Popcorn, potato chips, french fries, hot dogs and birthday cake – these junk foods conjure up memories of movie theaters, spring training baseball games, or maybe a child’s birthday party complete with balloons, pinata and birthday candles. Normally these foods don’t recall thoughts of delicacies like champagne, pinot noir, or caviar. But why can’t ordinary, ... Read More about Junk Food and Champagne? How to Pair Fun Food and Wine!

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It’s that glorious time of year where everyone is cooking, baking and spending more time in the kitchen. I’ve been wanting to make a fun, festive appetizer for my family that we can all enjoy this holiday season, so I created this Puff Pastry Tree with Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip. This recipe uses frozen ... Read More about Puff Pastry Tree with an Easy Roasted Red Pepper Dip

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This summer has been one for the books as most of us have had to change plans than what we have been used to in the past. Vacations have looked different and we are embracing the idea of staycations more than ever. Why not celebrate our summer with a creative edge and transport our families ... Read More about Easy Summer Dinner Ideas: A Colorful Antipasto Board

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With cheese boards and grazing boards all over the internet these days, it’s a wonder that breakfast boards haven’t made their appearance until recently. And I, for one, couldn’t be more pleased. Brunch is such a fun meal to serve for friends and family, and any time I can pass around a board where everyone ... Read More about Breakfast Board Ideas: Lox Platter

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One of the traditions in my family, since I was a child, is allowing the birthday girl or boy to choose their party theme and menu. So when my daughter had a milestone birthday this summer, right in the middle of COVID, she requested a tropical birthday party with a Hawaiian-inspired menu. Normally, it would ... Read More about Tropical Birthday Party: Hawaiian-Inspired

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Funny things happen when you’re forced to use what’s already in your pantry to feed your family. When my daughter asked me to make something vegetarian for her to snack on, I started roaming through the pantry and came up with this refreshed version of cowboy caviar, calling it cactus caviar because of the agave ... Read More about Cactus Caviar: A Tangy, Refreshing Salsa Dip

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A few months ago, my friend Julia, who owns Jewel Ya (a jewelry designer) and I were talking and came up with an idea for a collaboration to show just how easy (and fun) it is to get together with friends while doing something creative. Both of our businesses revolve around helping women enjoy their lives ... Read More about Jewelry Making Party: The New Book Club

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I’m always thinking up ways to create new kinds of salads, whether it’s during the Summer or Fall, there are so many combinations of produce to throw in to make a different taste. This arugula apricot salad does just that – and adds grapes for a burst of sweetness, Marcona almonds for crunch and goat ... Read More about Arugula Apricot Salad with Grapes, Marcona Almonds & Goat Cheese

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My kids have finally embraced my passion for throwing a good party and setting a pretty great table – or at least their friends have. So when my teenage daughter was thinking about her birthday party, she accepted my offer to plan it for her. We settled on a hip Morrocan Party, and chose the ... Read More about Moroccan Party: Picnic on the Lawn

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I love to entertain. Whether it’s family, friends or a combination of both, just the idea of being able to host people at my home inspires my creative soul and feeds my need to nourish. Brunch is one of my favorite meals to host – and while it’s not breakfast, and it’s not lunch, there’s ... Read More about A Guide to Hosting the Ultimate Weekend Brunch

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