Summer Party

Over the weekend I had a dinner party to kick off the official start of the summer season. The weather in Boston has been stunning the last few weeks so it was perfect weather for some homemade watermelon margaritas

The table was set with my favorite plates from RAMPINI in Tuscany where we have gone a few times while in Italy. They were a gift from Dixie. The centerpiece I made with sunflowers from a local farmer's market.

Since the weather was so nice I decided to grill flank steak with our family marinade recipe which is so so good and so so easy! For two large steaks I use:

Recipe

1 and 1/2 cups soy sauce

1 and 1/2 cups vermouth (the cheapest you can find)

4-5 cloves sliced garlic

1 healthy teaspoon of ginger powder

Mix all of the ingredients and marinate the steaks for 24 - 48 hours in the fridge. Flip the steaks in the marinade when you think of it. Bring to room temp before grilling. Grill until done to your likeness. Let rest 10 minutes and slice on 45 degree angle.

Happy summer!

Perfect Weeknight Supper

While flipping through the current issue of Bon Appetit I came across this deliciously simple recipe for PAPPAERDELLE WITH ARUGULA AND PROSCIUTTO. I have now put it on my "must try" list for a simple weeknight supper or a spring dinner party. Paired with a salad and a chilled sauvignon blanc - yum!

Photo: Bon Appetit

My New Favorite Blog

I know...we all have way too many blogs bookmarked on our computers and who really needs to add to the reading list?! Check out Valerie's BLOG and I think you will find it worth it! I discovered her blog while flipping through the latest issue of House Beautiful and I am obsessed with her style, her recipes, her photography, etc.

Valerie finds joy in a simple formula: eat, drink, garden—and have fun while you’re at it. A California native, Valerie is on a perpetual quest for the best in West Coast living.  On her blog she shares her best tips, recipes and recommendations gathered from her own table, which is often surrounded with laughing, well-fed guests.

A few recipes I am definitely going to try

FALL FRUIT AND PROSCIUTTO SALAD

OVEN FRIED POTATO CHIPS

SLOW ROASTED SALMON

How to Arrange Your Own Blooms and Set a Stylish Table

 This woman knows how to entertain with flawless style!

Cold Comfort Food - Short Rib Ragu

Is your mouth watering? Mine was when my sister mentioned she was making short rib ragu. Yuuuummmm! She said it was a huge hit when she served it last week. She served it over pasta. With more snow expected this weekend in Boston, this may be just what the doctor ordered!  RECIPE

Photo: Food 52

Make Your Own Valentine's Day Truffles

For Valentine's Day I think the best gift for your loved one(s) is something you make yourself. Give that boring box of chocolates from CVS an upgrade and make your own truffles from scratch! Here is the RECIPE

Photos: She Wears Many Hats and Gourmet Pigs

Love Letters Good Enough to Eat

While flipping through the current issue of Martha Stewart Living I came across this adorable idea of meringue love letters. All you need is a piping bag. Perfect dessert for your valentine - even your kids. RECIPE

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Let's Make Cioppino

I am often asked what I serve when I entertain. I love making Cioppino - it is so simple and delicious!

Cioppino RECIPE

Paired with lots of crusty french bread and one of my staples, Caesar Salad.

Caesar Salad

Ingredients
Small tin of anchovies
3 large garlic cloves
3 generous tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)
Worcestershire Sauce to taste
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups good mild olive oil
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional cheese to mix in to the salad
Croutons
Romaine hearts

For the dressing, place the garlic and anchovies (dump entire tin with the oil) in the food processor and blend until smooth. Then add mayo, mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper and process until smooth. With the food processor running, slowly pour the olive oil through the feed tube and process until thick. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and pulse 3 times.

Toss the lettuce with enough dressing to moisten well. Add a generous amount of grated Parmesan and croutons. Toss and enjoy.

Images: Cooking Light, Laura's Best Recipes, Food Network

Cozy with Cocoa

Winter has finally arrived in Boston with cold temps and freezing rain. Blech. I would much prefer some seasonal snow! Is there anything better than a fire and cup of cocoa on a cold day?

A good cup of cocoa should be made from scratch. My favorite RECIPE

Photos: Tiny White Daisies

Winter Weeknight Dinner

This time of year I love to make soup. Warm, comforting and easy to make. I usually double recipes so I have ample leftovers and some to put in the freezer. Next on my list is this RECIPE for Cream of Mushroom Soup. Yes, please! 

Paired with a crusty baguette and a tossed green salad it would be perfect for brunch, lunch or a light dinner.

Photos and Recipe: Season with Spice

Hip Christmas Cookies

I love to give homemade gifts to friends and family. These oh-so stylish meringues are not your grandma's cookies and could not be easier.

Perfect for holiday entertaining too!Find the recipe HERE.

Classic Comfort Food - Tomato Bisque and Grilled Cheese Croutons

For Thanksgiving I was in charge of the first course and made tomato bisque. The soup was a huge hit and I wanted to share it with all of you. RECIPE 

Paired with grilled cheese croutons it would be the perfect supper on a chilly night. Crouton RECIPE.

Photo: Bon Appetit

Game On Turkey!

One of the many perks of having your mum be a top event planner is that she hosts the holidays - including Thanksgiving. I will bring the cocktail nibbles. But since I also love to cook and entertain I have been thinking of some recipes I would try if I were cooking.

Nothing is more important than a succulent turkey. I love this recipe for a roast turkey brined with salt, apple cider, rosemary, garlic, brown sugar and oranges. Yu-um! RECIPE

Cranberry Relish - one of my favorites RECIPE

I could easily skip everything else and just have a plate of stuffing. Is there anything better? I would love to try this Three Mushroom Stuffing with Prosciutto RECIPE

For dessert a Bourbon Pecan Pie RECIPE with fresh whipped cream.

And I always serve champagne with dessert. Perfect to toast for everything you are thankful for...

Happy Thanksgiving and I will be back on Friday as I turn the page to Christmas.

Photos: Dwell, Pinterest, Blogs Babble, Bon Appetit, Desert Candy, My Design Chic