dinner for two
One of the ways I show love is by making meals for others. It’s such a gift to have a full table with everyone gathered around. But now with our children’s lives progressing and families expanding I often find myself traveling to their homes. This fall I had back-to-back weekends visiting my daughters in LA and Park City. Lucky Meemo got to babysit
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My newest grandson just arrived, and I am over the moon! What magic to be there for those first few days and weeks of life. Not only is little Peter perfect in every way, it’s incredible to see my daughter and son-in-law blossom into such amazing new parents. One of my favorite things, other than holding that little sprite, is to nourish my loved
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food detective
Maybe it’s all the playoff games, draft picks, and NFL schedule releases but lately I’ve been craving buffalo chicken. With my own schedule ramping up it’s time to get creative in the kitchen, not only for inspiration but for timesaving shortcuts. I love when I find ready-prepped ingredients. Whole Foods carries the best pulled rotisserie chicken
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food detective
One of the ways I show love and support is by making things to eat that not only nourish but comfort and satisfy. When I went out to stay with my daughter and son- in-law to welcome their new addition, I wanted to shower them with just that. I had many of their favorites in mind but thought it might be fun to throw some new ones into the mix. Top
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food detective
My youngest just started a new job, one with lots of travel. She asked me for some fast, easy, and healthy meals to balance out what she might be consuming on the road. This would be a perfect challenge for me as well. As a former educator my “new year” begins after Labor Day. Time to hit the summer reset button and begin a healthy mealtime
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food detective
This past month has been a doozie in the news department. Thank goodness for NYT’s “Cooking”. It’s been a welcome refuge from the myriad of blasts. One monumental news day I stumbled across a recipe for caprese chicken by Susan Spungen. It was the exact diversion I was seeking. Midwest chicken, garden tomatoes, fresh basil. And happily there was a
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
It’s incredible how much family we’ve had visit. Literally each weekend another crew has come to stay with us. After two years of quiet isolation on the sixteenth floor of our Chicago apartment it’s been a welcome change filling our home with those we love. Each time it’ been a completely different adventure, and it’s remarkable how different every
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food detective
You know those days, weeks, when you’re wondering where you’ll find the time or energy to make dinner? On those nights I sometimes order online. I don’t know about you, but for me those meals often fall flat. And at the end of a pretty mediocre meal, I usually feel a little fat. Not a win win. The other day when I didn’t want to do what I suppose
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cooking for one... or two
The best thing about having digital news subscriptions to the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, and Desert Daily News is that I am current with most every current event. The worst thing is that I am constantly bombarded with endless news alerts. Several times a day I find myself overwhelmed and information fatigued. I must not
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cooking for one... or two
What’s better than chicken Caesar salad? Crunchy romaine, creamy parmesan dressing, crisp croutons, and tender chicken. It’s a quintessential classic for a reason. And a real go-to for lunch or dinner when dining out. But now that we are dining in (once again) how about a way you can whip this up at home in the time it would take to call for carry-
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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 →