food detective
Thomas Keller’s ears should be burning. I have been raving nonstop about his killer creamed corn recipe. It is literally off the chart. The secret it turns out is freshly grated lime zest and big spritz of lime juice. Combine this with just picked sweet corn and you’re hard pressed to find a more sensational side. Living in southern Ohio there is
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My buddy Rick came in from San Francisco to call on his Midwest clients. I jumped at the chance for him to visit our new home in Dayton. It’s not often we get coastal company, or for that matter any houseguests at all. Southwestern Ohio doesn’t have much destination appeal. Ironically everyone who has ventured to our place has fallen in love with
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something in a snap
There is something sublime about mortadella, the Italian cold cut made from heat-cured pork often studded with pistachios. I’ve heard it’s a staple in Bologna but in that pass of a name ends the comparison. If you have never had mortadella I invite you to venture into an Italian deli or high-end butcher and have them slice you a quarter pound
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just got back from Philadelphia where I was a delegate for Garden Club of America’s centennial annual meeting. Needless to say it was an auspicious affair. Among the keynote speakers were Alice Waters chef, author, activist and owner of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. A champion of the organic food movement, Waters spoke of how gardening had shaped her
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
In a world of texts and tweets we can fall victim to the illusion that anything is instantly available. Some things in life to take time to develop. Consider the evolution of a friendship or a simmering ragu. Time and genuine attention can alter what is seemingly simple into the truly sublime. As fate would have it last Friday night we had the
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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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food detective
Just went to a charming wedding in West Chop on Martha’s Vineyard. Everywhere you turned there were the most personable touches. It was the quintessential Nor’easter celebration. Lobster rolls and crab cakes. A killer band under a tent with a remarkable view. A bride as stunningly beautiful and unpretentious as the local blooms artfully arranged
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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! read more →