perfecting the “done before the arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Saturday night we are going to have a little wine dinner at our house. I have a few oldies and hopefully goodies tucked away (beside some carpet remnants and folding chairs – you’ll find no pictures of my “cellar” on my iPhone.)The fun in having an evening that revolves around wine is in the planning. And plan you must.
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what’s for dinner- cooking for the fam
My husband’s oldest arrived in Dayton shortly after my youngest left. Can’t say how much it means having our new house become a home. A challenge and opportunity is heralding the neighboring highlights to our collective brood.
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what’s for dinner- cooking for the fam
Maybe it’s because the Wolverines trounced the Fighting Irish in the last two minutes in the Big House or perhaps it’s the snap in the weather but lately I’ve had a hankering for chili. Nothing says fall (or winter) like a steamy, meaty bowl.
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food detective
Not to berate mozzarella but who wouldn’t opt for it’s high-end counterpart? Burrata is not new to me but for some reason on my recent trip to LA this wonderful cheese was seemingly everywhere.
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resurrecting the cocktail party- i’ll drink to that
My youngest lands in Dayton before flying back to college. Thought it would be fun to invite a few of our new friends over for a drink so they can meet her. Just because a gathering is small doesn’t mean it’s insignificant. Make a special splash for a petite fete. It will turn your little celebration into a memorable event.
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kitchen tenets
A respectable guest offers (dessert/canape/wine)- but what to do when your kind gesture is accepted? Take into account that whatever you bring to your host or hostess’s table should be hassle-free. Keep in mind you want to be part of the solution- not the problem.
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resurrecting the cocktail party- i’ll drink to that
No more Yogi Berra and his deja vu all over again. The deal is done, title transferred, money is in the bank- no small feat considering it was a cash deal from an Italian bank. Time to give thanks. After the big guy upstairs, a shout out needs to go to my real estate agents. Feels like we’ve been on an epic session of speed dating.
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resurrecting the cocktail party- i’ll drink to that
Great news- move is done and my daughter and I are in the Cleveland carriage house apartment for a couple days while I wrap up the house sale. Tonight our besties are coming by to see the new digs and have a quick glass of wine before we head over to fire for dinner. How great that my best bud is the mom of my daughter’s!
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what's for dinner- cooking for the fam
My oldest is flying home today, which is officially now Dayton.A weegie board would have come in handy in booking everyone’s return flights. With home a moving target for the last few months I did my best to guestimate where to pick up my travelers. But with plummeting stocks and falling house values what’s a couple airline tickets.
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food detective
Nothing grounds me like my old stomping grounds. Knowing these next few weeks are going to be crazed with house moves and moving children it was a real treat to be able to get away to New York City for two days. An added bonus was seeing my oldest daughter who is wrapping up her summer internship there. A regular chip off the old block
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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!