turning point

the hostess with the mostest hotel
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Grains and Pasta, Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on January 3, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Can’t believe my baby is turning twenty. To celebrate we are having a houseful in our desert home. Family tradition dictates that the birthday girl picks the meal- or in this case meals. Tonight the request is pistachio pesto with grilled shrimp. One of the challenges of a vacation home is that it isn’t quite equipped like our more permanent one
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toasting in the new year

perfecting the done before they arrive party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Wine Line, Posted on December 29, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Nothing quite wraps up the old and heralds in the new like caviar and champagne. Who can resist this dynamic duo. Whether it’s for a crowd or for something a little more intimate.Trader Joe’s does a bang up job on delivering bling without breaking the bank. I am impressed with their American paddlefish caviar. Equally so with their Louise d’Estree
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christmas on the fly

perfecting the done before they arrive party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Meat, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on December 24, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
About to kidnap all five kids for our first destination holiday, really shaking things up this holiday season. That said there are circumstances that are certainly sacrosanct, so stockings are stuffed and tucked in my bag (six in all because the big guy would be bummed if he was left out of that fun). And because Christmas eve morn is literally
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tis the season

what to bring
Categories: Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on December 19, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Here’s a sweet holiday/hostess treat that’s sure to cheer up the chilliest of mornings. There is nothing quite like pure maple syrup, especially if you know the trees that were tapped. Last weekend my husband went back to his family farm and picked up several pints of this year’s yield. Warm maple syrup conjures up many memories.
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leg up

perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Categories: Poultry, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on December 16, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Here’s one to wrap up and put under your tree. A scrumptious supper where the prep is practically done the night before. Having family friends over to take in the lights and exchange a gift or two. The best present for the hostess is spending time in front of the fire rather than with her head in the oven.
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lose the cookies

what to bring
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Posted on December 10, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Seriously who needs another plate of sweets. Next time think outside of the bakery box when it comes to hostess treats. Remember this summer’s bumper crop of basil, and its subsequent marathon session of pesto? Try reaching into your freezer and bring a present that will truly delight. During the holiday season who wouldn’t love the gift of a
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double dip

what to bring
Categories: Appetizers, Cocktail Party, Posted on December 4, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Bringing an appetizer to a special friend’s party calls for something a little exceptional. Nothing says "home" like a dip, though there is certainly nothing humdrum about this one. First glances are deceiving, this concoction is sophisticated and sublime. Smoked salmon and salmon roe. Don’t skimp on the ingredients
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excess baggage

what's for dinner- cooking for two
Categories: Meat, Dinner for Two, Sources, Posted on November 29, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Who thought it was possible for me to OD on unpasteurized cheese, foie gras, wild mushrooms and eggs. A reality check when we returned to US Customs and the only thing I had to declare was approximately seven pounds. The meals we had (twenty-three in all) have left me satiated. My travel journal bulging with every morsel and sip.
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taking in the sites

living large and eating local
Categories: Posted on November 22, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Off to France to visit my daughter- how lucky am I? While we’re out discovering Paris and the Loire Valley, I hope you have a chance to explore this new site.
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that elusive date

perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on November 18, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
We’ve all said it, “would love to have you over for dinner- let’s get a date on the calendar”. With each additional couple the improbability of finding an open night increases exponentially. Instead of settling on a common weekend in a month, we find ourselves flipping through the seasons. Last night’s dinner was supposed to occur in July.
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