Inviting family and friends into your home for a wonderful meal and great conversation need not invoke panic and stress. With careful planning and a few helpful tips, you can create an enjoyable experience for you and your guests.
Keeping It Hot At Thanksgiving: Tips and Recipes
November 16, 2011 by 6 Comments
I asked my wonderful online friends last week what was the hardest thing about preparing Thanksgiving dinner. The issue most struggle with? Getting all the food to the table hot and at the same time. With a little forethought and careful planning, you can impress all your guests with your food AND the ability to make it look effortless.
Valentine’s Day: Chocolate Souffle
February 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Valentine’s Day is only a few days away. If you have been following along with our series, you have simple, yet elegant hors d’oeuvres and a rich, comforting entree ready to serve for your romantic dinner. If your dinner will include more than two, you are even prepared with a fun dinner game you can play with the kids. All that is left is to end the wonderful meal with a luscious, chocolatey dessert that is sure to impress – Chocolate Souffle with a Grand Marnier Custard Sauce.
[Read more...]
Dinner Game: Valentine’s Edition
February 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment
If your Valentine’s Day dinner plans include your children (and since Valentine’s Day is on Monday it is a likely possibility), why not make dinner extra special with a fun Valentine’s Day Dinner Game. This is a continuing series on Valentine’s Day. So far we have made an easy, healthy appetizer which pairs perfectly with a glass of wine and a rich, inviting dinner that shows your sweetie how much you love them. Stay tuned for a yummy chocolate dessert coming up this week…
Valentine’s Day: Roasted Butternut Squash Risotto
February 3, 2011 by 8 Comments
Valentine’s Day is 11 days away. Do you have dinner plans yet? If plans include staying at home to avoid the high priced restaurant specials and the chilly February night air, we have the perfect meal for you. Last time we created a simple, yet stylish appetizer to start off the night coupled with a good glass of wine. Today we are making the main course. What says love more than a creamy bowl of risotto? It is warm. It is comforting. It takes love and attention to ladle and stir. And ladle and stir. And ladle and stir. But oh…is it worth it!
[Read more...]
Valentine’s Day: Dried Figs with Ricotta, Pistachios and Honey
February 1, 2011 by 4 Comments
Valentine’s Day is weeks away. If you are wondering what to serve your honey this year, the next three posts should help you to set the perfect dinner for two. Today we focus on the first course – Dried Figs with Ricotta, Pistachios and Honey.
Simple Appetizers to Ring in the New Year
December 30, 2010 by Leave a Comment
A new year is just around the corner! For many people across the country this past year has been a challenging one. Lavish New Year’s Eve celebrations out on the town may not be a financial possibility for some people this year but it doesn’t mean that ringing in the new year has to be any less festive. Enjoying a cocktail or dinner party in your own home can be even better. No traffic. No crazy drivers. No overpriced meals.
If you have decided to stay in this year, here are a few of my favorite appetizers that you can add to your New Year’s bash that are easy and delicious!
Beef Wellington: Doing New Year’s Up Right
December 28, 2010 by 2 Comments
New Year’s Eve is a time for decadence – a time for a beautiful piece of filet mignon surrounded by puff pastry and sitting atop a brandy cream sauce. Diets start, after all, on January 1st so why not make the last day of 2010 one to remember.
Now I am not going to lie to you and tell you this is a quick meal to make. It is not. But it is actually not as difficult to make as it might appear. Let’s walk through it step by step.
Thanksgiving Prep: Time to Clean Out the Refrigerator
November 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Thanksgiving day is quickly approaching and my refrigerator just isn’t ready. Between trying to start a new business and recently hosting a cocktail party, I am embarrassed to say that chaos has taken over my fridge. Swift action is needed. OK, so here goes (deep breath) …this is the state of my fridge right now:
Preparing for Thanksgiving: 5 Tips to Ease the Stress
November 18, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Thanksgiving is approaching. Feeling nervous about 10+ people descending on your house this year? While I can’t necessarily help you with nagging comments from your Aunt Molly or the sibling rivalry between you and sister that becomes amplified over the holidays, there are tips I can offer for easing the stress of preparing a large meal for your friends and family.
