Jul 02, 2009 -
On a hot day, there's nothing quite like a tall glass filled with a tart mojito. Although the drink was created in Cuba in 1943, it's now considered a classic cocktail by America's top bartenders.
Since it's one of my favorite Summer sips, I'm serving them at my Independence Day party.
- 2 Comments
Jul 02, 2009 -
Looking for an exciting new vegetarian recipe to serve on the Fourth of July? Consider this recipe: an upscale take on the classic veggie burger.
The patty is a filling combination of bulgur, pinto beans, walnuts, and spices.
- 3 Comments
Jun 25, 2009 -
Typically when we go to Dolores Park on a sunny day, everyone brings a bottle (or two, or three) of wine. However, since this picnic is a plan-ahead event — rather than the normal impromptu affair — I'm making a special drink. Fresh-squeezed lemonade comes to mind when I hear the word picnic and this blushing pink version is prefect because it's spiked with vodka and sour cherries.
- 3 Comments
Jun 18, 2009 -
A couple of weeks ago I catered a dinner for a group of hungry hikers. The crew spent a Saturday trekking the 14-mile round-trip up and down Mount Diablo and the meal was the shining light at the end of the walk. My sister, the leader, requested that I prepare a hearty yet meat-free vegetarian meal that included black beans.
- 13 Comments
Jun 11, 2009 -
With cost increases, the economic downturn and a focus on all things green, could meatless meals be poised to become the next great food trend? Last month, Ghent, Belgium, made headlines when it became the first city to go meatless once a week. Then a recent vegetarianism poll generated surprising results: more than 25 percent of you said you're vegetarians, and nearly another quarter of you eat fish and not meat.
- 11 Comments
Jun 09, 2009 -
This week, why not invite some friends over for dinner on the patio? Serve an easy vegetarian meal inspired by the fresh produce found at the local farmers market. The menu starts with goat cheese topped with an olive-thyme mixture.
- 0 Comments
Jun 07, 2009 -
After a week of eating flavorful yet indulgent meals like barbecue, pizza, and chicken Parmesan, I'll be lighting up the grill for a simple, unembellished fillet of wild salmon for dinner tonight.
If you haven't had fish with lime zest before, give the technique a try: it lends a clean, bright note that enhances the freshness of the fish. Get grilling when you read more
- 3 Comments
Jun 05, 2009 -
Last week I got a text from an old college friend. She would be in town one night only and wondered if I wanted to get together for dinner. Since I'm a huge fan of impromptu soirées, I invited her and two other gals for dinner.
- 5 Comments
May 27, 2009 -
When planning your rehearsal dinner, take into consideration the theme of the wedding. If you're having a black tie big day, don't host an equally formal rehearsal dinner. Instead throw a laid back luau, festive hoedown, or in the case of my girlfriend, Ronda, a backyard grilled pizza party.
- 1 Comment
May 26, 2009 -
Now that Summer's officially started, head to the picnic grounds and fire up the grill for some succulent pork burgers. If you've already got burger patties to transport, opt for an easy-to-pack fruit salad for dessert.
This versatile, naturally sweet salad makes the most of Summer's beloved fruits.
- 8 Comments
