food detective
One of the many perks of southern California is that the farmers markets run almost all year. Wednesday morning I wake up and head down the hill to the one in Palm Desert. There I pick up a bag of some of the best avocados in the world, a jug of just picked-just squeezed orange juice, an armful of wild flowers, and whatever vegetables catch my
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Hats off to all of my friends who imbibed the hype and embraced “dry January” or went on one of those ten to (gasp) thirty-day cleanses. Suffice it to say that I did not do any of those things. I did however work diligently on trying to incorporate more cardio into my weekly routine and really tried to slash my portions in half. Next November at my
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
It’s that time of year. People you love gather. And whether you are hosting a turkey dinner for twenty or a more intimate affair here are a couple tried and true sides guaranteed to add holiday sparkle to any table. No one needs to know you can make these both weeks ahead of time then strategically pull them out of your freezer on the big day.
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food detective
Summertime in southern Ohio it’s easy to believe that sweet corn will always be around. But as the dog days of summer come to a close, so will corn’s window. It’s always a sad moment when I drive by the farm stand on Stroop Road and their wooden cart is bare. Because once the corn is gone, it’s gone for good. But while it’s still here, I am
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food detective
One of the best things about living in Ohio in August is the abundance of freshly picked tomatoes. You can actually smell their sweet ripeness from afar. These beauties need little adornment… a pinch of salt, a grind of pepper, a splash of good olive oil and perhaps a drizzle of fine balsamic. This simple tomato salad really doesn’t need a
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My last cooking class at Dorothy Lane Marker’s Culinary Center was so much fun. We had a great group, plenty of farm fresh ingredients, and a lineup of recipes that could be done almost entirely ahead of time. Let’s face it- if you’re going to have people over you want to be out with your guests, not stuck in the kitchen. The theme was
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Last Wednesday I hosted a luncheon for the Garden Club of Dayton’s Executive Board. To mark our final meeting of the year and to show this group of amazing ladies how much I appreciate them I wanted to make it extra special. Serving multiple courses is a sure way to show you care. But while you want to make your meal memorable you certainly
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just taught an evening class at Dorothy Lane Market’s Culinary Center. The theme was “spring soiree”. While nature is popping up and showing its face, it’s time for us to shake off our winter hibernation and do the same. Spring is the perfect time to reconnect with friends and feature some of the best the season has to offer. The class was a
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food detective
I am completely smitten with these sweet potatoes. I could eat them every day. Truth be told, some days I do. The play between the puff inside verses the crunch outside is heavenly. Then to push it up a notch, these hot wedges get a drizzle of sriracha crème fraiche. Think sweet heat. You’ll be amazed how easy they are to make. Since sweet
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food detective
This year I decided to get a head start on my new year resolutions. Since November I’ve been slowly chipping away at them. I must admit some are going better than others. I’m making real inroads in purging my home of clutter. My goal by the end 0f 2017 is to have all extra drawers and closets completely empty. And I’m trying to do it mindfully
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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 →