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.
continue reading →

southern solace

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Supper, Dinner Party, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on April 22, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Family and friends are the best tonic to counter a week of devastating headlines. With our loved ones scattered across the country one of my husband and my biggest blessings is that we have friends nearby that feel just as close as relations. Thankfully this past Saturday night we already had two such couples on the books for a laid back dinner.
continue reading →

skiing in thailand

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on February 10, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Watch out for those blue diamonds. Cooking can be like skiing the back bowls of Vail. Pay close attention to the ski report. Tonight I’m making a chicken Thai soup. Simple and fresh. Just the punch of color needed to hopefully kick us into spring. But recipes like this one can be the culinary equivalent to skiing moguls. Easier done when you are
continue reading →

bare all

food detective
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Sauces and Such, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on January 28, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Sometimes you want to try something new, what safer way than with a pair of old friends. Hunkering down for a snowy supper with a roaring fire and just one other couple is my idea of the perfect Saturday night. It’s also the perfect opportunity to skate out on thin ice with a new recipe. There are a few dishes I wish I could successfully make
continue reading →

all the trimmings

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on November 26, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Traditionally my husband and I celebrate a poultry-free Thanksgiving. Oft times we find ourselves flying solo, usually at our desert home near Palm Springs. On such an iconic Thursday night we will sit among the stars with our pool lights twinkling and feast on something spectacular. But this year heralded a happy surprise; my oldest hopped a plane
continue reading →

it’s all greek(ish) to me

what's for dinner
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Poultry, Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on October 22, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
Busy week, busy day. What to have for dinner? Greek burgers and Israeli couscous with roasted grape tomatoes and basil. My take on Greek excludes lamb. Not sure why but I can’t stomach it. Lamentably lamb was the celebratory meal of choice in my first husband’s family. Because he was the last of five to marry there was lots to celebrate.
continue reading →

homeward bound

what's for dinner
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on October 8, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
In the past two weeks I’ve been to Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard, Washington DC, New York City, and Cleveland. The food lineup has been impressive. Highlight’s include the signature hamachi sashimi at Macku’s on North Clybourn, the chowder at Larsen’s Fish Market in Chilmark, the six course tasting menu at Marcel’s on Pennsylvania Avenue, the oyster
continue reading →

welcome home

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Grains and Pasta, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on September 10, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
We all have those meals that conjure up memories of home. It’s usually the first request of one’s first night. I remember being a freshman at the University of Michigan and my dorm mates reminiscing about the first dinner they had when they went home for Thanksgiving break. Meatloaf, spaghetti, fried chicken. Everyone wanted to know what my mom
continue reading →

greener pastures

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Soups, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on August 22, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
With success on the tart front it’s time to round out our lazy august supper. A simple chilled soup is the perfect way to beat the heat and put your guests at ease. All soups should really be made a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Doing so means no mess in the kitchen the day of. And with a chilled soup no last minute heat. To kick off
continue reading →

take it for a test drive

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Soups, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on August 17, 2012 by Sandy Bergsten
French fare. While it all looks so easy, tarts can be (pardon my French) a bit of a bitch to make. Most of you know I am not the best of bakers. On my mom’s recent visit she was shocked at the state of my petite fudge cakes. These diminutive desserts were riddled with caverns and caves. And if you know anything about my mom she isn’t shy about
continue reading →

Page 14 of 15 pages ‹ First  < 12 13 14 15 >