secret sauce

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Poultry, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on July 29, 2025 by Sandy Bergsten
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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sweetest of endings

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Desserts, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on June 10, 2025 by Sandy Bergsten
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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choosing sides

perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Categories: Veggies and Sides, Sauces and Such, Dinner Party, Posted on November 9, 2024 by Sandy Bergsten
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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memories in the making

a moment in time
Categories: Grains and Pasta, Supper, Dinner Party, Posted on July 23, 2024 by Sandy Bergsten
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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new heights

food detective
Categories: Sauces and Such, Dinner for Two, Dinner Party, Eating Out, Posted on May 28, 2024 by Sandy Bergsten
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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change in perspective

a moment in time
Categories: Beverages, Dinner for Two, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on April 30, 2024 by Sandy Bergsten
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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no baloney

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Breads, Pizza, Tarts, Supper, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on December 19, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
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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ear today…

food detective
Categories: Soups, Dinner for Two, Supper, Dinner Party, Lunch, Posted on October 16, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
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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raise a glass

food detective
Categories: Beverages, Dinner for Two, Supper, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on September 8, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
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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figs & pigs

food detective
Categories: Appetizers, Dinner for Two, Cocktail Party, Dinner Party, Posted on July 9, 2023 by Sandy Bergsten
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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