rise and shine vegan style

food detective
Categories: Eggs, Veggies and Sides, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on June 10, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s a riot the similarities my husband and our three-year-old grandson share. Top of the list might be their wariness for trying new foods. They both tend to crinkle their noses at the unfamiliar. It’s only after certain coaxing that they’ll grudgingly give something new a try. Once they do, they’ll subtly smack their lips to carefully take in the
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our very vegan visit

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Salads and Dressings, Soups, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Cocktail Party, Lunch, Sources, Posted on May 24, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Last weekend was a first of many. The first time my stepson and his family were visiting us in Chicago. The first time we would have a little person in our apartment (previously, pre-covid, we’ve only had a baby). And this would be my first attempt at creating a four-day menu that was completely vegan. I pride myself on being adaptable and nimble
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a worthy carrot

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on May 8, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
I just got back from seeing my dad. What a remarkable man at 90-years young.  Always on-the-go, he keeps me hopping. Each trip we tackle plenty of tasks, share many stories, lots of laughs, and of course memorable meals. One of things I always add to his to-do list is a trip to Merrick’s Seafood in Cape Coral for stone crabs. Cleverly I coincide
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to die for

food detective
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on April 26, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
I have no idea why it has taken me so long to discover how utterly easy it is to steam clams. They are seriously simple. And incredibly delicious. Just a handful of ingredients, a heavy-lidded pot, a crusty loaf of bread, and a side salad. In a matter of minutes, you too might fall madly and deeply for this effortless entrée. It’s important to not
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thai one on

cooking for one... or two
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Dinner Party, Posted on April 10, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Asian inspired dishes often make the perfect weeknight meal. But I tend to struggle with what to serve on the side. This quick Thai cucumber salad seems to make just about everything it accompanies to shine. Go ahead and make a double batch of the vinegar sugar syrup. Then just a quick chop and toss and you are ready to roll.
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drop in

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on March 29, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
When entertaining one of my favorite things to do is to greet a guest with their favorite libation. I like to think of it as personal serial signature cocktails. Let’s be honest, most folks like to drink what they like to drink. This week I am having a small group over for dinner and it turns out lemon drop martinis are one of my guests’ darlings.
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ina jiffy

cookng for one... or two
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Grains and Pasta, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on March 15, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Life is definitely ramping up. Languishing hours and days on end seem to be evaporating. I certainly welcome this change, but it’s making me realize that I need to step up my efficient dinner game. Thank goodness for Ina Garten’s shrimp scampi with linguini! It is a classic for good reason. Once prepped the entire dish cooks in the time it takes
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a fresh perspective

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on March 1, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Many welcome the new year with self-improvement. For some its dry-anuary (not this girl) or a new fitness program (I already have a good one in place). For me, I decided I’d embrace forward-thinking-February leading into mindful-March. I’ve been working on the power of positive thought and the laws of attraction for some time, but this year, in a
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pony ride

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Fête Fact, Posted on February 14, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
When it comes to entertaining, is it time to get back in the saddle? Restrictions seem to be lifting as quickly as things shut down. The big difference- two years have transpired. I’m eager to embrace this new normal (whatever that means) but I am finding I am also filled with a good dose trepidation.  I’ve come to realize that one of the major
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circle that date

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Salads and Dressings, Fish and Seafood, Sauces and Such, Dinner for Two, Sources, Posted on January 31, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
I can’t believe Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I don’t know about you, but my January wasn’t what I’d envisioned. I was really looking forward to a fresh start to the new year. Hitting the town, trying new restaurants, entertaining, dressing up. Instead, everything seemed to once again take an insular turn. I was hoping getting back
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