4th of July Celebrations Star Cookie Pops for Kids

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These sugar cookies bake up like shortbread because of the powdered sugar in the recipe. They are also sturdier than the average sugar cookie, which makes them ideal as a cookie pop! Kids love these cookies with their red and blue fondant stars. I made a batch for a TV show party on a beach […]

June 7, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Roasted Puttanesca Pasta

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In trying to create a crowd-pleasing pasta that serves many and could work as a warm dish and cold pasta salad, I came up with this recipe, Roasted Puttanesca Pasta. Puttanesca sauce is typically a zesty blend of tomatoes, olives, capers, anchovies, garlic, and spices in an olive oil base. However, much like the Caesar […]

June 6, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

4th of July Patriotic Pizza Flag

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Show your patriotism on a pizza with red, white, and blue toppings for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, or Labor Day. Boy, where do I start with this recipe and its many trials before I felt it worthy of an all-American celebration. First, make everything from scratch. Jarred pizza sauces usually don’t have the same bright […]

May 23, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Yellow Tomato, Feta, and Mint Cups

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I wasn’t quite sure what to call this lovely sunny dish. Perhaps a salad and certainly a side dish, these packed tomatoes would be ideal to serve at a simple summer lunch. 2 tablespoons pine nuts 5 medium yellow tomatoes 1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese  2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint leaves 1/2 teaspoon pure olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh […]

May 22, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

S’mores Pie

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This easy S’mores Pie no-bake recipe was hands-down the most popular one I shared on my Today Show appearance with Kathie Lee and Hoda. Hoda referred to them as “sweet nachos!” Send me a photo of yourself with this pie if you make it at home and I’ll post it on my blog!   1 (5.9 oz.) box Jello […]

May 13, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

5 Tips for a Simply Gorgeous Grill Out (video)

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Be inspired by the beauty of nature and go gorgeous on the grill as well as your outdoor party table! These ideas and this video were created in partnership with Flings Bins, pop-up trash and recycling bins. We went with colorful kabobs and a dip station, so guests could tailor the tastes to their palates, […]

May 13, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Summer’s Almost Here – Volunteer!

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To kick off the first weekend in May, my family spent the day volunteering around town, or rather at an inner city school and on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. As much as I would love to have you all think that we’re “just that way,” our do-gooder impetus was partially prompted by the need to fulfill community service hours […]

May 13, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Prosciutto, Melon, and Kiwi Appetizer

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Talk about fabulous color in an appetizer! The gorgeous color combo of soft brown prosciutto, light orange melon, and bright green kiwi absoutely jumps off the plate in this riduculously easy starter. 4 oz. thinly sliced prosciutto 1/2 of a very ripe cantaloupe 5 kiwi fruits wooden picks Tear prosciutto into 1-inch-by-4-inch strips. Peel cantaloupe […]

April 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Orso with Caramelized Onions

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Orso, also known as riso and Rosa Marina is a rice shaped pasta. I prefer the lighter, smoother texture of orso to rice with most dishes. And, this recipe is great for dinner parties as you can make it ahead of time, keep covered in the fridge, and then microwave it just before serving. 3 tablespoons butter […]

April 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Artichoke Vichyssoise (Cold Soup)

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Only a few cold soups appeal to me and they are the classics Vichyssoise and Gazpacho. Artichokes brighten up this creamy potato and leek soup making this potage an excellent choice for a hot day. 3 cups coarsely chopped Yukon Gold potatoes, washed, peeled 1 (8 1/2 oz.) can artichoke bottoms, drained, chopped 2 leeks, […]

April 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Broccoli Timbales

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“Drinking cup” is the English translation of the French word “timbale”. Traditional dessert timbales are simply brioche pastry cups filled with a fruity mixture. This version of the timbale, a cup-shaped custard with minced vegetables, is a lovely side dish for elegant meals. This recipe allows for about 12 timbales as guests rarely enjoy just […]

April 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Chicken Roulade Stuffed with Spinach, Mushrooms, and Bacon

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A lovely presentation for a dinner party, chicken breast roulades are stuffed with a blend of delicious ingredients like spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and Parmesan that are sure to tantalize the palates of all your guests. 2 (10 oz.) packages chopped cooked frozen spinach 2 tablespoons butter 1 small clove garlic, minced 2 (10 oz.) packages […]

April 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Baby Red Potatoes with Sour Cream and Caviar

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One of the easiest and most elegant recipes, this classic appetizer of baby red potatoes topped with sour cream and caviar is a great go-to for dinner parties. Top half with the caviar and the remainder with chopped chives for those who prefer the potatoes sans the salty little sea gems. 12 baby red potatoes […]

April 26, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

Pinot Grigio Chicken Piccata

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Veal Piccata is more commonly seen on restaurant menus. However, when trying to please a crowd, especially on the West coast, choose chicken. This delicious dish is prepared a little differently than the usual Piccata recipes to prevent the chicken from drying out and to make this a recipe that you can prepare (almost to […]

April 25, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

A Dozen Dazzling Easter Eggs

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April 6, 2011 CONTINUE READING THIS POST →

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