. In an effort to actually interact with each other and enjoy the outdoors, we tried not to watch television while on vacation. Even now, all these years later, I still avoid the tube during vacations if I can.

What about you? Do you make an effort to stay away from the television while on vacation? Or is it TV as usual no matter what?

Sunday BBQ: Grilled Pork Paillards

YumSugar — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:00:52 -0700

Since I know that Labor Day's gatherings will be all about long-weekend classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs, I'm going against the mainstream grilling grain today with a straightforward pork recipe that definitely won't be on the menu manaña.

In less time than it takes to watch the evening news, I'll be eating alfresco with this one-platter meal, which calls for just six commonplace ingredients. It'll be exactly the dining departure that I need so I can fully appreciate tomorrow's barbecue spread! See the ultrasimple recipe when you read more

Buzz's 8 Favorite Movies From Summer '09

BuzzSugar — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 01:30:31 -0700

Is it really September already? I cannot believe it's Labor Day weekend and the Summer is drawing to a close. Before we start focusing on the films coming to theaters this Fall, though, let's cast a look back at the dog days of Summer and the movies that came with them (and made this season a box office record-breaker). I'll list the ones I found most enjoyable, and I hope you chime in with your favorites from Summer '09 as well.
Source: IMDB

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Fast & Easy Dinner: Shrimp Boil

partysugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 08:00:28 -0700

To kick-start your Labor Day weekend, look to Louisiana and make this finger-licking good shrimp boil. You don't need to live near the shore to enjoy this classic combination of boiled corn, potatoes, and shrimp. All you need is an oversize pot and half an hour.

Don't skip the spicy horseradish dipping sauce; it pairs perfectly with the small potatoes and succulent shrimp. Do serve with icy cold beer. Check out the recipe and read more.

Shrimp Boil
From Gourmet

Ingredients

1 lemon, quartered
5 tablespoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
2 1/2 teaspoons cayenne, divided
2 Turkish bay leaves or 1 California
4 garlic cloves
8 small boiling potatoes (about 2 inches)
4 ears of corn, shucked and halved
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp in shell
1/3 cup ketchup
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tablespoons bottled horseradish

Directions

Squeeze lemon juice into 4 qt water in a 6- to 8-quart pot, then stir in lemon quarters, Creole seasoning, 2 teaspoon cayenne, bay leaves, garlic, potatoes, and 2 tablespoons salt (omit salt if it is the first ingredient in seasoning).
Bring to a boil, then simmer, partially covered, until potatoes are almost tender, 10 to 12 minutes.
Increase heat to high, then add corn and simmer, partially covered, 4 minutes. Stir in shrimp and cook until just cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, stir together ketchup, mayonnaise, horseradish, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cayenne.
Drain shrimp, potatoes, and corn and serve with sauce.

Serves 4.

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