food detective
As the countdown for the eclipse approached, I wondered how best to mark this extraordinary event. The moon was scheduled to block out the sun at 2:28 on Monday afternoon. Not the time I typically entertain. Then an idea came to me the night before just like a flash in
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food detective
Every month, for the past decade, my husband receives a special delivery from the fruit of the month club. And each month I bring the package in, place it on the counter, and when he comes home from work we pour ourselves a cocktail and survey the box. After a
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food detective
While we all hope for velvet results, sometimes we need an iron hand to get there. Lately I’ve been looking to broaden my horizons. I’ve read some fascinating books- Colson Whitehead’s “Underground Railroad”, Affinity Konar’s “Mischling, and I’m just finishing Yaa Gyasi”s “Homegoing”. Obviously I’m not drawn to the cheeriest
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Nothing warms the soul like a hot bowl of homemade soup. You might think making your own, in your home, is beyond your reach. Think again. Making a creamy vegetable soup is as easy as one, two, three. First- begin with a base of sautéed onions. Second- add three to
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
New year, new resolutions. Some might want to eat healthier, simplify, entertain more. Here’s a recipe to check the box on all three. A big bowl of healthy greens is a welcome sight at any gathering. But serving salad to a crowd can be challenge. It’s hard to toss without
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
A definite perk to helping my dad move back to Florida each year is that it almost always coincides with the opening day of stone crab season. Last week I almost spilled my coffee when I heard on the local news that fisherman were allowed to set their traps that
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Purists might cringe when they read this post, the rest may jump for joy when they discover how easy it is to make a dynamic duo of sauces for grilled filets or beef tenderloin. I never know which guests will prefer with their steak- horseradish sauce or béarnaise. Honestly I
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
This spring I have been traveling non-stop judging flower shows for the Garden Club of America. While my expertise is in the photography division I delight in seeing how the national floral arrangers interpret and execute their themes. I marvel at their creativity and expertise because for me a centerpiece
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
Many people don’t entertain because they don’t feel they have what they need to entertain properly. So when it comes to setting the stage what exactly do you need? Well that depends on what type of party you want to have and how many guests you want over. Let’s start
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food detective
How wonderful when a student teaches you a new trick. One of the fun things about teaching at Dorothy Lane Market’s Culinary Center is when I run into my “students” and they share not only what they enjoyed learning from my class but divulge their own secrets to making a
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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 →