food detective
Bravo to Bon Appétit for their excellent January edition. One of the highlights is their spread on savory toasts. While I rarely serve lunch I often offer up hors d'oeuvres. And can’t canapés simply be sandwiches cut into little pieces? Time to dissect my favorite on the page. I am
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Falling head over heels doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you have crazy good ingredients. Here is a truly decadent dessert that is easy as one, two, three. I don’t have much of a sweet tooth but I make an exception for Pure Madness peppermint bark. It truly is
continue reading →
food detective
How wonderful when a student teaches you a new trick. One of the fun things about teaching at Dorothy Lane Market’s Culinary Center is when I run into my “students” and they share not only what they enjoyed learning from my class but divulge their own secrets to making a
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
What a fun evening at DLM’s Culinary Center. I hosted a Girl’s Night Out cooking class with Dorothy Lane Market’s wine expert Teresa Kearney. The topic was holiday canapés. And the point was to learn how to make an array of nibbles that would impress without any stress. Have to
continue reading →
food detective
It’s been a crazy few weeks. Outpatient surgery, flying out west with my puppy, celebrating my birthday in LA with my wonderful girls, Thanksgiving full house in our desert home, then a puddle jump back across the county to attend a business meeting in New York City. We had dinner
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
When my husband and I are empty nesters for Thanksgiving we have a “poultry-free” meal. It is extravagant and decadent. When our offspring come home to roost for the holiday it is a full out Norman-Rockwell-esque extravaganza. Cooking a traditional Thanksgiving dinner is not my idea of a fun time.
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
The October issue of Bon Appetit had a feature article on partying like our parents. The take away was that entertaining matters—“that rallying your friends together is essential, that being a generous host is one of the most fulfilling things you can do, and that at the end of the
continue reading →
entertaining with style- making it work for you
Every year I tag along on my husband’s business retreat to DC. While he is toiling away in meetings and conferences I’ve perfected the art of perusing the boutiques. I adore Georgetown’s interior design and antique shops. One of my absolute favorites is Frank Milwee’s on M Street. He collects
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
My hubby and I just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. I can’t tell you how fortunate I am to be able to spend my days with such a remarkable person. Years ago I thought a solid marriage filled with unconditional love would be just beyond my reach. But then almost
continue reading →
perfecting the "done before they arrive" party- a work in progress
Ok- I am now longer on safari in South Africa but that doesn’t mean one can’t find some sweet inspiration a little closer to home. The other week I took a group of aspiring photographers and art lovers up to the Springfield Art Museum to see the “Ohio Perspective” exhibit.
continue reading →
Page 1 of 19 pages 1 2 3 > 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 →