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February 29, 2016
At Home with Friends

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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

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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

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

Day Before

New Year’s Day

February 8, 2016

New Year’s Day Brunch

Menu

Buffet

Turkey hash (GF)

Homemade buttermilk biscuits with baked ham and hollandaise sauce

* Baked eggs with roasted pepper saffron sauce (GF)

Smoked salmon with bagels and cream cheese

* Pumpkin waffles with yoghurt and ginger syrup

* Saag paneer (GF)

* Indian spiced potatoes (GF)

* Chana masala (garbanzo beans) (GF)

* Roasted mushrooms (GF)

* Banana, bourbon fruitcake

* Chocolate chip, banana, cherry cake

* Individual baked croissants with caramelized fruit

* Blueberry muffin cake

* Ricotta, almond, raspberry cake (GF)

* Breakfast parfait with homemade granola and berries

* Freshly baked blueberry focaccia bread

Beverages

Coffee

Tea

Mimosas

Bloody Marys

(GF) Gluten Free

* Vegetarian

February 8, 2016

April 1, 2015
At Home with Friends

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Videos: New Year’s Day Brunch 2015 (PART I)

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 […]

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

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

Thursday

Friday 

Saturday

February 18, 2015

February 18, 2015