FitSugar

Come Party With Me: End of Summer BBQ - Desserts

partysugar — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:30:18 PDT

I just realized that the entire Summer has almost passed and I have not enjoyed one s'more! Before the long warm nights are replaced with Fall's cool evenings, I must make s'mores. What better time to do it than at my end of Summer barbecue?! After all s'mores, the gooey, finger-licking good combination of graham crackers, melted chocolate, and toasted marshmallows, are a classic American dessert. While I could simply purchase the ingredients at the store, I'm taking the nostalgic campfire treat to a whole new level with homemade marshmallows and graham crackers. To look at the recipe I'll be using - thanks Martha! -

S'mores
From Martha Stewart

Ingredients

For graham crackers: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for working 1 cup whole-wheat flour 1/2 cup untoasted wheat germ 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks) 3/4 cup packed light-brown sugar 2 tablespoons high-quality honey For marshmallows: Vegetable oil, for brushing 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin (3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons) 3 cups granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups light corn syrup 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar For s'mores: 20 ounces bittersweet or milk chocolate bars, broken into 2-ounce pieces

Directions

Make graham crackers: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk flours, wheat germ, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon in a medium bowl; set aside.
Put butter, brown sugar, and honey into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until pale and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Reduce speed to low. Add the flour mixture, and mix until combined.
Turn out dough onto a floured surface, and divide into quarters. Roll out each piece between 2 sheets of floured parchment paper into rectangles a bit larger than 9 by 6 inches, about 1/8 inch thick.
Using a fluted pastry wheel, trip the outermost edges or each rectangle, and divide into three 6 by 3-inch rectangles. Pressing lightly, so as not to cut all the way through, score each piece in half lengthwise and crosswise, to form four 3 by 1 1/2-inch crackers. Stack parchment and dough on a baking sheet and chill in freezer until firm, about 20 minutes.
Remove two sheets of dough from freezer. Pierce crackers using the tines of a fork. Transfer to large baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake, rotating halfway through, until dark golden brown, 8 to 9 minutes. Repeat with remaining dough. Let cool on sheet 5 minutes; transfer crackers to wire racks to cool completely. Crackers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
Make marshmallows: Brush a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish with oil. Line with parchment, allowing a 2-inch overhang on the long sides. Brush parchment with oil; set aside.
Put granulated sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 3/4 cup water into a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Cook, without stirring, until mixture registers 238 degrees on a candy thermometer, about 9 minutes.
Meanwhile, put 3/4 cup cold water into the bowl of an electric mixer; sprinkle with gelatin. Let soften 5 minutes.
Attach bowl with gelatin to mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. With mixer on low speed, beat hot syrup into gelatin mixture. Gradually raise speed to high; beat until mixture is very stiff, about 12 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Pour into prepared dish, and smooth with an offset spatula. Set aside, uncovered, until firm, about 3 hours.
Sift 1 cup confectioners' sugar onto a work surface. Unmold marshmallow onto confectioners' sugar; remove parchment. Lightly brush a sharp knife with oil, then cut marshmallow into 2-inch squares. Sift remaining 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar into a small bowl, and roll each marshmallow in the sugar to coat. Marshmallows can be stored in an airtight container up to 3 days.
For s'mores: Preheat a grill to medium (if you are using a charcoal grill, coals are ready when you can hold your hand 5 inches above grill for just 5 to 6 seconds).
Place a piece of chocolate on each of 10 graham crackers; set aside. Press each marshmallow onto the tip of a skewer. Cook marshmallows, turning occasionally, until toasted to desired doneness.
Using a fork, push each marshmallow onto a chocolate-covered graham cracker. Sandwich with remaining graham crackers. Serve immediately.

Makes 10.

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Get Physical: Winter Camping

FitSugar — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 07:17:03 PST

If you love the outdoors and have someone who loves it equally as much, why not plan an overnight excursion? I know it's February, and it's cold out, but winter camping is a huge sport. What's so great about it? No bugs!

