the great pretender

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Dinner Party, Sources, Fête Fact, Posted on November 21, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
This time of year almost everyone wants to know what I’m going to make for Thanksgiving. If truth be told I would reply, “reservations”. While I cherish spending time with my family, I am not a huge turkey-day fan. First off there are way too many pots and pans. Everything needs to be simmered and whipped and baked and roasted. There’s the turkey
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toast of london

food detective
Categories: Eating Out, Posted on November 8, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Last week I got to tag along with my husband on an extended business trip to London. Prior to leaving I surfed the web for museum and gallery exhibits, but I must confess my most extensive research was on where to eat. When traveling I love nothing more than dining on what will hopefully turn into an unforgettable meal. Because my husband had to be
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open season

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Sauces and Such, Dinner Party, Sources, Well Equipped, Posted on October 24, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
A definite perk to helping my dad move back to Florida each year is that it almost always coincides with the opening day of stone crab season. Last week I almost spilled my coffee when I heard on the local news that fisherman were allowed to set their traps that day in the Gulf of Mexico. When I shared that report with my dad it didn’t take much
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simply sauced

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Well Equipped, Posted on October 10, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Purists might cringe when they read this post, the rest may jump for joy when they discover how easy it is to make a dynamic duo of sauces for grilled filets or beef tenderloin. I never know which guests will prefer with their steak- horseradish sauce or béarnaise. Honestly I like a little of both. What I don’t enjoy is trying to make a
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ladies’ lunch

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Supper, Dinner Party, Lunch, Eating Out, Fête Fact, Posted on September 26, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Last Wednesday I invited Carrie Walters, from the DLM Culinary Center, Liz Valenti, from Wheat Penny, and Wiley, from Meadowlark, over for lunch. I knew I wanted to serve something seasonal, but also something with a bit of flair. Let’s be honest how often do these three top Dayton chefs get to sit down to a midday meal that is reminiscent of days
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green with envy

food detective
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on September 12, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
I am crazy for fried green tomatoes. Meadowlark in Dayton, Ohio fries up some of the best. Lucky for me the restaurant is practically in my backyard. I can pick up an order to go then devour them at home, piping hot with a big spoonful of their tangy chow chow relish. But with each bite I secretly wish I could master making my own. Lucky for me
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taste of summer

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Soups, Fish and Seafood, Meat, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Sources, Wine Line, Posted on August 28, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Last week I was the guest chef at Moraine Country Club. We decided on a tasting menu to showcase all the season had to offer. It was such fun working with the staff and being back in a professional kitchen. As I uniformly chopped crates of vegetables for my gazpacho for sixty and wrestled the massive Hobart mixer the memories came flooding back.
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just peachy

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on August 14, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Farm stands and markets are cropping up everywhere in southwestern Ohio. Worth the trip- the 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton and the Yellow Springs Farmer’s Market. But I have to say that Dorothy Lane has a pretty incredible daily farmer’s market right inside their grocery store. And right now the peaches from Branstrator Farm in Clarksville
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eating it up in ohio

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on August 2, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Last week I was invited to a shindig. Turned out to be a fabulous networking party at the Dorothy Lane Market Culinary Center. The great folks who create the Ohio Valley edition of the Edible magazine were there, along with many of their contributors and local foodies. If you’re not familiar with the magazine series make a point to pick up a copy.
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nooks and crannies

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on July 18, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Savvy hostesses need a few secrets up their sleeves. I always like to impress without the stress. That means I am constantly on the hunt for things that look complicated but are practically effortless. Take my take on mushroom cheese puffs. Not sure if you’ve ever made a pate au choux, but in my former life as a professional chef and caterer I can
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