entertaining in the age of social distancing

the virtual gathering
Categories: Soups, Dinner for Two, Supper, Well Equipped, Fête Fact, Posted on March 28, 2020 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s a little surreal writing an entertaining blog when we’re being asked to “shelter in”. Three weeks ago I felt like I needed to make food I could bunker in with. I busied myself with filling my freezer and frig. But then as life’s milestones continued… my firstborn’s 30th birthday, my baby’s engagement, and the pending arrival of our third
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take comfort

what's for dinner
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Dinner for Two, Supper, Well Equipped, Posted on March 17, 2020 by Sandy Bergsten
If you’re feeling on edge you are not alone. Sitting idlily with the newscasts running and our phones pinging isn’t helping. So how about a little distraction that’s part preparedness? One of my all-time favorite comfort foods is homemade mac and cheese. This creamy concoction with a crisp edge is sure to soothe the weariest of souls. An added
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no… regrets

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Eggs, Supper, Lunch, Breakfast/Brunch, Well Equipped, Posted on March 1, 2020 by Sandy Bergsten
Last year when we downsized, I went full out Marie Kondo. Purging felt exhilarating. Unpacking things that only brought me joy elating. Walking by air filled closets and half full drawers energizing. Then as the months passed, a few things tugged at my heartstrings and sensibilities. I have to be honest, I have a few regrets. People who know me
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defining your wheelhouse

simple truths to unleash your entertaining potential
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Fête Fact, Posted on February 1, 2020 by Sandy Bergsten
Entertaining is a lot like baseball. To maximize success, you need to figure out how to consistently hit the ball out of the park. That means knowing exactly where in the strike zone you should position yourself. The takeaway here is to realize that your personal sweet spot might not be the same as someone else’s. It’s important to figure out what
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gem of a weekend

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Eating Out, Fête Fact, Posted on November 18, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
Two weeks ago, the stars aligned, and my college roommates and I finally got together for the first time in over seven years. Upon seeing each other it was if the last thirty-eight years literally melted away. What a tonic for each of our souls. We laughed, we reminisced, we held one another, and of course we ate (disclaimer: there was also a litt
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a leg up

food detective
Categories: Poultry, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on October 22, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
All news is not fake news. Take this recipe by Alison Roman that I discovered in my NYT Weeknight Dinner news feed. This chicken dish, with its the complex flavors that come together in less than half an hour on a single sheet pan, is the real deal. It is really easy to prepare and really, really delicious. Most of the New York Time recipes are fo
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home in no time

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Poultry, Dinner for Two, Supper, Sources, Posted on October 6, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
Yesterday fall finally arrived. I was so excited to pull on one of my favorite sweaters and take Wille for a brisk walk along the lake. That cool fresh air roused my appetite for something equally cozy. Is there anything more comforting than homemade chicken pot pie? Just the other day that dish popped up in a conversation with friends. We all
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it’s all in the plan

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on August 29, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
Now’s the time to harvest all that basil and make some fabulous pesto. Those near and dear who know my busy schedule might be saying- you made this today? Heck no! I made this (and wrote this) weeks ago and stowed it in my freezer. Because even when you’re really busy you still need to eat. And if you plan ahead, you can eat, really well. Here's
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a ray of sunshine

a moment in time
Categories: Soups, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on August 6, 2019 by Sandy Bergsten
Sitting down to write about soup seems surreal given last week’s tragic events. My heart breaks for everyone in Dayton, El Paso, and Gilroy. Given the overwhelming senselessness, sometimes the only thing to do is to try to focus on something positive you can control. It’s summer, and that means farmer’s markets. One of my favorite things to do on
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eat this

food detective The other night we stopped by my cousin’s in Lincoln Park for a glass of wine before heading out to dinner. She had a wonderful spread of cured meats and the most amazing fresh ricotta. My husband and I couldn’t wait to find out where she got it. Turns out there is an Eataly in Chicago. It’s a 12-minute drive from my apartment. And if you spend
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