It’s easy to associate salads with spring and summer menus, when the farmers’ markets and our gardens are full of fresh vegetables and leafy greens. But I like to serve salads year round, and there’s no reason you can’t find fresh, organic vegetables for your table even in January. Continue reading
Whether I am going out to eat, thumbing through cookbooks, or flipping through magazines, my mind is constantly on the lookout for new ideas and inspiration. In addition, many of my clients share recipes they would like me to try, and so does my mother—as I have mentioned numerous times. Continue reading
Last month, I catered a dinner party for which my client and I were trying to think of simple appetizers. She is a huge fan of Ina Garten, and when she mentioned bread sticks, I knew we had to try this recipe out of Ina’s Barefoot In Paris cookbook. Continue reading
If you’re having friends over–or attending a gathering–this weekend to watch the Super Bowl, here’s a great idea for a snack to serve to a crowd. My mother shared this recipe with me (I included a copy of her hand-written recipe below), but it is originally from the old Rainier Beer Company.
Serve it with a sliced baguette or a dark bread such as pumpernickel or rye. And serve it with beer, of course. Continue reading
Last winter, when I had invited several friends over for brunch, I wanted to serve something that could be prepared ahead so I would have as much time as possible to spend with my guests. A strata–a layered, bread pudding-like dish made with bread and eggs–seemed like the perfect solution.
If you’ve got guests coming over for New Year’s Day–or just want to be able to enjoy as much time as possible with your family–I recommend making this dish. Continue reading
My husband loves macaroni and cheese, so when my mother came across this recipe in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (years ago), she sent it to us without even trying it. I first made it when some friends were coming over for dinner and it was a big hit.
Now I often make this for clients, especially those who have children, though it’s popular with almost everyone. Continue reading
Thyme with Sage 