Memorial Day is the unofficial opening weekend for barbecues and casual summer get-togethers. While chilled rosé and iced buckets of beer are perfectly respectable (and delicious) offerings, consider serving a light and refreshing cocktail to kick off your next warm weather gathering. This fizzy Gin and Ginger Lime Sparkler also makes a wonderful mocktail – skip the gin and you have delicious minted ginger ale to serve guests of every age! Read More
We are two and a half weeks into a full-gut kitchen and mud room remodel, and it feels like it’s been two and a half months. The above video was taken just after the demo crew tore out the sheet rock ceiling in one fell swoop, rumbling the entire house with such force that I thought the second floor was going to collapse. Though the builder and project manager have been incredible, there is no escaping the dust and acoustic hell. I now understand why my ballerina daughter goes completely stir-crazy when she has too much time out of the studio! I miss the smell of garlic and onions sputtering on the stove, the feel of a chef’s knife in my hand, the satisfaction of putting a meal on the table. Yes, we are throwing things on the grill from time to time, but anything that requires rinsing (vegetables and fruit) or washing (dishes) needs to be done in our bathroom sink. So that “This will be fun! Just like camping!” feeling disappeared after three days, then spiraled into total misery. At this point I am (a) worried we may die of scurvy and (b) certain no one in this family will ever have peanut butter toast again. I have no doubt, however, that it will all be worth it. And I cannot wait to share the pictures with you. Read More
Sea scallops are elegant in presentation yet incredibly fast and easy to prepare. Their sweet, creamy flesh cooks in about four minutes, making them the perfect entertaining dish. Prepare the salad ahead of time, bring it to room temperature, and dress it just before serving. Then sear and plate the scallops before your guests realize you’ve stepped away! If it’s a beautiful evening and you’re dining outside, brush them with canola oil, season with salt and pepper, and throw them on a medium-high heated grill instead. Serve with a crisp, chilled Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
I created and photographed this recipe for the April issue of Sheridan Road magazine, wanting to share a recipe that embraced spring flavors yet transitioned to easy summer entertaining. And truth be told, I wanted a dish that would look beautiful in my antique Wedgwood shallow bowls. I have a serious china addiction, and these are one of my absolute favorite finds! Read More
