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
Months ago we inquired if friends could come over for dinner. As we scrolled through our collective calendars weeks turned into months, we finally settled on Saturday May 5th. In February when I tapped the event into my iPhone who knew that our date harbored two minor holidays- Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. When this potential conflict
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what’s old is new again- round two
What’s better than a great dinner party? Being left with the stars for an encore performance in a whole new role. One of my top craves in Palm Desert is Three Corner Bistro’s duck confit pizza. While theirs is made with brie and arugula, I decided I’d toss my lone confitted duck leg with the leftover roasted grape tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and
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what to bring
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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perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Many dinner guests ask if they can bring something. Don’t be shy- take them up on their kind offer. Consider your weak suit (or as I say to my consulting clients your “growth edge”). Personally I love when a guest brings dessert or an appetizer. With those bookends out of the way
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perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Sometimes it’s easier to plan a spur of the moment party than trying to get one on the books weeks or months in advance. More often than not the busiest of folks can find a last minute opening in an otherwise over-scheduled calendar. Happily one of these synergetic moments is happening for us this Sunday night.
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out and about
A new factoid about my new hometown- we have civil defense sirens. I had no idea. Obviously I had heard them but didn’t know what they hailed. Last night turns out- hail. This weather has been relentless. It’s hard to complain given what’s happened in Joplin and along the Mississippi but at some point the big guy upstairs has got to take it down
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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!