grill on

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on June 30, 2014 by Sandy Bergsten
Can’t believe tomorrow is July. That said it is time to get your grill on! One of the things I like best about grilling is that most things need to be marinated and that means prepped and placed in a bag hours ahead of time. Another little secret is that most grilled meats should sit for at least fifteen minutes. And if that’s the case then why not
continue reading →

côte à côte

food detective
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on October 28, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
The other day I was pushing my cart down the frozen food aisle at Trader Joes when my eye spied the most adorable carrots. These frozen little gems looked just like teeny pumpkins in a frost. I had a flashback to my catering days in the 1970’s when turned vegetables (or tournage de legumes) were all the rage. If you’ve never turned a vegetable you
continue reading →

italian breakdown

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on October 21, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
Homegrown tomatoes still grace the shelves at the market though there is a distinct chill in the air. And while it’s not quite sweater weather I find myself craving comfort food. Time to figure out a way to bridge the seasons with a meal that is as comforting as cashmere but light enough to stand up to these last nights of Indian summer. I adore
continue reading →

listen up

food detective
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Sources, Posted on September 22, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
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
continue reading →

hump day

food detective
Categories: Salads and Dressings, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on July 2, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
One of my favorite things about Wednesday is the dining section in the New York Times. I love how the articles shed new light on many a staple and always seem to transport me out of my humble kitchen. Magically this happened a couple of weeks ago when Section D sported a spread on reimagining the picnic. I was eager to try my hand at the featured
continue reading →

summer sleuth

food detective
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Veggies and Sides, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on June 10, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
I am shameless when in hot pursuit of a recipe. But procuring someone’s secret dish usually takes time and clandestine skill. Most people need to be gently coerced and it often takes several attempts, gleaning small pieces at each swipe until just like a jigsaw it falls perfectly into place. One of my husband and my favorite spots is Deep Springs
continue reading →

fore play

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Veggies and Sides, Dinner for Two, Dinner Party, Posted on June 3, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
There are things you do when you’re dating that tend to fall by the wayside once you get married. For me that would be golf. I’ve never really warmed to the game. It takes almost all day to play. Those who partake tend to complain afterward about went wrong rather then what was fun. It never held much incentive for a full-time working full-time
continue reading →

three on the side

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Dinner Party, Posted on May 27, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
In our family the birthday boy (or girl) chooses the menu. So it was only fitting that I serve up three of my husband’s favorite sides along his celebratory strip steak. Not only is this trio a treat for taste buds its also a delight for the eyes with their bright colors and complimentary textures. The best part- all can be made and prepped ahead
continue reading →

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 →

april’s fool

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Fish and Seafood, Veggies and Sides, Dinner Party, Posted on April 1, 2013 by Sandy Bergsten
This season spring has definitely pulled a fast one. We can only hope warmer temps and blooming buds are around the corner. But just because Mother Nature and the Punxsutawney groundhog can’t get the forecast straight doesn’t mean our menus have to follow suit. The night before Easter we had a full house and I was determined to cook up a meal for
continue reading →

Page 6 of 10 pages ‹ First  < 4 5 6 7 8 >  Last ›