Cooking and entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated. I’m all about deliciously gourmet meals and drinks that aren’t stuffy or fussy. Fresh ingredients, realistic recipes, ingredient planning, and kitchen organization are essential to any successful meal or soireé. Here I share my favorite recipes as well as tips to host a effortlessly luxe meal or celebration.
No holiday dinner table is complete without some kind of potato side dish. This recipe from Ina Garten’s Make it Ahead cookbook is unique because each person gets their own personal red potato that is slightly smashed, slightly crispy, and oh so tasty with Parmesan cheese and fresh chives. This dish can be made ahead… Read More Parmesan Chive Smashed Potatoes
This colorful side dish from Health Magazine is as beautiful as it is tasty. The nutrients and vitamins that come from the broccoli and sun dried tomatoes makes this a healthy side dish option for any holiday dinner. From Health magazine, May 2011
This vibrant green side dish from Ina Garten’s Make it Ahead cookbook is perfect for Easter. Sweet peas, salty pancetta, and fresh mint make this beautiful dish a perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. From Ina Garten’s Make it Ahead cookbook.
Hosting a cocktail party does not have to be stressful. Follow these simple steps to set up an elegant and easy DIY vodka bar. Then instead of being stuck as bartender for the duration of the party, you can mix, mingle, and have fun with all of your guests. Last weekend, I hosted a happy… Read More How To Set Up A DIY Vodka Bar
This classic vodka cocktail is full of bright, fresh grapefruit flavor and a sweet savory taste from the rosemary infused simple syrup.
This classic comfort food is a family favorite on cold winter days. Full of vegetables, shredded chicken breast, and yummy noodles, this healthy soup helps warm tummies, fight colds and flu, and is incredibly simple to make. I learned how to make this recipe from my mom but it can easily be adjusted to fit… Read More Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Holiday party season is in full swing. Last weekend alone, I attended three different cocktail parties! I love to bring a yummy appetizer to these gatherings and a charcuterie platter is one of my favorite things to make. But buying all those flavorful meats and cheeses can get expensive. I went to my local Trader… Read More How to Make A Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board for $25
Is anyone else excited that Thanksgiving is this month? Besides all the cooking and food preparation, one of my favorite things to do for holiday dinners and parties is to decorate my dining table. I choose a simple theme and let that dictate my centerpiece, place settings, place cards, and other table top accents. Not… Read More 4 Beautiful & Simple Thanksgiving Table Decor Ideas & Inspirations
It has been over a week since Halloween and I feel I am still up to my eyeballs in trick or treat candy. Staring at these colorful wrappers and myriads of sweet flavors, I know there has to be some delicious way for me to use up these bite sized treats. And I am sure… Read More 4 Awesome Ways to Re-Purpose Leftover Halloween Candy
Sweet Banana slices are dipped in melted chocolate then rolled in crushed candy bars. After chilling for 3 hours in the freezer, these Loaded Chocolate Banana Bites taste AMAZING! Customize the crunchy outer coating by mixing different chocolate bars together. The possibilities are endless in this simple recipe.