surf and turf

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Fish and Seafood, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on May 20, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
My hubby just turned another year. He stated he didn’t want any fanfare but I know him well enough to know that he would appreciate a little something special to mark the occasion. So I invited a pair of close friends and put together a menu that would wow without any muss and fuss. What would be better than breaking down the steak house version of
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partial prelude

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on April 29, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Some nights things seem to come together perfectly. Last weekend we had one such evening. A great group and a meal that was comforting and light and fresh. Grilled scampi and sautéed spinach topped last Saturday night’s grit soufflé. Prepping and partially cooking both ahead of time makes this home down dinner come together in a matter of minutes.
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april’s fool

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Veggies and Sides, Dinner Party, Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
This season spring has definitely pulled a fast one. We can only hope warmer temps and blooming buds are around the corner. But just because Mother Nature and the Punxsutawney groundhog can’t get the forecast straight doesn’t mean our menus have to follow suit. The night before Easter we had a full house and I was determined to cook up a meal for
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in the poky

making it your own
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on March 10, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Please don’t throw away the key. Sometimes it’s best to beg, borrow or steal. When you can procure a superior component rather than make it from scratch- go for it. The trick is to tweak it to make it your own. Last weekend my dear friend Pokey asked me to bring an hors d'oeuvre to her Saturday soiree. I couldn’t resist the alliteration and decided
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night before christmas

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Poultry, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on December 24, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
As for many with adult children our holidays are looking more like a sprawl. This year we must divide and conquer. All this entertaining demands that memorable meals come together with a minimum of last minute effort. For selfishly I want to be with those I love, not tied to my overused stove. Here’s the first of our three “Christmas” dinners.
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the big… countdown

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Meat, Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Desserts, Beverages, Dinner Party, Wine Line, Posted on November 11, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Saturday I turned the big five-oh. And what better way to herald this milestone then a cozy dinner for twelve the night before. One of the best presents this girl could ask for is a table full of dear friends laughing, toasting and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Want to know a truism I’ve learned over the past half century? Guests only have as
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all choked up

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Dinner Party, Posted on September 17, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Took my baby to the airport. I’m as predictable as Old Faithful. The waterworks starting misting up days ago. My maternal tears can be quite disarming. Pity the person who encountered me on the first day of preschool, the back roads of New Hampshire after I dropped my little ones off at summer camp, or heaven forbid the airport when they went off
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skaol

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Fish and Seafood, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on September 5, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
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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lighten up

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Fish and Seafood, Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on August 12, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Move over Maryland. Here is a crab cake that is substantial on the jumbo lump and light on the filler. A perfect summer main following a refreshing chilled soup. This runner-up is a breeze to bring to the table because the cakes must be formed and chilled hours in advance. Ideal for a midweek business dinner that is healthy and light but makes a
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pinch me

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Fish and Seafood, Veggies and Sides, Dinner Party, Posted on August 2, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
With my parents in for the weekend I thought it would be fun to serve several small courses for dinner. I also wanted to wow them with a showstopper. In Dayton Foremost Seafood has the most incredible soft shell crabs. You need to call ahead to see if they’re available but when they are Foremost will clean the live crustaceans for you on the spot
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