Fast, Light and Easy: Chicken Breasts with Mint, Capers and White Wine

Monday, March 15, 2010

It’s storming outside (at least in New York), but there’s the slightest hint of Spring in the air.  Beach season is just three months away.  It’s time to start lightening things up around here, and I don’t just mean dinner. Here’s a dish that’s special enough for guests, but quick and easy enough to whip […]

Find: An Inexpensive Source for the Best Saffron and Vanilla

Sunday, March 14, 2010

The weather was cold, rainy and exceedingly windy in Southampton this weekend, which drove us indoors and to some very nice activities like napping, watching a movie together and chasing a giggling Julia around the house.  I also got a chance to take stock of our pantries there and in New York, both of which […]

Day into Evening: Mini Grilled Cheese Cocktail Bites

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Whenever I’m pressed for time and stumped about what to serve with cocktails, this is my solution.  I almost always have the ingredients on hand, and they’re quick and easy enough to make at the last minute and still remain in a hospitable mood.  Better yet, these rich, salty, crispy bites pair very well with […]

Mastering Tarte Tatin

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

I was impressed.  Over a decade ago I was visiting a friend in France, a busy plastic surgeon.  He had invited guests to dinner, and, as the guests were arriving, announced that we were having Tarte Tatin for dessert.  Over the next few minutes he pulled together this delicious traditional dessert of caramelized apples and […]

You’re Never Too Young to Accessorize

Monday, March 8, 2010

Dressing a little girl is fun.  She’s cute beyond belief, and, at 18 months old, still too young to object to our ideas about what she should wear, at least for a few more weeks. Shopping for a little girl isn’t easy, though, at least for these two men.  There’s certainly a lot to choose […]

Beyond Vinaigrette #2: Green Goddess Dressing

Sunday, March 7, 2010

I just liked the name.  I remembered Green Goddess dressing from my childhood (in a pint jar, on a shelf above the iceberg lettuce at the Piggly Wiggly), but I didn’t really have a fixed idea of how it should taste.  And, as I researched recipes, it didn’t seem like anybody else did either.  There’s […]

A Sunny New Bed Cover for Julia’s Room

Friday, March 5, 2010

Julia’s 18 months old now and changing every day from a baby into a little girl. Recently, I’ve made some changes to her room in New York that, I think, make it less babyish and reflect her new high energy and sunny disposition. This week’s project was bright new cover for the daybed (and plush […]

A Classic Revisited: the Whisky Sour

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I’ve been tinkering with this drink off and on for over a year now, and I think I’ve got it right. Summer before last, our mixmaster friend Steven stayed with us in Southampton for a long weekend and made Whisky Sours for us every evening. (Yes, this is the same Steven who later brought us […]

Almost Better than the Cocktails: Gougeres

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

As I’ve said before in a recent post, one of my strategies for hosting a successful cocktail hour (without ruining your day) is to keep the food simple and serve the classic bar trinity of potato chips, nuts and olives and “One More Thing”.  Well, Gougeres are probably my favorite One More Thing. Gougeres are […]

Desktop Spring

Sunday, February 28, 2010

I’m a Californian, so I think it should be Spring now.  In New York, though, where I spend a lot of time, it most definitely isn’t.  It’s snowy (well, mostly slushy) and bitter cold, and there’s still no sign of change in the air.  Winter has worn out its welcome, at least with me. Of […]

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