Video: Stone Fruit Tart

Thursday, September 4, 2014

I’d like to point out that it’s still technically summer until September 22.  And to prove it, the markets are full of beautiful summer produce, including stone fruit like peaches and plums.  Here’s a video about one of my go-to spring and summer desserts, a perfectly simple tart that beautifully frames these bright summer flavors. […]

Video: Making Pavlova

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Here’s a light and delicious summer dessert that’s an impressive alternative to a cake or a pie.  Pavlova is a treat that originated, I think, in Australia and is named, they say, after a famous ballerina.  But whatever the origin, it’s a delight.  A pillow of sweet meringue –crisp on the outside, marshmallow-like on the […]

Video: Salsa Verde for Fish or Steak

Friday, August 22, 2014

  One of my summer kitchen stand-by’s is salsa verde.  In minutes, you can use fresh herbs to transform simple grilled meat or fish into a special dinner that’s full of big summer flavors. Salsa verde is more of a formula than a recipe — just use parsley, capers, lemon, olive oil and something from […]

Video: Two Summer Sangrias

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

It’s hot out there, and I don’t think there’s anything more refreshing than an ice cold glass of Sangria –at least in the cocktail department.  Here’s a video about two light, somewhat unconventional Sangrias that use white wine and rose in place of the traditional red, and ripe summer fruit instead of oranges. Salud! Recipes […]

Video: Cherry Clafoutis

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

This is one of my favorite summer desserts –both to eat and to make.  I like to eat this rustic French dessert (pronounced “clafoutee”) because it elegantly features the flavor of ripe summer fruit.  And I like to make it because it comes together in just a few minutes from simple ingredients –you can mix […]

Chicken Salad with Green Beans and Tahini-Lemon-Yogurt Dressing

Sunday, August 3, 2014

We’re coming to the dog days of summer when quick cold lunches are just the ticket. Yes, this is a recipe for chicken salad. But please keep reading anyway. I know there’s nothing exciting about chicken salad.  In fact, I generally don’t really like it.  I love the chicken, and I’m fond of a good […]

Video: Flowers for the Table

Monday, July 21, 2014

I have friends who are brilliant with flowers –every arrangement seems fresh and surprisingly beautiful. Me?  Not so much. I struggle a bit in the floral design department, and so I’ve developed a formula that helps me put together flowers for the dinner table with a minimum of head-scratching and anxiety. Here’s a short video […]

Kid Couture Party Hats

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Julia’s birthday is approaching, and I’ve started to think about an activity that would be fun for her party guests.  Six year-olds have probably outgrown these conical hats that were a hit four years ago, but maybe they could decorate some more grown-up headgear –berets, baseball caps, or boaters?  Seems like that could could be […]

Speedy Gourmet #4: Mussels with White Wine and Herbs

Monday, July 7, 2014

Here’s another meal you can make in 15 minutes with just five ingredients (in addition to salt, pepper, and basic cooking fats): mussels with a delicious, aromatic sauce of white wine and herbs or Moules à la Marinière, if you want to get all French about it.  The dish is as elegant as it is […]

Brunch Sandwich Buffet

Monday, June 30, 2014

The summer houseguest season is here and with it the challenge of keeping a houseful fed, watered and happy while remaining cheerful yourself –and getting a bit of time at the pool, beach, hammock or whatever.  I nearly always enjoy making dinner, but three full meals a day for a group can be a little […]

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