If you plan ahead and pack the right gear, you'll beat the cold and have a ton of fun. Here's what you'll need:

Waterproof Tent and a tarp to lay underneath it
Warm mummy style sleeping bags for each of you, preferably made of down like this one from The North Face
Always use a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag so you're not resting on the cold earth
Warm clothing - pack wool base layers to help keep you warm, extra pairs of wool socks, a warm hat and mittens, a waterproof coat and pants, and waterproof boots.
Enough water for the both of you. Keep your water bottles from freezing by placing them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Want to see what else you need? Then

A camera to hold onto the memories
Cell phones just in case
A pocket knife
Plenty of snacks and food to cook. Remember to bring pots, plates, can opener, and utensils - everything you'll need in order to eat. Canned foods or one pot meals work best. My favorite camping meal is macaroni and cheese.
Waterproof matches or a lighter and plenty of firewood to start a campfire. (You may as well pack some marshmallows to toast as well)
Bring snowshoes or cross-country skis to use during the day
If you're hiking to your camp site, pack all your stuff in a comfortable back pack or pull it along in a sled.

Fit's Tips: Very important: Make sure you plan your trip and tell family and friends exactly when and where you're going. It's a scary reality that something could happen, so this way, people will know where to look for you.

6 Tips For Delicious Campfire Cuisine

YumSugar — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:47:15 PDT

Will you be camping or glamping it up this Summer? One of the most difficult parts about planning a camping trip is not only figuring out what to eat, but how to actually cook it. If you're a foodie, and not looking to totally rough it and toss your gourmand nature to the wind, check out these campfire cooking tips that are sure to inspire your menu for an enjoyably rustic and painless experience. For seven surefire tips, read on.

Bollywood Basics: An Indian Food Primer

Lizzie Fuhr — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:55:03 PDT

So many people in my life are terrified when I bring up the idea of going out to my favorite Indian spot in the city. Indian flavors are not for the faint of heart, but most people think that Indian food is just about a super-spicy curry; that couldn't be further from the truth. Indian food is bold, flavorful, and indicative of the country's rich and vibrant history.

The regional flavors are as valiant and varied as the different, beautiful layers of culture coexisting in the Indian subcontinent. If you're a little nervous about what to order, or you've never considered enjoying some Indian cuisine, here's a quick primer on some flavors you can probably find at your neighborhood haunt. Continue reading to get to know a few staples of Indian cuisine.

Sugar Shout Out: June Must Haves!

PopSugar — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:55:00 PDT

Jennifer Garner Follows Up a Girls' Camping Weekend With a Luxxe Lunch

Katie Henry — Tue, 17 May 2011 03:02:00 PDT

Jennifer Garner toted her youngest daughter, Seraphina, in LA yesterday after a casual lunch at Cafe Luxxe. They were fresh off an adventurous weekend, when Jen took both of her girls, Violet and Seraphina, on a camping trip with friends. The trio picnicked and enjoyed the sunny Spring weather around a campfire. Jen's been spending lots of time with her little ones, and she's also managing to give back to philanthropic causes. Jennifer put herself on the auction block to benefit the Georgia Shakespeare acting troupe, where she interned early in her career. Fans can bid on a chance to fly to LA with a pal for a meal with Jennifer Garner and Annette Bening during the organization's annual dinner on May 21.

Gone Glamping: Where Glamour Meets Camping

Michele Foley — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:12:40 PDT

Even with my tips on how to rough it and still look red-carpet ready, some of you are still not into the idea of camping. I don't blame you either - pitching a tent, forgoing a shower, and smelling like campfire isn't for everyone. For those people, there's "glamping," which provides the glamour and amenities you'd expect from a hotel or resort, but puts you smack dab in the middle of the wilderness.

