perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Is there anything better than waking up on a summer Saturday, grabbing a big cup of coffee and heading off to the local farmer’s market? That scenario is tops in my book. Second on the list- the cascading menu that tumbles out of my orange collapsible picnic tote. What better way to mark the summer solstice than with a cool gazpacho highlighting
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My hubby and I just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to be able to spend my days with such a remarkable person. Years ago I thought a solid marriage filled with unconditional love would be just beyond my reach. But then almost a decade ago Dave came into my life. How incredibly fortunate that I would
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food detective
Nothing beats Saturday night supper for four. As fortune would have it my husband and I were invited for such a dinner last weekend. And to up the ante, not only were our host and hostess delightful friends but incredible cooks. Simmering bolognese greeted us we entered, letting us know we were in for a real treat. But what caught me by surprise
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
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
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Watch out for those blue diamonds. Cooking can be like skiing the back bowls of Vail. Pay close attention to the ski report. Tonight I’m making a chicken Thai soup. Simple and fresh. Just the punch of color needed to hopefully kick us into spring. But recipes like this one can be the culinary equivalent to skiing moguls. Easier done when you are
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what's for dinner
Busy week, busy day. What to have for dinner? Greek burgers and Israeli couscous with roasted grape tomatoes and basil. My take on Greek excludes lamb. Not sure why but I can’t stomach it. Lamentably lamb was the celebratory meal of choice in my first husband’s family. Because he was the last of five to marry there was lots to celebrate.
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what's for dinner
In the past two weeks I’ve been to Chicago, Martha’s Vineyard, Washington DC, New York City, and Cleveland. The food lineup has been impressive. Highlight’s include the signature hamachi sashimi at Macku’s on North Clybourn, the chowder at Larsen’s Fish Market in Chilmark, the six course tasting menu at Marcel’s on Pennsylvania Avenue, the oyster
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ripped from the ... making it work for you
Dining in one of Suzanne Goin’s restaurants in LA is truly a treat. Her recipes on the other hand should come with a disclaimer. Pay close attention to the timeline. I adore her cookbook, Sunday Suppers at Lucques, and was excited to see one of her recipes in Bon Appetit’s RSVP section. When I see recipe from a place I’ve actually been a patron
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Who dares venture out for dinner on Valentine’s Day, appropriately dubbed Amateur Night. Dining in one can splurge with a plethora of the best ingredients simply prepared. Foie gras, salmon roe, black truffles, and chocolate- now that if that doesn’t put you in the mood what else will. My Valentine has a soft spot for all of the above.
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what's for dinner- cooking for two
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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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 →