Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Appetizer
A quick and easy, crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared two different ways, this Artichoke, Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Appetizer is the perfect addition to your next party menu! Since I was a little girl, I have loved artichokes. In fact, I love them just about any way they can be prepared – steamed, broiled,… Read more »
Blackberry Pear Crisp
This Blackberry Pear Crisp is comfort food at its best, and an excellent way to showcase fall’s delicious pears. I have always loved pears – that delicious, fresh, sweet but not too sweet flavor. I always get excited in August and September when the fresh crop starts showing up at the market. Even though… Read more »
Frozen Lemon Velvet Pots de Crème
Frozen Lemon Velvet Pots de Crème are a cool, creamy, lemon-y dessert that’s perfect for sultry summer evenings! Smooth as velvet, this timeless make-ahead recipe from mom’s collection is another crowd pleaser. Mom took a basic cheesecake recipe, added layers of lemon flavor (zest and juice) and whipped evaporated milk, then froze it in a… Read more »
Oscar Party Grazing Menu and Recipes
America’s biggest movie event – the Academy Awards – is just around the corner! I love watching the awards, starting with the red carpet arrivals. It makes for several hours of TV viewing, and no one wants to miss a moment by breaking away to eat a meal. So, I came up with this grazing… Read more »
Mardi Gras Inspired Dinner Menu
Next Tuesday is Mardi Gras – another excuse to celebrate! If you can’t make it to New Orleans for the parades and all the various other celebrations, no worry – I have a scrumptious menu for you to host your own New Orleans-inspired dinner at home. And, many components can be made ahead, allowing you… Read more »
Five Easy, Make Ahead Super Bowl Dips
January 22, 2018
It’s that time of year again – the Super Bowl is in less than two weeks! Whether gathering friends at home or going to a pot luck, it’s time to decide what to prepare. I’m sharing five easy, super delicious Super Bowl dips – some served hot, some not; some spicy, some not. The good… Read more »
Five Make Ahead Holiday Desserts 2017
December 11, 2017
The holidays are upon us – which means we’re all decorating, shopping, wrapping – and cooking! Thinking about entertaining this season – maybe a special holiday dinner or New Year’s Eve celebration? If so, I have five scrumptious, elegant, make ahead desserts for you to pick from. From my selection of crowd-pleasing cakes, pies and… Read more »
Seafood Phyllo Bundles with Creole Mustard Sauce
These make-ahead Seafood Phyllo Bundles with Creole Mustard Sauce are packed with flavor, scrumptious and impressive to serve. Shrimp and crab are seasoned with the “holy trinity of Cajun cooking” (onions, bell peppers and celery) and Old Bay, mixed together with cream cheese and then wrapped in a delicate phyllo pastry. As if that isn’t… Read more »
Frozen Brandy Alexander
Robert and I love Frozen Brandy Alexanders – it’s like dessert in a wine (or martini) glass! In fact, we like them so much that we served them in shot glasses at our wedding reception. They are an easy, make ahead drink/dessert that is made with readily available ingredients – perfect for a special celebration…. Read more »
Spinach Farfalle Bolognese
When I was growing up, my Dad’s two sisters lived in Denver and their families all came to our house for Christmas Eve dinner. Mom always made this dish because (1) it’s a crowd pleaser, (2) she could make it ahead (especially important during the holidays!), and (3) it expands easily – so as our… Read more »
