perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Homegrown tomatoes still grace the shelves at the market though there is a distinct chill in the air. And while it’s not quite sweater weather I find myself craving comfort food. Time to figure out a way to bridge the seasons with a meal that is as comforting as cashmere but light enough to stand up to these last nights of Indian summer. I adore
continue reading →
food detective
Thomas Keller’s ears should be burning. I have been raving nonstop about his killer creamed corn recipe. It is literally off the chart. The secret it turns out is freshly grated lime zest and big spritz of lime juice. Combine this with just picked sweet corn and you’re hard pressed to find a more sensational side. Living in southern Ohio there is
continue reading →
something in a snap
Last night some of our dearest friends from Cleveland came down for dinner and to spend the night. I knew I’d want to maximize catching up and minimize running around. So when it came to dessert I almost bagged it. But for some reason presenting a little something special at the end of the night makes it… well, special. So here’s a sweet secret
continue reading →
something in a snap
There is something sublime about mortadella, the Italian cold cut made from heat-cured pork often studded with pistachios. I’ve heard it’s a staple in Bologna but in that pass of a name ends the comparison. If you have never had mortadella I invite you to venture into an Italian deli or high-end butcher and have them slice you a quarter pound
continue reading →
something in a snap
How many times have you needed an appetizer only to find that all your spare time has evaporated into thin air? Lately I’ve been on the run leaving me very little time to cook, let alone photograph and post. But rather than stressing out about it I decided I would share some tricks I keep up my sleeve when I’m faced with an actual entertaining need
continue reading →
food detective
One of my favorite things about Wednesday is the dining section in the New York Times. I love how the articles shed new light on many a staple and always seem to transport me out of my humble kitchen. Magically this happened a couple of weeks ago when Section D sported a spread on reimagining the picnic. I was eager to try my hand at the featured
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just taught my first class at DLM’s Cooking School. What a blast! The theme was a “vertical dinner party”. Many of the students arrived wondering what that term actually meant. Truth is I made it up, but it’s my go-to version of a pumped up cocktail party. When you want to entertain a crowd but are pinched for space, time or money instead of a
continue reading →
food detective
I am shameless when in hot pursuit of a recipe. But procuring someone’s secret dish usually takes time and clandestine skill. Most people need to be gently coerced and it often takes several attempts, gleaning small pieces at each swipe until just like a jigsaw it falls perfectly into place. One of my husband and my favorite spots is Deep Springs
continue reading →
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
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
In our family the birthday boy (or girl) chooses the menu. So it was only fitting that I serve up three of my husband’s favorite sides along his celebratory strip steak. Not only is this trio a treat for taste buds its also a delight for the eyes with their bright colors and complimentary textures. The best part- all can be made and prepped ahead
continue reading →
Page 15 of 23 pages ‹ First < 13 14 15 16 17 > Last ›
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 →