perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
How about a little mangia trois to ring in the new year? It’s easy to make a splash with this trio. Whether you’re hosting a crowd, being a gracious guest, or ringing in the new year by yourselves these three recipes are super simple and never cease to impress. For each recipe you can make the components a day before, assemble them earlier in
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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. Each year I make a big batch of my hot fudge sauce. I’ve found four-ounce Ball jars are the
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a moment in time
I just welcomed in a new decade. Earlier this year I proclaimed it was going to be sixty and sensational. Several plans were made, and just as many pivots. With my husband out of town on a business trip and the arrival of my new grandson my daughters decided to surprise me with a “staycation” at my desert home. Honestly, it sounded idyllic.
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
On the morning news they said that Thanksgiving is ten days away. How did that happen?? I don’t know about you but this one really snuck up on me. Whether you’re hosting or bringing something to share, offering up a big board that folks can nibble from isn’t only impressive but relatively easy, especially if prep ahead of time. A charcuterie tray
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perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
The holidays will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to start filling your freezer with sweet and savory treats that you can pull out in a moment’s notice. A couple months out I tackle some of my more time-consuming recipes. When our kitchen table and bedrooms begin to fill, I’m always glad I did. Gingerbread cookies are always a favorite.
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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
Want an exceptional homemade pizza that takes less time to prepare than opening your freezer and popping a subpar store version in the oven? The trick is to swap naan for pizza dough. Then to top with high quality creamy cheese and a drizzle of honey. Naan is a leavened oven baked flatbread from India. It is soft, chewy and slightly tangy. It's
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a moment in time
My baby is having a baby! There is nothing in the world more exciting, but the waiting game is unbelievable. Two days before her due date I flew out to our house in the desert to watch the clock. To keep myself distracted I decided to make things to fill her freezer. I was an expectant grandmother on roller skates. In a couple days I made a big
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food detective
What is better than a just-picked off-the-vine tomato? How about it’s perfect accompaniment! If you love caprese salad with thick slices of beefsteak, rounds of mozzarella, a hefty drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and plenty of fresh basil, you might just flip for this tomato salad featuring whipped ricotta. I adore whipped ricotta and get very
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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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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 →