perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress

What's turned out to be the highlight of my summer entertaining isn't what's served alongside but rather what's slathered on this grilled chicken. I read this recipe for dijonnaise grilled chicken in the New York Times and was dubious but decided to give it a shot. Boy oh boy am I glad I did. It's turned into a summer staple. Not only is it a
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress

For many, Memorial Day marks the official kickoff to summer entertaining. How fun that I could fill my mountain home with my youngest daughter and her growing family and friends. There's something special about having littles and pups running around. It also calls for a well-planned approach so that your barbecue will come off without a hitch.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress

Well, the holidays are almost here. If the idea of putting together an elaborate meal for a tableful of perhaps differing minds seems daunting… have no fear! Here are some of my tried-and-true side dishes that are sure to please both sides of the table. The best part many can be made or prepped way in advance. Giving you ample to time to take a
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a moment in time

It’s funny the things that stick in our minds from our youth. The simplest of events, common objects we’ve elevated, certain sounds or smells, cherished foods. When it comes to things we absolutely loved to eat, when revisited in adulthood do they ever taste as good as we remember? While some dishes are best left on memory lane, there is one that
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food detective

Certain milestones deserve distinct celebration. As our new reality gave way to a new location, I knew I would need to find a proper place to ring in my husband’s 70th. Those who know Dave, know he loves his “brown” liquids. Luckily our new hometown is home to High West Distillery. What I didn’t know was that they have this lovely little cottage
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a moment in time

It’s crazy how an unforeseen event can turn your entire life in a different direction. At the end of February, I had to jump on a plane to attend to a family matter. Five days there I received a hysterical phone call that our apartment in Chicago was ruined. I had trouble understanding the urgency of what might have happened. I tried to reassure
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food detective

Mortadella, an emulsified pork sausage that’s been a staple for centuries in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, has become a recent rage. You’ll find it gracing charcuterie boards, elevating every sandwich it’s tucked into, and even whipped to create a transcendent canapé. One of my favorite spots outside of Los Angeles is Milkfarm, an artisanal
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food detective

Last week it seemed like summer might just be here to stay. Then mother nature took an about face. Temps plunged, skies darkened, and freezing rain arrived as the cold winds began to blow. Sadly, that meant summer’s bounty was soon to hibernate. I don’t know why I am always surprised when the stalls at the farmers market dwindle. While you might
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food detective

Summer 2023 has had undeniable highs and a few rocky lows. Rather than lift a half-glass of rosé and whine, let me share a libation that has allowed me to toast the bounty of this summer season. This watermelon margarita is perfectly balanced- slightly sweet, just enough acid, and a smokey kick mezcal instead of tequila. The pureed fresh
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food detective

It’s a wrap! Recently I had two puff pastry requests. One was to bring my pigs in a blanket to a friend’s cookout. The other was to come up with a recipe for a fig in a blanket that a friend had at a cocktail reception and claimed was divine. At the barbeque my buddy was doing a blind tasting of several different strip steaks. One was prime
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