Caramelized Onion Dip

I love potluck parties because it gives me a chance to sample new recipe ideas beyond reading a typical blog, magazine or cookbook. My office recently decided to host a potluck party to celebrate the ending of another strong year. Of course, this couldn’t be just any party; all the participants had to bring an [...]

Make-Your-Own Wedge Salad

If anyone ever says you can’t have guests over for dinner on a weeknight, then I say they are crazy. My secret to success for a fun impromptu weeknight dinner party is to take something classic and display it in an interesting way.
I recently invited a friend over to be my taste tester a French [...]

Lemon Bars

The other day I was reviewing my calendar when I realized November was just around the corner. Which means I become a baking machine to test new recipe ideas in time for the fast approaching holiday season.
My goal this year is to come up with even more original recipes that not only satisfy the taste [...]

An Elegant Challenge: Catering for a Cause

I’m always trying to push the boundaries of my talents to their furthest possible limits by embracing new challenges with open arms. This weekend was no exception as I chopped, sliced and diced my way through catering a fundraising event for 35 people.
Hosting dinner parties for a small gathering of friends is a very different [...]

Prosciutto Wrapped Stuffed Baby Bell Peppers

Have you ever hunted for the perfect ingredient to make all your dinner party dreams come true? Only to crash and burn like a forgotten soufflé when it is nowhere to be found? But alas, you are saved from total destruction when you discover a completely new ingredient that evokes new thoughts of culinary greatness.
I [...]

Grilled Pancakes with Balsamic Strawberries

One of my classic tricks for looking impressive, while entertaining, is to incorporate a little showmanship into the preparation of the food.  No one will notice the pancake batter came from a mix.  What they will talk about in the end is how creative it was to use the grill to prepare such a fabulous [...]