perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
With a momentary chill in the air and foodies on the calendar this might be the last possible weekend to serve up ossobuco. Big note- the following is not for the faint of heart. These braised veal shanks take most of the day to prepare. But while you will spend more hours in the kitchen then out the beauty of these tender cuts is that they can
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Nothing beats having a top chef on speed dial. Lucky for me mine is a die-hard Italian with a prowess for texting. When I’m in a Tuscan pinch I can always count on Paul Minnillo to lend me a virtual hand. For a small dinner party it can be fun to reach out of your comfort zone and take a culinary excursion to a different time zone. Tonight we’re
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perfecting the done before they arrive party- a work in progress
About to kidnap all five kids for our first destination holiday, really shaking things up this holiday season. That said there are circumstances that are certainly sacrosanct, so stockings are stuffed and tucked in my bag (six in all because the big guy would be bummed if he was left out of that fun). And because Christmas eve morn is literally
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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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perfecting the done before they arrive dinner party- a work in progress
We’ve all said it, “would love to have you over for dinner- let’s get a date on the calendar”. With each additional couple the improbability of finding an open night increases exponentially. Instead of settling on a common weekend in a month, we find ourselves flipping through the seasons. Last night’s dinner was supposed to occur in July.
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what's for dinner- cooking for two
The last thing you might want to do after hosting a large party is make dinner. But the day-after often offers up the most alluring ingredients, making it a shame not to cook up something special. How often do the components for beef tenderloin bourguignon so willingly present themselves?
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perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
When faced with a big event it’s best to break it down into manageable pieces. Hosting a large party can be daunting, if it’s for business the stakes can feel higher. There are certain expectations for a work-related affair such as a prompt schedule, accommodating a range of diets, and providing a format that is conducive to the business at hand.
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perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Blue jeans, a roaring fire and just one other couple. Now that’s my kind of Friday night. After a flurry of business it’s great to be able to let down your hair and soak in your company. It’s also a perfect opportunity to do a test run on any key components for next week’s dinner for twelve.
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what's for dinner- cooking for the fam
Maybe it’s my upcoming jaunt to Georgia’s barrier islands or that sweater weather has finally descended on Ohio but something has the home fires burning. What could be cozier than some true comfort fare? While no one would ever confuse me for a southern gal (my Nordic roots a definite northern indicator)
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perfecting the “done before they arrive” dinner party- a work in progress
Tonight I am having some new friends who are on the fast track to becoming dear ones. Thought it only appropriate to pull a treasured cookbook off the shelf. Opening one of Marcella Hazan’s invaluable references is like having an Italian great-aunt guiding you in the kitchen. For the American home cook she is the Italian equivalent to Julia Child
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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!