making it for two
How often do you find a great recipe only to discover it’s scaled for a crowd? In this next series entitled “making it for two” I am going to pare down not only the ingredients but also the prep time so that cooking for two won’t take an eternity. Leaving you more time to spend time with the one you love. My sweet husband has an incredible sweet
continue reading →
food detective
Many of you will be reading this on June 13th, the day my bi-monthly email blast goes out and wonder what the heck is she doing making cheesecake when her daughter is getting married in three days! I assure you I didn’t wake up at 5 AM to make these little bites. I made them the week before. Experimenting in the kitchen is one of the ways I unwind
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
_showers/pansies-1.jpg)
It’s April 17th and I woke to my flower beds covered in a blanket of snow. As I put on my boots and hat and mittens to take my dog Willie out, we were greeted with frigid winds and pelting hail. I don’t know about you but I’m ready for a weather change. And while we can’t do a thing to influence Mother Nature, here's a way to bring a little
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With temps finally falling and farm fresh stone fruit still available, now is the perfect time to pop a crisp in the oven. It couldn’t be simpler with this easy to do, adjustable recipe. No need to bake for the masses, with this recipe you make exactly what you want. And the best part- you can make a large batch of the topping and pop it in the
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My last cooking class at Dorothy Lane Marker’s Culinary Center was so much fun. We had a great group, plenty of farm fresh ingredients, and a lineup of recipes that could be done almost entirely ahead of time. Let’s face it- if you’re going to have people over you want to be out with your guests, not stuck in the kitchen. The theme was
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Last Wednesday I hosted a luncheon for the Garden Club of Dayton’s Executive Board. To mark our final meeting of the year and to show this group of amazing ladies how much I appreciate them I wanted to make it extra special. Serving multiple courses is a sure way to show you care. But while you want to make your meal memorable you certainly
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just taught an evening class at Dorothy Lane Market’s Culinary Center. The theme was “spring soiree”. While nature is popping up and showing its face, it’s time for us to shake off our winter hibernation and do the same. Spring is the perfect time to reconnect with friends and feature some of the best the season has to offer. The class was a
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
It’s hard being good when holiday sweets and treats seem to appear at every turn. We know we shouldn’t, but don’t we all want to indulge just a bit? If you are hosting this season why not pass on the usual array of baked goods and offer up a sweet surprise instead. Something magical happens when our favorites are served in petite portions.
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Lately my husband has been such a sweetheart I thought I’d bake him a pie. Wait a minute- me make a homemade pie? Those of you who know me know that I’m not very skilled when it comes to baking. But just because I’m not terribly accomplished at something doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give it a try. Now I’m not suggesting I’ll go hog wild into
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What in the world happened to spring? I just arrived home from meetings in Savannah only to find my daffodils covered in sleet. Snow is in the forecast and the temps are plunging into the 20s. I thought those dark dank days of walking my dog were over. Time to import a splash of sunshine. Maybe its because I was just in the south and I was spoiled
continue reading →
Page 1 of 5 pages 1 2 3 > Last ›
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! read more →