perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
French fare. While it all looks so easy, tarts can be (pardon my French) a bit of a bitch to make. Most of you know I am not the best of bakers. On my mom’s recent visit she was shocked at the state of my petite fudge cakes. These diminutive desserts were riddled with caverns and caves. And if you know anything about my mom she isn’t shy about
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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
Pulling a Friday night party together in a flash. With temps literally off the chart who wants to greet their guests with a blast from the kitchen? Not only is this dinner prepped entirely ahead of time; the grilling is done before the first guests arrive. This light, fresh and super fast meal is the perfect kick-off to the weekend. So beat the
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Shrimp roll sliders, a downsized version of that northeastern summer staple- the lobster roll. A perfect accompaniment to chilled watercress soup. While top cut hotdog buns are “wicked good” they are almost impossible to find east of I-91. Simply sub bakery fresh slider buns and split them down the top. Continue inland and swap the lobster for
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the hostess with the mostest hotel
One of our house guests observes a gluten free diet. Being out of the gluten loop I decided to go to the source. The Mayo Clinic defines a gluten-free diet as one that excludes the protein gluten found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. The prohibited list went on for three pages. I was pretty sure I didn’t have any Triticale or bulgar
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what’s old is new again- round two
What’s better than a great dinner party? Being left with the stars for an encore performance in a whole new role. One of my top craves in Palm Desert is Three Corner Bistro’s duck confit pizza. While theirs is made with brie and arugula, I decided I’d toss my lone confitted duck leg with the leftover roasted grape tomatoes, sautéed spinach, and
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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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what’s for dinner- cooking for the fam
My husband’s oldest arrived in Dayton shortly after my youngest left. Can’t say how much it means having our new house become a home. A challenge and opportunity is heralding the neighboring highlights to our collective brood.
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what’s for dinner- cooking for the fam
Maybe it’s because the Wolverines trounced the Fighting Irish in the last two minutes in the Big House or perhaps it’s the snap in the weather but lately I’ve had a hankering for chili. Nothing says fall (or winter) like a steamy, meaty bowl.
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food detective
Nothing grounds me like my old stomping grounds. Knowing these next few weeks are going to be crazed with house moves and moving children it was a real treat to be able to get away to New York City for two days. An added bonus was seeing my oldest daughter who is wrapping up her summer internship there. A regular chip off the old block
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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!