excess baggage

what's for dinner- cooking for two
Categories: Meat, Dinner for Two, Sources, Posted on November 29, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Who thought it was possible for me to OD on unpasteurized cheese, foie gras, wild mushrooms and eggs. A reality check when we returned to US Customs and the only thing I had to declare was approximately seven pounds. The meals we had (twenty-three in all) have left me satiated. My travel journal bulging with every morsel and sip.
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taking in the sites

living large and eating local
Categories: Posted on November 22, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Off to France to visit my daughter- how lucky am I? While we’re out discovering Paris and the Loire Valley, I hope you have a chance to explore this new site.
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that elusive date

perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
Categories: Meat, Veggies and Sides, Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on November 18, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
We’ve all said it, “would love to have you over for dinner- let’s get a date on the calendar”. With each additional couple the improbability of finding an open night increases exponentially. Instead of settling on a common weekend in a month, we find ourselves flipping through the seasons. Last night’s dinner was supposed to occur in July.
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unfinished business

what's for dinner- cooking for two
Categories: Appetizers, Meat, Dinner for Two, Posted on November 14, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
The last thing you might want to do after hosting a large party is make dinner. But the day-after often offers up the most alluring ingredients, making it a shame not to cook up something special. How often do the components for beef tenderloin bourguignon so willingly present themselves?
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down to business

perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress When faced with a big event it’s best to break it down into manageable pieces. Hosting a large party can be daunting, if it’s for business the stakes can feel higher. There are certain expectations for a work-related affair such as a prompt schedule, accommodating a range of diets, and providing a format that is conducive to the business at hand.
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friendly fire

perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Soups, Meat, Desserts, Dinner Party, Wine Line, Posted on November 5, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
Blue jeans, a roaring fire and just one other couple. Now that’s my kind of Friday night. After a flurry of business it’s great to be able to let down your hair and soak in your company. It’s also a perfect opportunity to do a test run on any key components for next week’s dinner for twelve.
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chill out

perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Categories: Appetizers, Poultry, Desserts, Dinner Party, Posted on November 2, 2011 by Sandy Bergsten
The old saying a stitch in time saves nine holds true when entertaining multiple gatherings. Tonight’s dinner is the first of four. I’ve been strategically stocking the freezer with key components. These designated hitters when brought in from the cold will hit a homer each time they come up to a new plate. Desserts can be a real stumbling block.
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