perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Bringing an appetizer to a special friend’s party calls for something a little exceptional. Nothing says home like a dip, though there is certainly nothing humdrum about this one. First glances are deceiving, this concoction is sophisticated and sublime. Smoked salmon and salmon roe. Don’t skimp on the ingredients, the highest quality yields
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entertaining with style- making it work for you
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Posted on November 27, 2017 by Sandy Bergsten
Tis the season to tell those around us how much we appreciate them. Time to thank those who make our lives better, easier, more beautiful. A thoughtful thank- you always goes a long way. Often I make a homemade treat. Most years I make batches and batches of my ho-ho-hot fudge sauce. But this year my garden club did a bulb sale to fund their
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food detective
One of best parts of the holidays can be the ebb and flow of loved ones into your home… dinners crowded around the dining room table, sandwich fixings splayed across the kitchen counter for lunch, and then there’s breakfast. Let’s be honest- that first meal of the day be a real challenge. Almost every morning my Norwich terrier and I share an egg.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What could be more frightening than having company arrive and not having a canape (or two) to greet them? Fear not! Just in time for Halloween (and the upcoming holiday season) here are several appetizers that can be made well in advance and stowed in your freezer, or assembled in a matter minutes. Now you’ll always have something scrumptious to
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food detective
Here’s a trio of dressings that will literally steal the scene. One bite and you’ll never reach for their bottled understudies again. The best part… you won’t believe how easy they are to prepare! So whip up one or all three, they’ll last for a week in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Seriously- who doesn’t love ranch dressing?
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food detective
How about a little schnitzel just in time for Oktoberfest? Sounds complicated, but really it’s as easy as one, two, three. What’s key is choosing a chicken breast that’s not too big. I’m not sure when someone thought it was a good idea to offer up chicken breasts that resemble those of a small turkey. They are unwieldy, difficult to cook properly,
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With temps finally falling and farm fresh stone fruit still available, now is the perfect time to pop a crisp in the oven. It couldn’t be simpler with this easy to do, adjustable recipe. No need to bake for the masses, with this recipe you make exactly what you want. And the best part- you can make a large batch of the topping and pop it in the
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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 the dark. With my Amazon procured ISO certified glasses in hand, I asked my
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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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Wouldn’t you rather have cocktails with your guests then be chained to your grill? Caterers and many restaurants often precook their protein then finish it off right before serving. Time to think like a pro and follow suit. My citrus marinated pork tenderloin is exceptionally tender. The trick is marinating it the day before. Turning the Ziploc
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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 →