just peachy

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on August 14, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Farm stands and markets are cropping up everywhere in southwestern Ohio. Worth the trip- the 2nd Street Market in downtown Dayton and the Yellow Springs Farmer’s Market. But I have to say that Dorothy Lane has a pretty incredible daily farmer’s market right inside their grocery store. And right now the peaches from Branstrator Farm in Clarksville
continue reading →

love at first bite

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on January 10, 2015 by Sandy Bergsten
Falling head over heels doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have crazy good ingredients. Here is a truly decadent dessert that is easy as one, two, three. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but I make an exception for Pure Madness peppermint bark. It truly is crazy chocolate love. The layers of dark and white chocolate are
continue reading →

girls night out

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Desserts, Cocktail Party, Wine Line, Posted on December 21, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
What a fun evening at DLM’s Culinary Center. I hosted a Girl’s Night Out cooking class with Dorothy Lane Market’s wine expert Teresa Kearney. The topic was holiday canapés. And the point was to learn how to make an array of nibbles that would impress without any stress. Have to say the night was a success. We had a full house and while Teresa
continue reading →

dessert in perspective

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Eating Out, Posted on September 28, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Ok- I am now longer on safari in South Africa but that doesn’t mean one can’t find some sweet inspiration a little closer to home. The other week I took a group of aspiring photographers and art lovers up to the Springfield Art Museum to see the “Ohio Perspective” exhibit. It featured landscapes from across the state by renowned Ohio artists
continue reading →

menu please

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on June 6, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Well the last week was filled with activity. Monday night a dinner in honor of our visiting floral design presenters. Thursday morning a surprise birthday brunch at our house for my husband’s entire office. Saturday night- cocktails and a buffet for Dave’s actual 60th birthday. Three parties, three menus, three guest lists, three centerpieces...
continue reading →

sweet ending

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on April 5, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
It is with a heavy heart that I report that my dear sweet mom left this earth the morning of March 28th. She was the epitome of grace and elegance. Everything she touched made the world more beautiful. My mother was a purist. Perfection seemed to be her norm. I was so very blessed to live and learn by her side. Everything I know about entertaining
continue reading →

easy as pie

something in a snap
Categories: Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on September 12, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Last night some of our dearest friends from Cleveland came down for dinner and to spend the night. I knew I’d want to maximize catching up and minimize running around. So when it came to dessert I almost bagged it. But for some reason presenting a little something special at the end of the night makes it… well, special. So here’s a sweet secret
continue reading →

vertical dinner party

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Soups, Meat, Grains and Pasta, Desserts, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on June 22, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Just taught my first class at DLM’s Cooking School. What a blast! The theme was a “vertical dinner party”. Many of the students arrived wondering what that term actually meant. Truth is I made it up, but it’s my go-to version of a pumped up cocktail party. When you want to entertain a crowd but are pinched for space, time or money instead of a
continue reading →

starts and finishes

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Desserts, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on March 3, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
What’s more special than an array of irresistible nibbles to begin and end an evening? With a small group it’s easy to splurge. So pull out the stops and create an assortment of delectable bites to greet your guests and send them on their way. Here are some distinctive bookends that can be prepped entirely ahead of time, ensuring your night
continue reading →

chop chop

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Meat, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Wine Line, Posted on February 25, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
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.
continue reading →

Page 3 of 6 pages  < 1 2 3 4 5 >  Last ›