After what's seemed like five straight months of unrelenting chill and fog, a few Summer days have finally descended on the city, and it's hot. I'm talking feel-the-sidewalks-baking, pool-dipping hot — a rare sight in June in San Francisco. It's climes like these that call for a refreshing spritzer of a cocktail. It's hard to beat a classic gin and tonic, but this variation — which includes Read more

Twice-baked potatoes are an iconic American dish that's often served as a side, but why not make them mini and offer as an appetizer? These bite-size twice-baked potatoes are similar to their larger counterparts, yet don't require a fork and knife. Assembling these tiny taters can be a bit of a hassle, however with the right tools (a melon baller or stainless-steel scooper), making them is a Read more

Chocolate and coffee have always been a match made in heaven, and that's the case with this recipe for cupped cakes. Before the invention of muffin tins, cakes were often cooked in small oven-safe coffee cups, hence the name went from being cupped cake to what it's called now, the cupcake. The original recipe calls for chicory coffee, but after searching high and low, I couldn't find any, so I Read more

Even if time or money (or both) are tight this holiday season, you can still indulge food-loving friends in a major way. Make your own homemade hot fudge sauce, then package it nicely in a recycled glass jar and gift it to all the chocoholics you know. The key to this recipe is to use high-quality chocolate; I melted down leftover Guittard blocks I had in the pantry. Once you've got the basic Read more

Cranberries are a staple for this time of year, but I always like to try something different from the traditional cranberry sauce. My suggestion? Skip serving them in a bowl and use them in a stellar mostarda-topped crostini appetizer. Mostarda is a traditional Italian condiment that combines sweet cooked fruit with a savory mustard sauce; it's often served with meat, which would make it perfect Read more

Instead of serving a spirits-based specialty cocktail at my Californian Thanksgiving, I'll be pouring a wine-based drink that's garnished with icy grapes. The recipe is somewhat like sangria, but without the addition of liqueur. White wine is infused with fresh rosemary, mint, and lemon zest. It sits overnight until the wine has an aromatic herbal quality. It's a light, refreshing, and fruity Read more

No Fourth of July party is complete without a red, white, and blueberry dessert. Instead of serving a dish that requires last minute preparation, select something like a layered trifle. The longer the whipped cream, mixed berries, and liquor-soaked bread sit, the better the trifle will taste. This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to use whatever berries and alcohol you prefer. Want to Read more

Recently, I threw a cherry-themed dinner party, where I highlighted nature's jewel-toned stone fruit. In addition to making cherry pan dowdies, my pièce de résistance was a pork tenderloin that had been butterflied, pounded, stuffed, sliced, and served as a beautiful roulade. The recipe looks lengthy, but don't be deterred by it; you can shave time off by asking your butcher to do the trimming, Read more