shelter from the storm

food detective
Categories: Meat, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on February 6, 2024 by Sandy Bergsten
A series of atmospheric rivers have been pummeling the west coast of California and barreling into the Inland Empire. Our once sunny, dry oasis has become wet, drank and frigid. Sweaters donned and fireplaces lit, it’s time for some good old fashioned comfort food. I adore shepherd’s pie, but it’s been eons since I’ve made it. So I poured myself a
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sealed with a kiss

dinner for two
Categories: Soups, Poultry, Meat, Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on November 14, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
One of the ways I show love is by making meals for others. It’s such a gift to have a full table with everyone gathered around. But now with our children’s lives progressing and families expanding I often find myself traveling to their homes. This fall I had back-to-back weekends visiting my daughters in LA and Park City. Lucky Meemo got to babysit
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ear today…

food detective
Categories: Soups, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on October 16, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
Last week it seemed like summer might just be here to stay. Then mother nature took an about face. Temps plunged, skies darkened, and freezing rain arrived as the cold winds began to blow. Sadly, that meant summer’s bounty was soon to hibernate. I don’t know why I am always surprised when the stalls at the farmers market dwindle. While you might
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raise a glass

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Dinner for Two, Supper, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on September 8, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
Summer 2023 has had undeniable highs and a few rocky lows. Rather than lift a half-glass of rosé and whine, let me share a libation that has allowed me to toast the bounty of this summer season. This watermelon margarita is perfectly balanced- slightly sweet, just enough acid, and a smokey kick mezcal instead of tequila. The pureed fresh
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bundle of joy

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Poultry, Dinner for Two, Supper, Cocktail Party, Posted on August 1, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
My newest grandson just arrived, and I am over the moon! What magic to be there for those first few days and weeks of life. Not only is little Peter perfect in every way, it’s incredible to see my daughter and son-in-law blossom into such amazing new parents. One of my favorite things, other than holding that little sprite, is to nourish my loved
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figs & pigs

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Dinner for Two, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on July 9, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s a wrap! Recently I had two puff pastry requests. One was to bring my pigs in a blanket to a friend’s cookout. The other was to come up with a recipe for a fig in a blanket that a friend had at a cocktail reception and claimed was divine. At the barbeque my buddy was doing a blind tasting of several different strip steaks. One was prime
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where the buffalos roam

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Poultry, Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Posted on May 12, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
Maybe it’s all the playoff games, draft picks, and NFL schedule releases but lately I’ve been craving buffalo chicken. With my own schedule ramping up it’s time to get creative in the kitchen, not only for inspiration but for timesaving shortcuts. I love when I find ready-prepped ingredients. Whole Foods carries the best pulled rotisserie chicken
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on the rise

food detective
Categories: Eggs, Dinner for Two, Supper, Lunch, Posted on April 25, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
There is nothing quite like a cheese soufflé. They rise as if by magic. The result a savory, airy, light edible cloud. And fear not, once you master the basic technique it is almost as easy as making an omelet. It’s also a great last-minute supper because you probably have all of the ingredients on hand. If this is your first souffléing, be sure
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oldie but goodie

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Dinner for Two, Supper, Cocktail Party, Lunch, Posted on April 9, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
One of my perennial resolutions is to go through an old binder of mine entitled “Sandy’s Best”, a collection of recipes that I have been lugging back and forth for years. Most of the recipes are from the late 1980s to early 2000s. Some are clearly dated. Others have fond memories. It’s funny but when I’ve tried to resurrect many, they’ve landed in
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al fresco

dinner for two
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on March 20, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
Last week those of us in California got a brief respite from the atmospheric river that has been relentlessly raining down. I seized the moment, heated up the pool and whipped together a dinner for two to enjoy out on the patio. A first since November. My love affair with my husband’s grill continues. (You might be asking who did I give that
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