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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flash in the pan

food detective
Categories: Poultry, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Posted on August 22, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
My youngest just started a new job, one with lots of travel. She asked me for some fast, easy, and healthy meals to balance out what she might be consuming on the road. This would be a perfect challenge for me as well. As a former educator my “new year” begins after Labor Day. Time to hit the summer reset button and begin a healthy mealtime
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unraveling a recipe

food detective
Categories: Poultry, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on July 23, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
This past month has been a doozie in the news department. Thank goodness for NYT’s “Cooking”. It’s been a welcome refuge from the myriad of blasts. One monumental news day I stumbled across a recipe for caprese chicken by Susan Spungen. It was the exact diversion I was seeking. Midwest chicken, garden tomatoes, fresh basil. And happily there was a
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magnificent milestones

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Fête Fact, Posted on July 10, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
A first-rate finale to our litany of houseguests. An exceptional weekend in every way, my dad came to Chicago to celebrate some very big birthdays. He and his best friend had just turned 90, and on our first night together my mom’s dearest friend had a very special birthday of her own. To kick off the festivities we dined at Mon Ami Gabi, the i
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about face

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Poultry, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on June 26, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s incredible how much family we’ve had visit. Literally each weekend another crew has come to stay with us. After two years of quiet isolation on the sixteenth floor of our Chicago apartment it’s been a welcome change filling our home with those we love. Each time it’ been a completely different adventure, and it’s remarkable how different every
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rise and shine vegan style

food detective
Categories: Eggs, Veggies and Sides, Breakfast/Brunch, Posted on June 10, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
It’s a riot the similarities my husband and our three-year-old grandson share. Top of the list might be their wariness for trying new foods. They both tend to crinkle their noses at the unfamiliar. It’s only after certain coaxing that they’ll grudgingly give something new a try. Once they do, they’ll subtly smack their lips to carefully take in the
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our very vegan visit

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Salads and Dressings, Soups, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Cocktail Party, Lunch, Sources, Posted on May 24, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Last weekend was a first of many. The first time my stepson and his family were visiting us in Chicago. The first time we would have a little person in our apartment (previously, pre-covid, we’ve only had a baby). And this would be my first attempt at creating a four-day menu that was completely vegan. I pride myself on being adaptable and nimble
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a worthy carrot

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on May 8, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
I just got back from seeing my dad. What a remarkable man at 90-years young.  Always on-the-go, he keeps me hopping. Each trip we tackle plenty of tasks, share many stories, lots of laughs, and of course memorable meals. One of things I always add to his to-do list is a trip to Merrick’s Seafood in Cape Coral for stone crabs. Cleverly I coincide
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thai one on

cooking for one... or two
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Dinner Party, Posted on April 10, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Asian inspired dishes often make the perfect weeknight meal. But I tend to struggle with what to serve on the side. This quick Thai cucumber salad seems to make just about everything it accompanies to shine. Go ahead and make a double batch of the vinegar sugar syrup. Then just a quick chop and toss and you are ready to roll.
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a fresh perspective

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on March 1, 2022 by Sandy Bergsten
Many welcome the new year with self-improvement. For some its dry-anuary (not this girl) or a new fitness program (I already have a good one in place). For me, I decided I’d embrace forward-thinking-February leading into mindful-March. I’ve been working on the power of positive thought and the laws of attraction for some time, but this year, in a
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