perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Last Wednesday I hosted a luncheon for the Garden Club of Dayton’s Executive Board. To mark our final meeting of the year and to show this group of amazing ladies how much I appreciate them I wanted to make it extra special. Serving multiple courses is a sure way to show you care. But while you want to make your meal memorable you certainly
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food detective
My husband’s and my travel schedules have been… crazy! We’ve literally flown over one another. Think of planes, trains and cars passing in the night. Last Wednesday was the only date that could possibly resemble a date. I wanted to slow down, set the table, and make him something special to show him how much I’ve missed him. But with suitcases that
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Just taught an evening class at Dorothy Lane Market’s Culinary Center. The theme was “spring soiree”. While nature is popping up and showing its face, it’s time for us to shake off our winter hibernation and do the same. Spring is the perfect time to reconnect with friends and feature some of the best the season has to offer. The class was a
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food detective
I am completely smitten with these sweet potatoes. I could eat them every day. Truth be told, some days I do. The play between the puff inside verses the crunch outside is heavenly. Then to push it up a notch, these hot wedges get a drizzle of sriracha crème fraiche. Think sweet heat. You’ll be amazed how easy they are to make. Since sweet
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food detective
Here’s some real news you can sink your teeth into. Melissa Clark, a food reporter from the New York Times, has created a digital series on the essentials of French cuisine. She takes readers through ten quintessential recipes- from mastering a basic omelet to serving up a soufflé with aplomb. She walks you through why should master the recipe
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food detective
While we all hope for velvet results, sometimes we need an iron hand to get there. Lately I’ve been looking to broaden my horizons. I’ve read some fascinating books- Colson Whitehead’s “Underground Railroad”, Affinity Konar’s “Mischling, and I’m just finishing Yaa Gyasi”s “Homegoing”. Obviously I’m not drawn to the cheeriest of books, rather ones
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food detective
This year I decided to get a head start on my new year resolutions. Since November I’ve been slowly chipping away at them. I must admit some are going better than others. I’m making real inroads in purging my home of clutter. My goal by the end 0f 2017 is to have all extra drawers and closets completely empty. And I’m trying to do it mindfully
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Nothing warms the soul like a hot bowl of homemade soup. You might think making your own, in your home, is beyond your reach. Think again. Making a creamy vegetable soup is as easy as one, two, three. First- begin with a base of sautéed onions. Second- add three to four cups of chopped vegetables, cover with liquid, and simmer until tender. Third
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
New year, new resolutions. Some might want to eat healthier, simplify, entertain more. Here’s a recipe to check the box on all three. A big bowl of healthy greens is a welcome sight at any gathering. But serving salad to a crowd can be challenge. It’s hard to toss without having everything fly out of the bowl. And once dressed the leaves seem to
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
It’s hard being good when holiday sweets and treats seem to appear at every turn. We know we shouldn’t, but don’t we all want to indulge just a bit? If you are hosting this season why not pass on the usual array of baked goods and offer up a sweet surprise instead. Something magical happens when our favorites are served in petite portions.
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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 →