The other day I was going on about wanting to make strawberry pie (I saw the recipe in Gourmet's June issue) when my friend interrupted me. She pointed out that sadly, strawberry season is almost over! Determined to make the pie, I headed to my local market in hopes of finding the last of the season's berries. Lucky me, they still had some left!
This pie is sweet, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. It takes time to set and chill, so make it the night before you plan on serving it. If you want to taste this pie, make it soon, before strawberry season ends. To check out the recipe, read more
A couple of weeks ago I helped conceptualize the decor for a new magazine's prelaunch party. Drink Me, the magazine — which launches nationwide in 2009 — will be a free publication distributed in bars (like Cantina where the party was held) and spirits stores. Since the magazine is new, the budget for the party decor was pretty minimal. However, cutout letters printed on cardstock is virtually free! We printed out the letters in several different sizes, cut them out, and scattered them around the room. It made for a great, simple decoration that people couldn't stop talking about.
Another way we saved money was by getting inventive with the vases. When covered with a printed Drink Me label, wine bottles make excellent (cheap) vases that kept up with the parties theme.
This effortless idea can be applied to virtually any party. If it's an engagement, spell out the couple's names. A birthday? Spell out the guest of honor or Happy Birthday. To check out more pictures of the Drink Me decor, read more
I have a friend who doesn't like to watch Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten on TV because she's such a sloppy chef, but I don't mind her lack of precision.
It's good to know that even great cooks sometimes chop haphazardly and spill flour out of measuring cups. Are you messy in the kitchen?
In a controversial move, condiment king Heinz has pulled a UK television commercial from the air. Viewers complained that the commercial — which features a single-sex parental relationship — was inappropriate and unsuitable. Nigel Dickie, a spokesman for Heinz, explains why the ad will no longer be aired:
It is our policy to listen to consumers. We recognize that some consumers raised concerns over the content of the ad and this prompted our decision to withdraw it. The ad was meant to be humorous and we apologize to anyone who felt offended.
Considering last week's legalization of gay marriage in California, I think the ad is harmless and in tune with our culture. What do you think? Watch the video below and let me know if you consider this condiment ad inappropriate?
One of my favorite classes during the Food and Wine Classic in Aspen, was Laura Werlin's American Raw Milk Cheese seminar. Laura is one of America's foremost cheese experts and an awarding-winning author. 
Upon arrival, I was greeted with a plate of cheese and three wines (a white, red, and dessert). Laura walked us through each cheese and wine pairing while giving the rundown on what we were tasting. She also provided some interesting cheese tips. To see her tips for pairing wines and cheese and to learn more about cheese in general, read more
Since the Fourth of July is a holiday that celebrates all things American, serve a delicious meal of classic American dishes. Start things off with a tex mex favorite: guacamole and chips. Set up a burger bar with an assortment of cheeses, vegetables, and condiments. Invite guests to assemble a burger to their own liking.
Maple glazed baked beans are a sweet and smoky side, while watermelon and arugula salad is a cool and refreshing alternative. To learn how to make these delightfully patriotic dishes, read more
When a recipe calls for a canned sauce make the sauce your own by adding fresh herbs, savory spices, or grated cheese.
In this dish a refrigerated container of light Alfredo sauce is jazzed up with lemon zest and several grinds of black pepper. Served over seared chicken breasts and sautéed vegetables, it makes for a delicious and crowd pleasing meal. Sound scrumptious? Wait until you check out the recipe: read more
The other day a girlfriend sent me an email titled "dinner question." Since I'm the residential foodie among our group of friends, I wasn't surprised to receive such an email. However, I was surprised at her thought provoking question: If you had to think of one quintessential Summer dinner, what would it be? 
Immediately barbecued ribs and Caprese salad came to mind. Several minutes later visions of succulent pulled pork sandwiches danced in my head and today I can't stop thinking about gourmet burgers and hot dogs with classic potato salad on the side.
While it's hard for me to select one quintessential meal, I've had a lot of fun coming up with possible menus. So in the spirit of dishing, tell me your definitive Summer dinner by leaving a comment below!
