sleep on this

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on December 25, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Having loved ones return home is such a happy time. I love planning the dinners, stocking my freezer with hors d’oeuvres, and decorating my mantle. Each year my goal is to plan far enough ahead so that I can truly enjoy the holidays without getting stressed. But there’s one thing that tends to undo me- days of breakfasts for a crowd. Morning fare
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make it your own

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Sources, Fête Fact, Posted on December 8, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
The other night I was over at my dear friends Maggie and Richard’s for a drink. They truly are entertainers extraordinaire. Their home is so welcoming, their cocktails such fun, and their hors d’oeuvres divine. Those two really know how to make a guest feel special. As Richard poured a wonderful white burgundy in his crisp white apron, Maggie
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go west young man

food detective
Categories: Sources, Fête Fact, Posted on November 26, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
A few months ago, my husband mentioned that it might be fun to drive from Ohio to our home in California. He had never driven across the country and it was on his bucket list. Driving 2,312 miles in a car with a dog was never on mine. But as time passed I warmed to the idea. I had never been to many of those states and if we took a slight detour we
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two from the sidelines

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Dinner Party, Fête Fact, Posted on November 11, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s that time of year. People you love gather. And whether you are hosting a turkey dinner for twenty or a more intimate affair here are a couple tried and true sides guaranteed to add holiday sparkle to any table. No one needs to know you can make these both weeks ahead of time then strategically pull them out of your freezer on the big day.
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get cracking

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Sauces and Such, Dinner for Two, Dinner Party, Sources, Fête Fact, Posted on October 28, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Each October I travel to Florida to help my dad get settled back into his house after his summer up north. It’s truly a labor of love, filled with a myriad of to-do lists and even more laughs. Don’t get me started on our perennial wrangle over the open condiments he always seems to leave in his refrigerator for five months. That said, I keep my
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breakfast with a view

food detective
Categories: Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Breakfast/Brunch, Eating Out, Posted on October 15, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Best thing about Brooklyn? Hands down our grandson, and his equally amazing parents. Next, the views from the Brooklyn Bridge. Close third, 1 Hotel’s avocado toast. What tops a great dinner? A surprisingly delicious breakfast. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is an incredible waterfront oasis. The nighttime panorama from their rooftop bar is worth the
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fifteen minutes or bust

making it for two
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on October 1, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
When summer seems to be drawing to a close, one of the best things about this time of year is that the farmer’s market still has an abundance of fresh fare. Right now, the tomatoes are amazing. And with a slight chill in the air what could be better for a quick weeknight supper than a simple cherry tomato pasta brimming with flavor. No matter how
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amuse bouche

making it for two
Categories: Appetizers, Dinner for Two, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Fête Fact, Posted on September 17, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Let’s be honest- after a long day who doesn’t want to come home to a little canapé? Please don’t roll your eyes because I make my spouse a small hors d'oeuvre to accompany his Makers Mark. And before you groan, let me show you how something that takes almost no effort can have a huge impact on those you love- be it your husband, wife, significant
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you had me at hola

food detective
Categories: Wine Line, Eating Out, Posted on September 1, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
Here's the second post on my sensational trip to Portugal with my daughter. Previously I touched on the wineries we toured in the Bairrada, Douro Valley, and Alentejo wine regions. This time I’ll write of our incredible meals. Not only is the wine world on an exciting trajectory, the food scene is literally on fire. While many flock to Portugal
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a new tradition

food detective
Categories: Wine Line, Posted on August 20, 2018 by Sandy Bergsten
This summer while my youngest was hiking through Norway she face-timed me to say, “Mom, why don’t you come over to Europe so the two of us can do a trip together.” I thought- how can I drop everything to fly over to Europe to be with her. Then I thought- how can I not drop everything to go on a one-on-one adventure with my baby girl. In the coming
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