Chilled terrines make stunning, beautiful summer presentations and become the focal point of a summer dining experience. Simply use a tempered glass loaf pan and line it with plastic wrap. Now, let the fun begin. Line the terrine with either … Continue reading →

It’s BBQ time and patriotic time! For this 4th of July celebration, add flavor to the expected with a little unexpected. We love our hot dogs. A hot dog is greatly improved by grilling a whole sausage for the meat … Continue reading →

Appetizers set the tone for the gathering and bring the onset of the culinary entertaining. Welcome friends with quick hors d’oeuvres. Here’s a great recipe. Sauté mushroom caps in brandy and butter. Remove the mushrooms from the pan and fill … Continue reading →

Sandwiches fit the summer cuisine because the ingredients tend to be chilled. The classic “club” sandwich has three pieces of bread with bacon, lettuce, tomato with turkey or chicken. In Europe, the salmon “club” sandwich is growing in popularity. It … Continue reading →

Welcome summer with some classic beverages. Recently, my husband and I visited Puerto Rico. No Puerto Rician visit is complete without a visit to Barrachina in Old San Juan. Why is it so famous? It is the birthplace of the … Continue reading →

Well, you really want to get away to London, but don’t have the time. Create a London Grill party. The London Grill consists of grilled steak, British-style lamb chops and chicken with Indian flavorings. The arrival hors d’oeuvre can be … Continue reading →

This time of year creates an urge for lobster. Yes, it tastes wonderful just boiled; but, it tastes heavenly with a little sauce. The simplest sauce is lemon butter. Chilled lobster tastes great with chilled vinaigrette dressings. One of my … Continue reading →

It is the “end of school” party time and everyone is hungry. Need an appetizing quick-fix with budget considerations? Tacos. Purchase crispy taco shells for a vast array of stunning fillings and let the colorful feast begin. Build the taco … Continue reading →

Many think brunch is perfect for Mother’s Day celebration. If you prefer to try something different, try a pool party. If you don’t have a backyard pool, many community pools will “rent” the space for a fee. Another alternative is … Continue reading →

School graduations all need acknowledgement. Will this celebration be combined with Mother’s Day because this is the only time that the whole family is able to gather? This occurs frequently in our rush-nourished society. Just make sure that each honoree … Continue reading →

Who doesn’t admire equestrian viewing? I recall as a child seeing the famous Lipizzaner horses from Austria. I was awe-struck with their grandeur and style. The first Saturday in May is the grand showcase of Thoroughbreds during the Kentucky Derby. … Continue reading →

The seaside breeze invigorates one’s soul. Whether your comfort zone is sand between your toes or intense surfing, absorbing the joyful sounds of ocean-living brings a smile. I like to cook when visiting the beach. Some dishes lend more synchronicity … Continue reading →

Now, I understand why rabbits are associated with Easter egg hunts and springtime. It is necessary to be lightning fast with the festivities and to ready the accommodations for the relatives coming to the celebration. I just created a great … Continue reading →

Some of my favorite memories during the Easter festivities are of helping my Mom in the kitchen, as a child. It’s funny that I didn’t enjoy the aggressive hunts with kids scrambling and pushing for the prizes. I was most … Continue reading →

Sweet memories really can be created from sweet treats. Some of our treats are seasonal, such as southern Ambrosia Fruit Salad. During Easter-time I recall my grandmother making the classic dish with fruit and fresh whipped cream. After years of … Continue reading →