who let the dogs out

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Posted on February 2, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Super Bowl Sunday- time to pull out the stops for some touchdown apps. I hope all the foodies out there cut me some slack for this one and not hit me with a penalty. Here’s a family favorite that is the antithesis to vegan; paleos might even pale when see the ingredients. But I gotta tell you- bring a platter of these hotties to your next gathering
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bare all

food detective
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on January 28, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Sometimes you want to try something new, what safer way than with a pair of old friends. Hunkering down for a snowy supper with a roaring fire and just one other couple is my idea of the perfect Saturday night. It’s also the perfect opportunity to skate out on thin ice with a new recipe. There are a few dishes I wish I could successfully make
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faceoff

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Cocktail Party, Posted on January 20, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Last summer a group of friends watched the documentary “Forks over Knives”. The film boldly investigated the claim that almost all degenerative diseases can be controlled and even reversed by adopting an animal-free based diet. Certainly food for thought. Recently one of those dear friends faced a huge health crisis. Thankfully she came through
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21 candles

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Posted on January 14, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
My baby just turned twenty-one. What better way to celebrate than a road trip Las Vegas. I’ve never been to the strip so the prospect of tagging along with a bevy of twenty-somethings seemed irresistible. The trek from Palm Springs to Nevada was indeed an excursion. Once you pull on to the 15 after Barstow don’t count on a gas station, bathroom or
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healthy start

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Sauces and Such, Cocktail Party, Well Equipped, Posted on January 7, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
New year, new resolutions. Who doesn’t have lightening up on their docket? The trick to making it stick is to load up on flavor and texture. Santa brought my girls a slow extraction juicer. We’ve been whirling and pulverizing spinach, kale, turnips, carrots and the like. It certainly tastes healthy- I’ll give you that. But I decided to use my own
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roll the dice

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Posted on December 31, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Santa thought my hubby could use diversion so he brought him a backgammon board down our desert chimney. While my husband didn’t seem overly amused with the prospects the big guy in red was confident he’d be up to the challenge. And as luck would have it the hostess from our game night just shared her recipe for those unexpectedly light and
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night before christmas

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Poultry, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on December 24, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
As for many with adult children our holidays are looking more like a sprawl. This year we must divide and conquer. All this entertaining demands that memorable meals come together with a minimum of last minute effort. For selfishly I want to be with those I love, not tied to my overused stove. Here’s the first of our three “Christmas” dinners.
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twinkle twinkle

what to bring
Categories: Appetizers, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Cocktail Party, Posted on December 17, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Some nights are sure to sparkle and last weekend my husband and I were fortunate to be included in such an evening. Our host and hostess had coolers of oysters shipped in and as these pearly beauties lay open in their newly shucked half shells flights of champagne were passed in a myriad of flutes. A truly special time where the company rivaled the
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sweet treat

what to bring
Categories: Sauces and Such, Desserts, Posted on December 9, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Tis the season to share with those you care. And what better way than with a homemade token of your appreciation? I find sweets are best delivered in small packages. Here is a rich indulgence that’s guaranteed to delight, super dark and slightly salty. The best thing- you can whip up a batch in less than 15 minutes. The key here is to use top shelf
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let the games begin

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Eating Out, Posted on December 3, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Good friends invited us over for “game night”. I squashed my inner reluctance, being a party game novice, and said we’d love to. When my husband asked what were doing Friday night he was thrilled with where we were going but baulked at the evening’s scheduled activities. I tried to sound optimistic when he put down his foot, literally. I was a bit
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