February 29, 2016
At Home with Friends

Breakfast Parfait with Homemade Granola & Berries

There is a Pain Quotidien restaurant near my office that serves these glorious breakfast parfaits. They have several layers of yoghurt, granola and fresh berries. Whenever I order this, it feels like I’m eating a sundae for breakfast. The only problem with these is that they are too big. I wanted to serve something equally […]

February 18, 2016
At Home with Friends

3 comments

Chocolate Chip, Banana, Cherry Cake

I’ve been making variations on this recipe for more years than I can remember. It’s always slightly different depending on what I add in and depending on the ripeness of the bananas. The basic recipe stays the same and there are never any leftovers. The original was loaded with golden raisins, chocolate chips and walnuts. […]

GAME PLAN: NEW YEAR’S DAY BRUNCH

January 1, 2016

12:30 P.M.

4 Weeks Before

Invite guests.
Think about menu (if it’s elaborate like mine, you will need help in the kitchen and a bartender).
Book kitchen staff and bartender now!
Make a detailed shopping list.
Buy all non-perishables including alcohol.

3 Weeks Before

Review menu and revise shopping list.
Bake and freeze:

2 Weeks Before

Confirm guest list.
Organize all dishes, serving pieces and table linens.
Prepare Homemade Granola and store in an airtight container.

1 Week Before

Finalize menu and shopping list.
Prepare glaze for Baked Ham and store in refrigerator in an airtight container.
Buy croissants. (Stale croissants are better for this recipe.)

5 Days Before

Do all grocery shopping.
Wash all the fresh fruit and vegetables.
Buy flowers.

4 Days Before

Arrange flowers.
Set table, organize all platters and bar.

2 Days Before

Roast all ingredients for Turkey Hash.

Day Before

Prepare Chana Masala and store covered in refrigerator.
Prepare Individual Baked Croissants and store unbaked in refrigerator.
Bake Ricotta, Almond, Raspberry Cake.
Prepare Turkey Hash.
Make Roasted Pepper Sauce.
Clean mushrooms and prepare all herbs for Roasted Mushrooms.
Glaze ham and store in refrigerator uncovered.
Prepare focaccia dough and leave in bowl on counter top.

New Year’s Day

Remove all frozen cakes from freezer and slice.
Bake Individual Croissants.
Warm Baked Ham.
Warm Turkey Hash.
Prepare waffle batter and make Pumpkin Waffles.
Roast Mushrooms.
Bake Blueberry Focaccia Bread.
Make Indian Spiced Potatoes.
Make Saag Paneer.
Bake Eggs with Roasted Pepper Sauce and Saffron.
Prepare Breakfast Parfait with Homemade Granola and Berries.
Have a Bloody Mary and enjoy!

February 8, 2016

New Year’s Day Brunch

Some people celebrate the New Year by going out New Year’s Eve and drinking large quantities of their favorite adult beverage. I celebrate by throwing a scrumptious New Year’s Day Brunch. Of course, there are adult beverages for those who need the “hair of the dog” or for those who abstained the night before. Here’s […]

March 25, 2015

BABY SHOWER – GAME PLAN

Saturday Afternoon

4 Weeks Before

Invite guests
Think about menu
Think about Baby Shower games / activities
Decide logistics such as where to set up bar, buffet and design or art station

3 Weeks Before

Make detailed shopping list for both food and non-food items
Buy non-perishables, e.g. refrigerated pie dough, dried pasta, quinoa, canned artichoke hearts
Buy art supplies for games / activities
Bake and freeze:
- One-Bite Cherry Pies
- Party Cookies
- Pink Grapefruit Cookies (you can freeze with no icing and add icing later)
- Coconut Macaroons

2 Weeks Before

Review menu
Book support staff if needed
Organize all dishes and glasses and serving platters
Buy all beverages including alcohol

1 Week Before

Finalize menu and confirm guest list
Buy and store ice

Monday

Set-up table, dishes, glasses, silverware, serving platters and utensils

Tuesday

Do all grocery shopping except chicken and shrimp.
Wash all vegetables.

Wednesday

Make quinoa for Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables and store covered in refrigerator
Buy flowers
Organize playlist

Thursday

Arrange flowers
Prepare and bake Pasta, Chard and Fontina Tortes. Keep tightly covered in springform pan in refrigerator
Make Tomato Sauce for chicken
Prepare Lemon Dressing for Tortellini Salad
Cook tortellini for Tortellini Salad. Store in refrigerator covered.

Friday