If there’s one consistently reliable source for advice about life, it’s bumper stickers. Okay maybe not, but there is one bumper sticker that I keep thinking about. It’s in the shape of a paw print, and inside, it says: “Who rescued who?” Who rescued who. It reminds me of what my mom always says about raising children: […]
Tag Archives | dinner party
On the Mediterranean Diet: A Recipe for Lentils
Did you hear the news? A recent study confirmed what many suspected: A diet rich in olive oil, nuts, beans, lean protein, fruits and vegetables can reduce your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. By a lot. As was reported in the New York Times a couple of weeks ago: The magnitude of the […]
Quinoa with Butter, Almonds and Cranberries
Okay, so I am officially becoming my dad. I am usually in bed before 9 p.m. I have a Japanese car (with light-colored seats!) that gets good gas mileage. I’m an over buyer, especially as to milk and paper towels. I use my blinker like a Driver’s-Ed instructor. I can’t stand loud restaurants. And my […]
Valentine’s Day Recap
If Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a celebration of love, it was. For the third year in a row, we had John’s band and their families over for a Valentine’s Day dinner. The guys cook (and drink beer) and the ladies chat (and drink champagne). The kids make a huge mess. But back to LOVE. […]
Easy and Elegant Recipe for Pork Tenderloin
Isn’t in funny how times change. A decade ago, it was perfectly acceptable for Martha Stewart to provide a recipe that took multiple days to prepare. Whereas, these days, Rachael Ray doesn’t even waste time on extraneous syllables! (EVOO, veg, sammy, delish.) I think I’m somewhere in the middle: I love a recipe that looks […]
The BEST Recipe for Crab Cakes
I made crab cakes last night for dinner. Jack ate two and John ate SEVEN. That’s why John and I are such a good match. As his dad likes to say: “Well isn’t funny that a guy who loves to EAT finds a girl who loves to COOK!” Here’s what you need to know about […]
Crazy Good Creamy Mustard Sauce for Steaks
Sure, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, but this easy and elegant recipe is not just for that. It’s perfect for any romantic dinner at any time (as long as your guest likes a big juicy steak as much as I do). To start, you will need two steaks, cooked how you like ’em. […]
Ideas for Valentine’s Day Dinner
Hey Guys, have you made plans yet for the big day? No, not the Super Bowl. Valentine’s Day! How about this: A romantic dinner for two (or more) in your own cozy dining room. It’s what John and I have been doing for years. We usually invite over four or five other couples (with kids) […]
Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Nuts
Some things are so divisive. Politics. Minivans. Beets. You either love ’em or you hate ’em. Or, you’re like me and just like ’em in small doses. To me, beets taste best roasted in the oven, and then tossed over a green salad with salty cheese, crunchy nuts, and a tart vinaigrette. Do you have […]
Pistachio-Crusted Cod
I am enjoying the cold weather. I am. It’s fun to bundle up in hats and gloves and puffy jackets and venture out with the stroller for a walk. But at the same time, I am already thinking about summer. About my second-favorite place on earth: Port Aransas, Texas. (Austin is my first favorite, if […]
Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders
After a wonderfully hectic Christmas, John and I rang in the New Year with a double-date dinner at one of my favorite Austin restaurants, Fabi & Rosi. Have you been? If not, you must go. The atmosphere is peaceful and romantic. The menu is European with strong German influences. (The owner, Wolfgang, is from Germany […]
Pulled Pork for Lazy People and Other Rainy Day Activities
Taking care of a toddler for a full day is a challenge. And on rainy days, when we are confined to the indoors, it’s nearly impossible. At least for me. Usually this wouldn’t be a concern for us in Texas in July, but this week, surprisingly, the forecast is rain. When Jack and I run […]
Easy and Delicious Roast Chicken
My younger brother Matt makes a mean roast chicken. He can cook it just perfectly — with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. The thing about Matt, though, is that he is an “intuitive” cook. Meaning: He doesn’t follow recipes, and certainly doesn’t write down his own creations. So here’s what happened when I asked […]
Recipe for Peas: Sautéed Peas with Shallots and Mint
So John and I had a dinner party last night. Pretty much everyone who came is either a great cook or married to one, so I was a little intimidated when planning the menu. Here’s what I came up with: Appetizer: Lump Crab Cakes + Cheese Plate + Lil’ Smokies (long story) Main Course: Prime […]
Gotta Getcha Some
When John and I got married, we registered for several boxes of fancy wine glasses. They are sleek and elegant. And they look absolutely lovely sitting on the shelf. Unfortunately, at least for us, they are an entertaining nightmare. They must be washed by hand and, even then, are easily broken. (I would guess that […]
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