Check out this recipe for vegan cookies by girlA from The Dairy Free Diva Recipe Exchange. I am so relieved and happy that these cookies turned out. I found myself in a funk today . . . Missed my workout this morning and struggled some more with an essay I've been trying to write for the last four years. Yes, that's four years. Then, to add insult to injury, dinner turned out to be a disaster. Read more

We've got a new partnership with Padma Lakshmi! The host of the Emmy-winning Top Chef, writer, and designer started Padma Lakshmi, a social networking site that celebrates our favorite topics, including food adventures, recipes, and party planning. She'll be dishing up goodies for us here on YumSugar monthly. Today, Padma shows us what the spice cardamom is useful for, and why it's so much better Read more

Winter veggies taste great roasted! Here are tricks for the perfect dish — Vegetarian Times From jeans to cocktails — can we stop it with the word "skinny"? — Blisstree One of Oprah's favorite things: daily meditation — Mind Body Green Interval training will give you more bang for your fitness buck — Huff Po Five ways yoga helps you sleep — Yoga Journal Got extra veggies? Make a Read more

As the weather cools and Autumn storms roll in, nothing is more warming and satisfying than a cup of spicy, peppery chai tea. Preparing a homemade batch is practically effortless and tastes a million times better than store-bought chai blends. Let the scent and flavor of these exotic spices keep you feeling cozy throughout the changing season. See this cozy homemade chai recipe. Read more

I've been known to serve bread pudding at Easter for dessert, but this year, I found myself torn between a sweet rendition with mangoes and chai spice, and a savory version with asparagus and Camembert cheese — so I'm making both! Because plain white breads such as challah, brioche, or pullman loaves have a neutral flavor, they work well as the filling either when baking bread pudding for Read more