Buffalo Chicken Tacos

I have a confession to make. I don’t really like watching football. But there are moments when I crave the type of grub you would find at any football party. Especially when it comes to the spicy and finger-licking goodness of buffalo wings.
This recipe is a fun twist on the classic football favorite with fewer [...]

8 Football Game Day Recipe Ideas

The trees bordering my backyard have turned from deep greens to rich shades of fiery red, yellow, and gold. Clearly fall is upon us in Pittsburgh and I’m trying to take advantage of the last droplets of sunshine by writing on my back patio. Sophie is following my lead by doing laps and getting dirty [...]

Mango, Papaya & Strawberry Salad

For my Cooking for a Cause party, I wanted to serve a fresh salad to help balance what seemed like a bread heavy menu. The host indicated he really enjoyed eating mangoes and asked me to include them in some way. I toyed with the idea of serving a lettuce or spinach based salad with [...]

Ode to Summer Vegetable Trays

It’s a must have compliment to a menu of grilled deliciousness at any summer dinner party. No matter where you find comfort in an outdoor meal, always know the classic summer vegetable tray will be there with its bounty of flavors.
I found myself not wanting to “cook” for a recent dinner party. It was not [...]

Marinated Grilled Lemon Rosemary Chicken

This was the entrée for my Impromptu Dinner Party.
The sun awakens from a restful slumber and shines its golden rays of light through the herbs growing in my kitchen window.  About a month ago, Brent’s mom gave me basil and a parsley plant because she felt our kitchen needed to be filled with some of [...]

Tomato Feta Salad with Basil Parsley Vinaigrette

This was the salad served at my Impromptu Dinner Party.
Life has thrown several twists and turns this week, which has kept me fairly distracted.  Admittedly, I’m just now catching up on writing the rest of the posts for my Impromptu Dinner Party.  I know, I know.  I should have written these in advance, and set [...]

Impromptu Dinner Party: Appetizer & Place Settings

This was the appetizer and casual setting for my Impromptu Dinner Party.
When it comes to dinner parties, I am a firm believer in serving some sort of appetizer with drinks before the full meal.  It doesn’t have to be fancy, overly complicated or a huge portion.  It just needs to be something for your guests [...]

Impromptu Dinner Party: Brent & Ty Take Over

After returning home from a wonderful trip in Toronto, the last thing I wanted to do was eat in yet another restaurant.  I craved a home cooked meal and the comfort of relaxing in the backyard, without the annoyance of servers asking us if we were American based on what we ordered.  While trying to [...]

Roasted Rosemary Lemon Cornish Game Hen and Vegetables

This was the entrée and vegetable side dish for my Saturday Dinner Party.
The aroma was intoxicating as I placed the large pan of golden game hens on the table.  I watched as he took a bite of the crispy skin and moist flesh.  He closed his eyes, chewed for a moment and swallowed.  Then, quick [...]

Saturday Dinner Party

Someone once told me being invited to one of my dinner parties was like finding a golden ticket in a candy bar.  That has been one of the loveliest food compliments I have received in a long time.  In reality, my dinner parties are nothing more than larger servings of recipes I make every day.  [...]