Inspired by all of the sports shows on television and radio that have been reviewing and discussing the Thanksgiving Day football games, I have decided to invest some effort in reviewing my Thanksgiving dinner and carrying forward the lessons I learned to make my upcoming holiday entertaining all the more successful. We had a great dinner with great company, but in the process of preparing and entertaining, I made some observations that might be helpful hints for you, too: Set your table the night before.  I tried this for the first time and it made a huge difference.  I was able to relax and have fun while cooking without worrying about the finishing touches, plus...

Tags: entertaining, Thanksgiving, tips, Peanut Butter Buckeyes

“I used to bake in high heels everyday.”- Grandma Joann My grandmother, entertainer extraordinaire, loved to bring her family and friends together around the kitchen table throughout the years. As a mother of eight, she was always budget-conscious. So, when she passed away a few weeks ago, I wanted to pay tribute by throwing a family gathering on just a $25 budget. A mass email to my family confirmed that brunch was the best time, which also happened to be perfect for my budget! I...

Tags: budget, entertaining, "Eggplant Marcille", brunch, "Applesauce Raisin Cookies", "Potato Casserole Supreme", "Canadian Oatmeal Shortbread", "Hot Apple Cider", "Cherry Cheesecake", party

I couple weeks back, I wrote a blog in response to a conversation happening in the online discussion boards.  A regular discussion board member mentioned that she was undertaking a dinner party for several guests and wanted suggestions about food and wine.  My first post gave suggestions about how to synchronize a dinner party of that magnitude.  Today’s post tackles the other subject, selecting wines. Wine can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.  When it comes to wine, all the old “rules” have really gone to ...

Tags: entertaining, Italian food, wine pairing

When it comes to Hanukkah and food, the first type of food that comes to mind is anything deep fried, like latkes and Israeli jelly doughnuts.  But, also associated with the celebration of Hanukkah is cheese.  Like the Hanukkah story of the Maccabees regaining control over the Temple in Jerusalem, Judith is also a figure who strove for freedom from oppression.  As the story goes, Judith’s community had come under siege by the Assyrian army and its leader Holofernes.  Brave Judith approached Holofernes’ tent and pretended to seduce him, all the while purposely feeding him salty cheese and quenching his thirst with wine.  Eventually Holofernes became int...

Tags: party, cheese trays, cheeseball, entertaining, hanukkah

I’m at a loss at what to write about today. Other than my responsibilities at work, food hasn’t played much of a role in my life lately. My colleagues would be appalled if they saw the contents of my refrigerator. I’ve got a jar of pickles, lots of soda, beer, a few hunks of cheese, some flour tortillas and a door full of condiments that have been there since the 90s. Not exactly inspiring. My apologies.  ...

Tags: Olive-Cheese Balls, appetizers, entertaining