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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food detective
Ever wonder how they made that? Here’s a game I often play with myself. Break down the essential components of a memorable bite. Piece. By. Piece. Recently I was invited to a progressive dinner party where we were transported from house to house in the back of an enormous pickup truck. The dinner (and drinks) were off the chart. I can’t recall when
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With power out for five days my frig and freezer were a complete loss. Needless to say it’s time to restock, and not just with milk and mayo. Entertaining with success means planning ahead. Easy to do with a well-stocked freezer. Nothing beats “bookends” you can pull out of the deep freeze. Time to replenish a couple of those canapés and desserts
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
One of the many gifts my mom gave me was showing me the importance of putting everything in its place. There is an air of elegance if everything is exactly where it is supposed to be. For a large party you’ll strike gold if you set out your serving pieces the night before. Marking each piece with an identifying post-it is a certain silver lining.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
While passed hors d’oeuvres are best for a crowd, it’s prudent to have a few bites purposely positioned during cocktail hour. Strategically place a crisp crudités alongside a light herb mayonnaise. And nothing beats a savory nut alongside a creamy olive. The beauty all can be made a day ahead. Giving you plenty of time to whisk up
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
There is no better way to give your guests a warm welcome than with a hot canapé. No one needs to know that your toasty little treats have been stowed in your freezer for weeks. What’s better than a cheese puff? Here’s an easy twist on this classic hors d’oeuvre. The secret- toss out the typical toast rounds for premade phyllo dough cups.
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the hostess with the mostest hotel
The afternoon’s conversations drift from children to jobs and table to lounge chairs. Minted Arnold Palmers give way to Pete’s 22 Ice Cube Margaritas. And if you know my dad, as these girls most certainly do, when he says twenty-two ice cubes he means it. Guac and my food detective’s rendition of Salsa Attack Salsa are the evening’s preamble.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Having some fun friends over for Sunday supper. Just happens to be the day we set the clocks ahead an hour. Thought it would be entertaining to look back at some of my oldies but goodies that I haven’t made in a while. One of the benefits of having foodies over is that they immediately recalled these more than a decade old recipes, proving that
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Living in a smaller town has certain limitations; one is a wide selection of restaurants. Thankfully Dayton has a profusion of purveyors with top-notch butchers, fishmongers and an abundance of specialty food items. Making business entertaining at home a more than viable option. Such weeknight dinners need to have a minimum of muss and fuss.
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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!