My hubby just turned another year. He stated he didn’t want any fanfare but I know him well enough to know that he would appreciate a little something special to mark the occasion. So I invited a pair of close friends and put together a menu that would wow without any muss and fuss. What would be better than breaking down the steak house version of
continue reading →
Last Sunday marked not only Cinco de Mayo but a special friend’s seventieth birthday. They threw the perfect outdoors bash complete with a traveling mariachi band, killer authentic Mexican fare and some of the best margaritas I have ever had. The secret it turns out is fresh citrus juice steeped in zest. This week I took a stab at liberating this
continue reading →
Just got back from Philadelphia where I was a delegate for Garden Club of America’s centennial annual meeting. Needless to say it was an auspicious affair. Among the keynote speakers were Alice Waters chef, author, activist and owner of Chez Panisse in Berkeley. A champion of the organic food movement, Waters spoke of how gardening had shaped her
continue reading →
Some nights things seem to come together perfectly. Last weekend we had one such evening. A great group and a meal that was comforting and light and fresh. Grilled scampi and sautéed spinach topped last Saturday night’s grit soufflé. Prepping and partially cooking both ahead of time makes this home down dinner come together in a matter of minutes.
continue reading →
Family and friends are the best tonic to counter a week of devastating headlines. With our loved ones scattered across the country one of my husband and my biggest blessings is that we have friends nearby that feel just as close as relations. Thankfully this past Saturday night we already had two such couples on the books for a laid back dinner.
continue reading →
A salad to span the seasons. Saturday night we were invited to a cozy dinner for four and because the weather was on a downward dip we bypassed the porch and supped in front of a fire. My contribution was a first course salad. I wanted to bring something that was suitable for the chill in the air but hinted at spring which just like the buds on the
continue reading →
There’s something esthetically pleasing about three’s. This is especially true in flower arranging. Truth be told I’m a bit of a fumbler when it comes to floral design. (Please don’t tell my Garden Club of America ladies!) But what I lack in innate talent I make up with a keen power of observation and the shameless ability to repeat when I happen
continue reading →
This season spring has definitely pulled a fast one. We can only hope warmer temps and blooming buds are around the corner. But just because Mother Nature and the Punxsutawney groundhog can’t get the forecast straight doesn’t mean our menus have to follow suit. The night before Easter we had a full house and I was determined to cook up a meal for
continue reading →
In a world of texts and tweets we can fall victim to the illusion that anything is instantly available. Some things in life to take time to develop. Consider the evolution of a friendship or a simmering ragu. Time and genuine attention can alter what is seemingly simple into the truly sublime. As fate would have it last Friday night we had the
continue reading →
Spring is around the corner… or so the calendar says. Last fall I optimistically ordered six flats of pansies as part of a fundraiser. They arrived last week and just as I loaded them into my car the snow began to fall. I paled at the thought of chipping away at the frozen earth to plant this bit of spring. If the outdoors was unrelenting
continue reading →
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 →