According to Bon Appetit, vegetarian parties are the trend for 2010. And what a good fit for all of the things that light my lamp. Healthy. Sustainable (or at least, could be). No worries about how the animal or fish was treated. No need for special dishes for the vegetarians. And, usually, it costs lots [...]
I was inspired to write this post up by my newly-scheduled martini festivities in Florida next month. The photographer who shot my cocktail book, Colleen Duffley, has opened a remarkable art gallery/salon/event space on the gulf coast of Florida called Studio b. I’ve been invited to sign books and create a special “pink martini” for [...]
Because many chocolates and wines are delicious when enjoyed together, and if ever there was a time when chocolate is on everyone’s mind, it’s February, this post looks at the synergy of flavors that can be achieved when these two “healthy” treats are served together wisely.
Cosmos remain hugely popular and pomegranate juice is just plain delicious. Here these two favorites are combined in a variation on the traditional Cosmopolitan with directions that make it simple to serve at a party. By freezing the pomegranate juice into hot-pink ice cubes, you keep this cocktail cool on the buffet without diluting its potency. The colored cubes also create a pretty “sunset” pattern as they melt.
When I think about New Year’s eve a couple of things pop into my mind, probably the same ones that occur to you: Champagne (a literal pop), caviar with blini, funny hats, confetti, friends/lovers and a great, sensual cocktail. I can’t deliver caviar or champagne or the love of your life to to your doorstep, [...]
Here is my Christmas present for all of you holiday-harried, over-hooplah’d, package wrappers. This strategy for hosting a no-fuss party and creating a score of meals at the same time comes from my radio co-host, Jamie Peha (TableTalk).
When the weather turns cold and winter has taken over the neighborhood, a steaming bowl of homemade soup really hits the spot. It’s the perfect solution for those evenings when you just don’t feel like cooking, but still crave something hot and delicious.
Green entertaining encourages a new way of looking at every aspect of how we celebrate. The obvious food issues—How were ingredients grown? How far have they traveled?—are just the beginning. Choices about everything else, from recycled invitations to Free Trade cappuccino, provide lots more opportunities to do the right thing.
I just pulled out my Thai Banana Crab Cake recipe for a party I’m planning next week and shuddered. Don’t get me wrong, it’s one of my all-time favorite recipes. But, the last time I prepared it…oh boy. Have you ever completely embarrassed yourself with a dish you served? Well I have, and it was with [...]
Thanksgiving is often a long day in the kitchen (or in front of the TV, depending on your skill set). So, at my place, there is always some kind of special beverage on hand to lighten the toil (couch-potato, or otherwise). Either way, you will definitely be thankful when you get your hands on one [...]
There are some key elements for Thanksgiving in my family: turkey, stuffing, gravy, and PIE. The menu planner in me is always determined to make sides that people just can’t resist. Here are some of my multi-season winners and links to recipes on other sites that sound wonderful.
