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All the News That's Fit to Eat — Dec. 3, 2008

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:30:19 -0800

Whether it's 10 a.m. or 10 p.m., bacon has a place on the table. — Los Angeles Times
The art of perfecting the English scone. — Houston Chronicle
A roundup of all the new food video games that make suitable gifts for the gourmet gamer. — Washington Post
The illustrious Ferran Adria talks on what's next in the food revolution. — Boston Globe
There's a cocktail movement sweeping the nation, with several philosophies that differ in approach. — New York Times
This recipe demonstrates that fruitcake can be delicious. — Chicago Tribune
Sales for Beaujolais nouveau may be down, but quality of taste has gone up. — Wall Street Journal
Despite filing for bankruptcy, Copia wine center may reopen in as early as a week. — San Francisco Chronicle

Happy Hour: Citrus Spritzers

partysugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 09:30:21 -0800

I ripped this cocktail recipe out of Everyday Food magazine back in August, and every week since I've been dying to make it. I finally had the chance to mix up a batch for my family yesterday. A toxic blend of fresh orange, lemon, and lime juice, this drink was refreshing, tart, and subtly sweet. The best thing about this concoction is that it can be made with or without alcohol, so cater the recipe to your family's needs. To give the cocktail a more festive flavor and brilliant color, the next time I make it, I want to use blood oranges.

I served it with baked garlic oysters, but any rich, creamy, or crunchy appetizer will do. Want the recipe? All you have to do is

What Are You Drinking With Your Thanksgiving Meal?

YumSugar — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:30:21 -0800

PartySugar and I have already planned our Thanksgiving menus, and now we're just eagerly awaiting the big day. To distract our giddy selves, we had a discussion about what we're serving to drink at Thanksgiving dinner. She'll be serving a citrus spritzer, Champagne, and Beaujolais, while DearSugar will be drinking red, white, and bubbly. As for me, I haven't decided yet — I'll serve either a Gewurtztraminer or a Pinot Noir. What will you and your guests be drinking? Once you've made your selection below, tell me in the comments exactly what you'll be pouring!Source

Happy Hour: Loft Liqueurs

YumSugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:39 -0800

Earlier this month, I was pleasantly surprised to hear about the opening of the world's first all-organic bar. So when I learned of Loft Liqueurs, the first USDA certified organic liqueur, I had to find out what all the hype was about.

Created by two best friends and San Francisco hospitality veterans to save people from "the bright neon color of your average apple martini," the limoncello-inspired spirits are at the forefront of sustainability and eco-consciousness. In addition to being made with all-natural ingredients, the kosher-certified liqueur is sweetened primarily with agave nectar. The company supports small farms and biodynamic agricultural practices when possible, and uses recycled cases, biodegradable inks, and bamboo-based paper.

I tried four flavors — lavender, spicy ginger, tangerine, and lemongrass. To hear what I thought of them,

Come Party With Me: Fast Thanksgiving — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:30:11 -0800

As much as I love cocktails made from fresh, seasonal ingredients, sometimes there simply isn't time — especially when you need Thanksgiving dinner ready in a hurry — to juice 20 blood oranges. The grocery store liquor aisle is crowded with generic and overly-sweet cocktail mixers, but there's one brand I trust for excellent mixers: Stirrings. With their blood orange flavor you can make a quick batch of blood orange bellinis.

Serve wine at mealtime. Call your local wine shop and ask them to set aside a couple of Thanksgiving-friendly bottles for you. Use their expertise to save time. You won't have to research wine pairings or stand in the wine aisle wondering what to buy. Don't forget sparkling apple cider, water, and soda for the kids. To look at the easy blood orange bellini recipe,

Talking Mixology With Dale DeGroff

partysugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:30:52 -0800

Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Dale DeGroff. If you've never heard of DeGroff, you'll be surprised to know that he has changed your life. Remember that basil gimlet you enjoyed at the bar last week? You can thank Dale for that. Or what about that perfectly poured martini? Dale's responsible for that, too. Known to food insiders as the King of Cocktails, Dale DeGroff is single-handedly responsible for the renaissance of classic cocktails. Back in 1980s New York, at a time when the majority of bars served drinks made from overly-sweet mixes, Dale was mixing drinks with fresh, seasonal, local ingredients and creating cocktails based on preprohibition recipes. To find out what the master has to say about cocktail trends and to see who he thinks is the best bartender in America today,

Happy Hour: Ruby Chai Appletini

partysugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:00:42 -0800

When I hear the word appletini, I can't help but cringe and think of a cloying, neon green cocktail. That's why, while at a recent Root Division art auction, when I saw that the specialty cocktail was an appletini, I avoided it. However, when I heard the appletini was a creation of one of San Francisco's best bartenders, H. Joseph Ehrmann, I knew I had to give it a try. Made with fresh apple cider and vodka infused with tea, this appletini is nothing like its processed counterpart. It tasted like fall in a glass with hints of vanilla and cinnamon.

It takes time to infuse the vodka and apple cider, but the process is worth it, especially if you make a large batch and serve it for Thanksgiving. Don't let Fall pass without making this refreshing, not-too-sweet cocktail, so get the recipe now and

Happy Hour: Italian Fruit Punch

partysugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 16:00:19 -0800

Last week, while at my parents house, I was watching an old episode of Everyday Italian when my mom turned to me and said, "Let's make that cocktail!" With its vibrant color it looked amazing, so we sent my dad to the store to pick up the ingredients. The recipe calls for maraschino liqueur, a spirit that's pretty difficult to find.

The next best substitute, according to the alcohol specialist at G&G Market, is kirschwasser. Although it didn't have the bright orange hue, the cocktail was spectacular: not too sweet with a hint of fizz.

Limoncello is an unexpected flavor that makes the drink tart. The recipe makes enough for six cocktails, so it's perfect for entertaining. To look at Giada's recipe,

Come Party With Me: Budget Thanksgiving — Drinks

partysugar — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:30:29 -0800

To save money on drinks at Thanksgiving, ask guests to bring a bottle of red or white wine. Head to Trader Joe's, they have a wonderful assortment of affordable wines, and purchase a couple of bottles to add to the collection. Instead of offering bottled water, fill pitchers with ice and tap water.

Make one signature cocktail and have a pitcher ready to pour the moment the party starts. This recipe for a cranberry champagne cocktail is festive. Instead of using champagne, substitute a sparkling Spanish cava. Beverages and More has one on sale for $7.00. Grand Marnier, the French orange liqueur, can be pricey, so replace it with Triple Sec. To look at the cocktail recipe,

Happy Hour: Blueberry Martini

YumSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 14:01:37 -0800

Although I enjoyed fresh blueberries this past weekend, I know their supply is winding down at the market, which is why I've been searching for ways to prolong their existence at my table. Then one day, out of the blue (pardon the pun), I came across some Stirrings Wild Blueberry, and I had my answer.

All you need is vodka and the syrup, which is made from real blueberries. In a matter of seconds, you've got blueberry cocktails for everyone! This drink is ideal for tailgates or large parties because it's so easy to make. Check out how and