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Savor Summer’s End With a Perfect Picnic
Sunday, August 21st, 2011
Whether you seek a simple backyard affair or plan to daytrip into the back country, A Well-Seasoned Kitchen has you covered. This menu includes completely portable picnic that’s ideal for a hearty lunch or light dinner, and features all make-ahead dishes that are quick to prepare and easy to pack. My Mom Sally loved treating our family to an occasional picnic. In fact, she had a foldable picnic table that was the envy of every picnic! You could always count on Sally to create a memorable affair. You can find similar table on Amazon.
Smoked Trout Pate
Smoked Turkey, Mushroom and Hearts of Palm Salad
Store-bought artisanal breads
Blonde Brownies
Fresh Flavors Infuse a Spring Dinner Menu
Monday, April 11th, 2011
Whether you’re gathering friends for Easter or hosting a quiet evening with friends, you can easily plan a simply delicious meal that allows you to enjoy the meal and your company. I often hear that planning a cohesive menu can be one of the more complicated aspects of entertaining. With this menu – you’ll find that the guesswork is gone and the recipes easy to follow. From the savory start to the sweet ending, this is one menu that you’ll be able to serve again and again.
Palmiers aux Fromages
Mascarpone and Spinach Stuffed Salmon
Hearts of Palm and Tomato with Mixed Greens
Lemon Rice
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Intimate Winter Gathering
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
If you’re feeling more frazzled than festive during the holiday season, consider hosting an intimate dinner party with close friends or family. After all – it’s the company of loved ones that gives reason for the season. A make-ahead menu keeps things easy and holiday decorations create immediate ambiance. This menu also makes for a cozy gathering any time during the winter season.
- Palmiers aux Fromages
- Mixed Greens Salad with Dried Cranberries
- Boeuf Bourguignon (p. 114)
- Cheese Rolls
- Mashed Potatoes
- Warm Chocolate Cake
Wine and appetizer tour of the Mediterranean
Monday, August 9th, 2010
France
Appetizers:
French cheese plate with sliced baguette and grapes (source from a local cheese shop or Whole Foods)
Purchased Paté with crackers, mustards and cornichons (source from a local cheese shop or Whole Foods)
Wine Pairing – Red:
Chateau Haut-La Pereyre Bordeaux Rouge ($14) – Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend, full bodied, well-balanced, refreshing, pairs well with beef
Saint Cosme Cotes du Rhone Rouge ($15) – 100% Syrah, earthy, rustic notes of plum and raspberry
Wine Pairing – White:
Merlin Cherrier Sancerre ($20) – Dry, light-bodied, but with good depth of flavor; excellent balance of acidity and fruit.
Novellum Chardonnay ($11) – Medium-bodied, no oak aging, elegant, fresh, crisp, full of flavor. Good for outdoor entertaining or with rich seafood or chicken dishes
Italy
Appetizers:
Various Italian cheeses and salami plate (source from a specialty cheese shop or Whole Foods)
Wine Pairing – Red:
Coltibuono RS Chianti Classico ($16) – Sangiovese blend, fruity, soft, well rounded and balanced, lively
Vitiano by Falesco Rosso ($11) – Sangiovese, merlot and cabernet blend, is dark, deep, and fresh, amazingly subtle, Drink it with any sort of red meat, tomato sauce or roast chicken
Wine Pairing – White:
Zenato Lugana San Benedetto ($16) – 100% single-vineyard Trebbiano di Lugana, no oak aging, well balanced, medium-bodies, fresh, fruity finish, pairs well with hors d’oeuvres and fish
Alois Lageder Pinot Bianco ($14) – Full-bodied, crisp, tangy acidity and a vibrant finish, serve with salumi and cheese, seafood or chicken
Spain
Appetizers:
Sliced Manchego cheese with sliced quince paste (Source: specialty cheese shops, Whole Foods)
Other Spanish cheese on toast with caramelized onions (find recipe for onions on p. 98 of “A Well-Seasoned Kitchen)
Marcona almonds and flavored olives (Source: Whole Foods, some Safeway stores)
Wine Pairing – Red:
Mano a Mano Tempranillo ($11) – Full-bodied, well-rounded, earthy, taste of plum and black cherry, good with grilled meats and BBQ
Almira Los Dos Grenache/Syrah ($10) – Aromatic (very fruity nose), full and friendly, pairs well with pork
Wine Pairing – White:
Naia Verdejo ($15) – Dry, medium-light body, crisp, aromatic, medium acidity, serve with fish or pasta
Burgans Albarino ($15) – Dry, medium-bodied, well-rounded, lively, rich, pairs well with cheese, shellfish, fish or chicken
Father’s Day Feast
Friday, June 4th, 2010
In many households Dad may be King of the Grill, but on Father’s Day he can take a break from tending the coals but still enjoy a bold and delicious BBQ. Dad deserves a day to put his feet up, relax and take in a meal fit for a king. To show Dad how much you care this Father’s Day, prepare this summer menu that features beer-based Spicy Short Ribs as the main course.
