perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Nothing thaws the February blues like a cozy dinner party. The key to making an intimate dinner a success is being out with your guests not locked in the kitchen. Easy to do when your entire meal is planned and prepped ahead of time. Think of yourself as a caterer- catering a party for you! When entertaining a small group it’s easy to splurge.
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food detective
Back to the desert from a whirlwind tour of Los Angeles. Moved my recent college grad into her West Hollywood apartment. Had an incredible Peruvian meal at Picca. Sat on a plush couch while Elvis Costello played a mere feet away. Paid seven dollars for twenty minutes to run in and have a cup of coffee with my UCLA daughter. And an unexpected
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Watch out for those blue diamonds. Cooking can be like skiing the back bowls of Vail. Pay close attention to the ski report. Tonight I’m making a chicken Thai soup. Simple and fresh. Just the punch of color needed to hopefully kick us into spring. But recipes like this one can be the culinary equivalent to skiing moguls. Easier done when you are
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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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!