Guests get to feel close to nature and enjoy all the same outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, and kayaking, but at the end of the day fall asleep in a luxury heated tent. Make no mistake, it's not cheap - accommodations start at $80/night and, depending on the locale and amenities, can quickly move upwards into the hundreds. But if you are looking for a fitness-minded Summer trip this season and aren't into sleeping on the ground, one of these places may have your name on it.

Score a Date and Go on Vacation: 4 Ways Exercise Can Help Your Social Life

Michele Foley — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 23:18:33 PDT

The benefits of exercise go way beyond a killer bod and healthy heart; it can also help boost a sagging social life. From working on existing friendships to making new ones, find out how keeping active may score you the love of your life, your dream vacation, and more!

Ladies' Night - Whether it's hitting the gym after work or going on a weekend hike, exercise is an easy way to schedule in some girl (or guy) time. Just like celebs who work out with friends, my friends and I use side-by-side time on the treadmill to talk to each other about what's happening in our lives. Exercise is also an easy way to experience something new and fun together. Recently a bunch of us took a pole dancing class - something I would have never done on my own! Not only was the pole dancing class a fun workout, but it was also an easy way for us to let loose and laugh together. Instead of happy hour, get your friends together and try out a new fitness class, go on a bike ride, or schedule a camping weekend full of hiking, kayaking, and healthy campfire eats!
Gain a Hobby and Make New Friends - Taking out your headphones and getting off the elliptical may open doors for you to an entire new life. Experiment with specialized forms of fitness like yoga, rock climbing, or running until you find one you fall in love with; not only have you found a new hobby, but chances are you'll also make friends along the way. Once you become a regular at a yoga studio or group fitness class, strike up a conversation with other regulars you recognize - they may be interested in taking another class together. Many outdoor fitness activities like cycling, running, or rock climbing have online community forums where you can find meet-ups, join workout groups, or pair off with a buddy. My boyfriend's closest friends are people he met through rock climbing; I also have a friend who now counts her yoga teacher as one of her personal friends.

Find out how exercise helps you get a date and go on a vacation!

Summer Fare: More or Less Than 200 Calories?

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 15:46:18 PDT

Summer just doesn't feel complete without all the tasty foods you'll find at barbecues, carnivals, and ballgames. My motto is definitely to indulge, but not to overdo it.

From candy apples to potato salad to campfire s'mores, take this quiz and find out how these common Summer foods stack up on the calorie front.

Take the Quiz

5 Things You Didn't Know About Princess Camp

Annie Scudder — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 04:00:58 PDT

Last Spring, American expat living in London Jerramy Fine had an idea. She would create Princess Prep, a weeklong Summer camp alternative in London ($3,005 per princess, flight not included) "for girls who want something a bit more elegant and a bit more intellectual." Little did she know, Prince William and Kate Middleton would announce their engagement six months later. "Needless to say," Jerramy told me, "my plans for a soft opening haven't worked out that well!"

An itinerary that includes learning all about privileged aristocrats could send some troubling messages, and practicing royal protocol like how to curtsy reminds me of finishing school. When I mentioned the camp could come off as retro, Jerramy retorted: "Personally, I think sitting around a campfire all Summer is a bit retro!" Here are five other things I learned from Jerramy:

Princess Prep doesn't prepare girls to find prince charming. "Categorically, Princess Prep is not about preparing girls for royal marriage or encouraging them to seek out a prince. Princess Prep is about nourishing princess qualities that all little girls are born with. Being a true princess is about treating everyone with kindness and generosity, as well as believing passionately in yourself and your dreams. Princess qualities discussed include: philanthropy, selflessness, kindness, compassion, hard work, self-belief, dedication, duty, manners, grace, poise, inner beauty, and strength."
There's a lot of sightseeing. "Manners is only a small portion of what we teach at Princess Prep. Most of the itinerary involves sightseeing in London! We visit Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Hampton Court Palace, and the Crown Jewels; we go horse riding in Hyde Park, volunteer for a royal charity, and have a night out at the theatre."

Find out more, when you keep reading.