Sick of cupcakes? Why not give the whoopie pie a chance? Part cookie, part cake, the only similarity a whoopie pie has to an actual pie is its circular shape. Whoopie pies are more like an inside-out cupcake. Instead of placing the frosting on top of a mini cake, the frosting is sandwiched between two mini cakes. Get in the spirit of Fall with this super-simple recipe for pumpkin whoopie pies. Read more

When hosting a dinner party, it's fun to introduce guests to interesting ingredients and exotic flavors. Keep the majority of the menu familiar, then throw in one unexpected element in the form of a specialty cocktail that highlights kumquats. My friends and family have little experience with the miniature citrus fruit, but they'll love to sample it in a vodka pomegranate punch. Part of the punch Read more

This weekend is the unofficial end of Summer and it's not a time to spend hours creating an elaborate dessert that will only be consumed by your friends in a matter of minutes. Instead, take some help from the store and put together an ice cream cake that looks like it took you all day, but was actually really easy to make. This recipe combines purchased marble pound cake with wafer cookies and Read more

Normally, for a special occasion party like a bridal shower, I like to serve a specialty cocktail. But for my friend Melissa's upcoming shower, I'm making a specialty mocktail instead. Several of the guests are pregnant, and to include them in the fun I'll offer these berry-lemon sparklers. They consist of muddled berries with fresh lemon juice and a splash of seltzer for effervescence. For those Read more

Since I'm serving some savory treats at my preserving party, I also plan to offer one sweet treat. Not just any dessert, but a crumbly, fruity pastry that makes the most of last year's blueberry preserves: blueberry cookie bars. They are simple to put together and if any remain when the party ends, I'll pack them up and offer them as favors to my guest. We'll also be making one sweet jam Read more

My little sister has spent the past two months in the Dominican Republic leading a small study abroad tour. To welcome her back home to California, I'm throwing a beach bonfire! Ten of our closest friends will meet us at the shore around 6:30. We'll watch the sunset and enjoy a fabulous meal. When we arrive at the ocean, I'll set out cheese, salami, crackers, and an easy homemade crab cocktail Read more

This Summer we are celebrating the season's bounty of berries. During the entire month of May we experimented with strawberries. June was devoted to both sweet and savory preparations of cherries, and now that it's July 1, we are moving on to plump, antioxidant-rich blueberries. To kick things off, we have a quintessential Fourth of July dessert: flag cake. Since there's no set recipe for the Read more

For most of the year, I avoid wearing the color red. It simply doesn't look great with my coloring. However, around the Fourth of July is when I make an exception, I like to wear red, white, and blue — just as I like to cook dishes in these all-American colors. With its creamy white cheese and deep ruby berries, this easy appetizer would be a welcome addition to any festive spread for the Read more

The Fourth of July falls on a Sunday this year, and that means there's no excuse not to throw a party! Gather up a group of friends, light the barbecue, and prepare a delicious feast of eats. Start things off with two finger food favorites: lemon-herb grilled shrimp and grilled jalapeño poppers. Since no one can ever decide between chicken or ribs, please everyone and offer barbecued ribs and Read more

Who says an affordable meal has to be boring? This recipe for coconut mango chicken proves that exotic doesn't always mean expensive. For just under $10, you can feed four people with an exciting chicken preparation. Simply simmer boneless breasts in a mixture of coconut milk and chicken broth. Add chunks of fresh mango and serve with a side of black beans. Voila! Not your regular weekly Read more