perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What fun to keep the party going. When my daughter made the tough decision to downsize her wedding she asked if I would host a party for her Chicago friends later in the fall. My answer was a resounding yes! As the date approached my daughter reminded me that this was actually going to be a small wedding not simply a cocktail reception. Which
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
A few weeks ago, after returning to Chicago we had our first dinner party. I was so excited to plan the menu, at long last set our table for more than two, and prep for the evening. I thought I had it all planned out perfectly. Turns out I was more than a little out of practice. I hate when I have people over and I find myself stranded in the
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Getting that second vaccine dose was like a heavy door unlocking. It was almost surreal allowing myself to think of possibilities and the thought of making plans. I was so excited to invite our first guests over for dinner. And erring on the side of caution, and because we are in southern California, I knew we could dine outside. What I didn’t
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Isn’t it fun going to those upscale gourmet grocers and walking past their cases filled with amazing prepared fare? While tempting, picking up an entire dinner party that way can cost a small fortune. So, what should you do when you want the convenience of having everything made well in advance but you either want to showcase your own cooking and
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
It’s that time of year. People you love gather. And whether you are hosting a turkey dinner for twenty or a more intimate affair here are a couple tried and true sides guaranteed to add holiday sparkle to any table. No one needs to know you can make these both weeks ahead of time then strategically pull them out of your freezer on the big day.
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Each October I travel to Florida to help my dad get settled back into his house after his summer up north. It’s truly a labor of love, filled with a myriad of to-do lists and even more laughs. Don’t get me started on our perennial wrangle over the open condiments he always seems to leave in his refrigerator for five months. That said, I keep my
continue reading →
food detective
Every month, for the past decade, my husband receives a special delivery from the fruit of the month club. And each month I bring the package in, place it on the counter, and when he comes home from work we pour ourselves a cocktail and survey the box. After a thoughtful draw on our drinks we open it up. The first thing we say to one another is
continue reading →
food detective
Each day I discover these fabulous emails in my inbox from Bon Appétit, Martha Stewart, and the New York Times, all alerting me to what I should be cooking that day. It’s great marketing, because I click on every one of them. Last week there was one from a continuing series on how to recreate comfort foods. The recipe was for homemade taco
continue reading →
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
continue reading →
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
continue reading →
Page 2 of 5 pages < 1 2 3 4 > 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 →