- Olive, Bacon and Cheese Puffs
- Spicy Short Ribs
- Golden Potato Casserole
- Caesar Salad
- Parmesan-Buttermilk Cornbread (p. 219 of “A Well-Seasoned Kitchen)
- Coffee Ice Cream with Chocolate Sauce, Whipped Cream, Chopped Pecans and Cinnamon
Mother’s Day Menu
Monday, April 26th, 2010
To nurture your mom on Mother’s Day, prepare this elegant yet simple menu that was one of Sally’s favorites. From the Caviar and Artichoke Bombe to the Grilled Tuna main course to the last bite of the White Chocolate Lime Mousse Tart, she’ll feel special, appreciated and wow-ed! (And, you’ll have the satisfaction of treating her to something special that was easy to prepare.)
Easy Easter Entertaining
Monday, March 29th, 2010
For many, Easter brunch is the beginning of Spring entertaining. Try this no-fuss menu that perfect for the holiday or any Spring brunch which features make-ahead dishes that are delicious and satisfying. The Southern Breakfast Strata sets the stage and the fruit salad, banana bread and frozen lattes are perfect complements. Round out the menu with brownies that pay homage to Easter chocolate!
Academy Awards Viewing Party
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
It’s all about glitz, glamour and fabulous parties! The Academy Awards is America’s biggest movie event of the year. As Hollywood A-listers turn out for the Oscar event, you can hold a viewing party of your own that rivals those of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck! Whether you’re hosting an intimate evening with family or rolling out the red carpet in a formal affair, I’m pleased to suggest this award-winning menu.
To make the night even more fun, visit the official
Oscars website where you can read more about the event and find printable ballots so you can play along and predict the winners.
Mardi Gras Menu
Friday, January 29th, 2010
Mardi Gras Menu
Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ premiere party! It’s irresistibly fun, vibrant and sassy. While you might not be able to head South to catch beads or take in the extravaganza of the parades and balls, you can create your own Mardi Gras at home with this festive menu. Be sure to make the Hurricanes – it’s an authentic way to get the party started!
- New Orleans Hurricane Cocktails
- Zesty Pimento Cheese Spread with Crackers
- Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo (p. 156)
- Spinach Salad
- Cornbread
- Jam Cake with Caramel Frosting (p. 238) or, make it easy with a purchased King Cake from Haydel’s Bakery.
New Year’s Eve Celebration
Monday, December 28th, 2009
New Year’s Eve is a time for reflection and resolutions. And, there’s no better way to gather friends and family to celebrate the times ahead than with an easy, delicious meal. This New Year’s Eve menu is perfect for an evening celebration at home with loved ones.
- Cheddar Chutney Tarts (p. 15)
- Hearts of Palm Dip
- Pork Tenderloin Stuffed with Spinach & Cheese (p. 128)
- Stuffed Tomatoes Provencal with Parsley, Pine Nuts and Wine (p. 80)
- Red Leaf Lettuce with Hot Bacon Dressing (p. 69)
- Assorted Breads
- Frozen Brandy Alexander Pie (p. 247)
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