food detective
Sometimes you want to try something new, what safer way than with a pair of old friends. Hunkering down for a snowy supper with a roaring fire and just one other couple is my idea of the perfect Saturday night. It’s also the perfect opportunity to skate out on thin ice with a new recipe. There are a few dishes I wish I could successfully make
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food detective
New year, new resolutions. Who doesn’t have lightening up on their docket? The trick to making it stick is to load up on flavor and texture. Santa brought my girls a slow extraction juicer. We’ve been whirling and pulverizing spinach, kale, turnips, carrots and the like. It certainly tastes healthy- I’ll give you that. But I decided to use my own
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what to bring
Tis the season to share with those you care. And what better way than with a homemade token of your appreciation? I find sweets are best delivered in small packages. Here is a rich indulgence that’s guaranteed to delight, super dark and slightly salty. The best thing- you can whip up a batch in less than 15 minutes. The key here is to use top shelf
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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 today then strategically pull them out of your freezer on the big day
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Saturday I turned the big five-oh. And what better way to herald this milestone then a cozy dinner for twelve the night before. One of the best presents this girl could ask for is a table full of dear friends laughing, toasting and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Want to know a truism I’ve learned over the past half century? Guests only have as
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
One of the joys of summer is an abundance of fresh herbs growing right outside the kitchen door. Toward the end of the season some have gone to seed, others have turned into lanky vines but almost without fail my basil plants seem to vie for a starring role in a Miracle Grow ad. Spring’s seedlings have turned into autumnal bushes and with the first
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Move over Maryland. Here is a crab cake that is substantial on the jumbo lump and light on the filler. A perfect summer main following a refreshing chilled soup. This runner-up is a breeze to bring to the table because the cakes must be formed and chilled hours in advance. Ideal for a midweek business dinner that is healthy and light but makes a
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
While passed hors d’oeuvres are best for a crowd, it’s prudent to have a few bites purposely positioned during cocktail hour. Strategically place a crisp crudités alongside a light herb mayonnaise. And nothing beats a savory nut alongside a creamy olive. The beauty all can be made a day ahead. Giving you plenty of time to whisk up
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress

For a large party once you’ve established the guest list, sketched out the menu, and sent out the invites it’s time to make what you can ahead of time to stow in your freezer. Pesto is an invaluable deep freeze staple. It can be made weeks or months ahead of time. For one of the sides for my dinner for twenty I’m serving pistachio pesto on fusilli.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What’s better than having a bestie who shares your same culinary craving? One of my favs is equally obsessed with eggplant. The deep fried version can’t be beat. But with people like Paula falling from grace with her fat laden fryer it was time to try to lighten up this classic. On my recent stint in CA I experimented with modernizing this favorite
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