perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just taught my first class at DLM’s Cooking School. What a blast! The theme was a “vertical dinner party”. Many of the students arrived wondering what that term actually meant. Truth is I made it up, but it’s my go-to version of a pumped up cocktail party. When you want to entertain a crowd but are pinched for space, time or money instead of a
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home is where the heart is
Is there a better way to start the day than with a big cup of French roast and the Sunday New York Times? How about the simplest of Sunday starts. A three-minute egg. In a time-warp egg cup. Al fresco on a sunny seventy-degree morning. This past Sunday was the perfect summer morning. The skies were clear and the humidity low. Walking outside with
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food detective
I am shameless when in hot pursuit of a recipe. But procuring someone’s secret dish usually takes time and clandestine skill. Most people need to be gently coerced and it often takes several attempts, gleaning small pieces at each swipe until just like a jigsaw it falls perfectly into place. One of my husband and my favorite spots is Deep Springs
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
There are things you do when you’re dating that tend to fall by the wayside once you get married. For me that would be golf. I’ve never really warmed to the game. It takes almost all day to play. Those who partake tend to complain afterward about went wrong rather then what was fun. It never held much incentive for a full-time working full-time
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
In our family the birthday boy (or girl) chooses the menu. So it was only fitting that I serve up three of my husband’s favorite sides along his celebratory strip steak. Not only is this trio a treat for taste buds its also a delight for the eyes with their bright colors and complimentary textures. The best part- all can be made and prepped ahead
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My hubby just turned another year. He stated he didn’t want any fanfare but I know him well enough to know that he would appreciate a little something special to mark the occasion. So I invited a pair of close friends and put together a menu that would wow without any muss and fuss. What would be better than breaking down the steak house version of
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food detective
Last Sunday marked not only Cinco de Mayo but a special friend’s seventieth birthday. They threw the perfect outdoors bash complete with a traveling mariachi band, killer authentic Mexican fare and some of the best margaritas I have ever had. The secret it turns out is fresh citrus juice steeped in zest. This week I took a stab at liberating this
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just got back from Philadelphia where I was a delegate for Garden Club of America’s centennial annual meeting. Needless to say it was an auspicious affair. Among the keynote speakers were Alice Waters chef, author, activist and owner of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. A champion of the organic food movement, Waters spoke of how gardening had shaped her
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Some nights things seem to come together perfectly. Last weekend we had one such evening. A great group and a meal that was comforting and light and fresh. Grilled scampi and sautéed spinach topped last Saturday night’s grit soufflé. Prepping and partially cooking both ahead of time makes this home down dinner come together in a matter of minutes.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Family and friends are the best tonic to counter a week of devastating headlines. With our loved ones scattered across the country one of my husband and my biggest blessings is that we have friends nearby that feel just as close as relations. Thankfully this past Saturday night we already had two such couples on the books for a laid back dinner.
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Wherever I find myself, I’m happiest with a full dining room table. As a former professional chef and caterer I want to share what I’ve learned over the past three decades of entertaining. On this site you’ll find tricks of the trade to help even the most harried of you pull off a seemingly seamless fête. Come join the conversation! read more →