perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Took my baby to the airport. I’m as predictable as Old Faithful. The waterworks starting misting up days ago. My maternal tears can be quite disarming. Pity the person who encountered me on the first day of preschool, the back roads of New Hampshire after I dropped my little ones off at summer camp, or heaven forbid the airport when they went off
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
We all have those meals that conjure up memories of home. It’s usually the first request of one’s first night. I remember being a freshman at the University of Michigan and my dorm mates reminiscing about the first dinner they had when they went home for Thanksgiving break. Meatloaf, spaghetti, fried chicken. Everyone wanted to know what my mom
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food detective
After an overnight overseas flight we landed in Stockholm, dropped our bags at the Grand Hotel and set off for a tour of the city. Three hours in our energy sank at the Vasamuseet just as the 375 year old war ship had after it tried to set off from its Stockholm port. Thankfully our guide steered us to a charming lunch spot, Ulla Winbladh, where I
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Lucky me I’m off to Sweden, Denmark and Norway. For months I’ve been power walking and picking up Pilates so I can be in tiptop dining shape for the trip of a lifetime. I’m looking forward to discovering my Scandinavian roots one bite at a time. While I’m away here’s a simple fast, super fresh appetizer to transport you from the Baltic to the North
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With success on the tart front it’s time to round out our lazy august supper. A simple chilled soup is the perfect way to beat the heat and put your guests at ease. All soups should really be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Doing so means no mess in the kitchen the day of. And with a chilled soup no last minute heat. To kick off
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
French fare. While it all looks so easy, tarts can be (pardon my French) a bit of a bitch to make. Most of you know I am not the best of bakers. On my mom’s recent visit she was shocked at the state of my petite fudge cakes. These diminutive desserts were riddled with caverns and caves. And if you know anything about my mom she isn’t shy about
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Move over Maryland. Here is a crab cake that is substantial on the jumbo lump and light on the filler. A perfect summer main following a refreshing chilled soup. This runner-up is a breeze to bring to the table because the cakes must be formed and chilled hours in advance. Ideal for a midweek business dinner that is healthy and light but makes a
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Having a business associate over for a midweek dinner. Time to keep it light, fresh and fast. Summer suppers stir up images of chilled soup and garden-fresh greens. How about a flash from the past- chilled borscht coupled with airy crab cakes? Here is a beet soup that has stood the test of time. In fact it’s the very recipe I served at my wedding
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With my parents in for the weekend I thought it would be fun to serve several small courses for dinner. I also wanted to wow them with a showstopper. In Dayton Foremost Seafood has the most incredible soft shell crabs. You need to call ahead to see if they’re available but when they are Foremost will clean the live crustaceans for you on the spot
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My folks arrive in minutes and of course I had a plan in place. Little did I know that Mother Nature had plans of her own. Yesterday at 3:32 PM after trying to outrun a monster thunderstorm I pulled into the garage when bang the lights went out just as the garage door shut. I carefully set down my bottles of Pouilly Fuisse and Bordeaux and felt for
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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!