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 01, 2009 -
While one could easily serve red, white, and blue parfaits at a 4th of July party, I prefer to give guests a more all-American dessert — in the form of a crowd-pleasing cupcake. When I saw these adorably patriotic cupcakes in the current issue of Martha Stewart Living, I knew they would be on the menu at my Independence Day celebration.
The vanilla cake batter is dotted with fresh blueberries before being baked.
- 1 Comment
Jun 30, 2009 -
Although I don't consider myself the most patriotic person, I love a good 4th of July celebration! With its warm weather, barbecue dinner, and fireworks finish, chances are you enjoy the nation's birthday party, too. If you haven't decided what to serve your family and friends, consider whipping up a meal that is all-American.
- 5 Comments
Jun 26, 2009 -
Dolores Park is located in between San Francisco's Mission and Castro districts and therefore attracts an eclectic crowd of hipsters. The look of our picnic will be very informal. First a large hippie blanket will be spread on the grass.
- 1 Comment
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 24, 2009 -
Although one can buy the famed Bi-Rite ice cream around the corner and creme brulee in Dolores Park, I still plan on making a delicious picnic dessert for my sister and her friends. The menu is healthy and light, so this theme will continue with a fruity, melt-in-your mouth crumble.
I chose this recipe because it utilizes blackberries: I'm always making sweet treats that feature strawberries or blueberries, but rarely plump juicy blackberries.
- 3 Comments
Jun 23, 2009 -
Dolores Park is San Francisco's see-and-be-seen picnic spot. On warm weekends, the park fills up with everyone from families to hipsters looking to soak up the sun. Since the weather here is unpredictable, rarely do I plan a picnic in advance.
- 3 Comments
Jun 19, 2009 -
For the no-fuss father, keep the decor of your Father's Day celebration minimal and outdoorsy. Since the majority of the menu is grilled, a Weber barbecue is a must. Whenever we have big parties, my dad always fills a bucket or cooler with ice and beverages.
- 3 Comments
Jun 18, 2009 -
For your Father's Day celebration, skip the froufrou-fruity cocktails and serve a potent classic instead. Since the only libation my dad drinks is a Tanqueray and tonic, this is what we'll be mixing.
To make it more special than his everyday drink, I'm adding fresh herbs.
- 2 Comments
Jun 17, 2009 -
While planning a Father's Day menu, the most important thing to do is ask dad what he wants. The day will be more special if you involve him in the process. Since my dad is a fan of no-fuss classic cuisine, I originally thought to serve him homemade vanilla ice cream with chocolate fudge sauce for dessert.
- 2 Comments
