first

January 11, 2016
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Espresso Brownies with Espresso Ganache

These brownies should be marked “For Adults Only”. They are deep, rich, dark chocolate with an intense hit of espresso. There is espresso powder in the brownie and in the ganache frosting. You don’t usually think about a chocolate dessert at Thanksgiving but this is the perfect last bite to follow those traditional Thanksgiving flavors […]

December 7, 2015
At Home with Friends

3 comments

Pumpkin Cambozola Walnut Custards with Spinach Salad

I always start the Thanksgiving Feast with a bright fresh salad before the dense, carb-heavy main event. I use autumnal flavors and colors. Sometimes, it’s persimmons, sometimes it’s pomegranates, sometimes it’s golden beets. This year, it was individual Pumpkin Cambozola Walnut Custards on top of baby spinach, garnished with vibrant pomegranate seeds. The Custards are […]

October 15, 2015
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Individual Onion Pies with Blue Cheese & Walnuts

These are terrific one-bite wonders that pack a big flavor. They are intense, rich and delectable. The size is just perfect as part of an all appetizer party or by themselves with a glass of wine for an intimate dinner. Once again, this recipe makes great use of store bought refrigerated pie crust. I was […]

July 9, 2015
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Spicy Walnut, Beet & Carrot Salad

This menu has so many assertive flavors that I wanted a salad that was equally assertive and also fresh and delicious. This salad is really all about the dressing. My tasters were asking if they could just eat it right out of the bowl on crackers. The flavors are a bit exotic and seductive. Maybe […]

June 5, 2015
At Home with Friends

1 comment

Chocolate Prune Cardamom Cookies

I have been toying with the idea of mixing prunes and dark chocolate in desserts. I like both flavors and sometimes find myself in my pantry looking for a snack, and I grab a moist delicious pitted prune and a square of dark chocolate. Who would have thought these would combine to make a great […]

May 22, 2015
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Cherry Walnut Chocolate Hermit Cookies

You might want to make this recipe first and immediately get the cookies into your freezer, just in case of a party emergency. This is a very sophisticated cookie. It has a dense chocolate cake like texture with walnuts, dried cherries and a kiss of Vandermint liqueur. You can serve it after a very elegant meal, […]

April 27, 2015
At Home with Friends

2 comments

Coconut Oatmeal Ginger Cookies

I always keep homemade cookies in my freezer for friends who drop by for a cup of tea or spur of the moment dinner guests. These are not your typical oatmeal raisin cookies. They are loaded with shredded coconut, crystallized ginger and golden raisins. They are dense, chewy and perfect with fresh fruit or dish […]

March 18, 2015
At Home with Friends

1 comment

Camembert with Fig Jam

This is another one of my go-to appetizers for parties. The richness of a triple cream brie or a camembert combined with the sweet surprise of fig jam is always a hit. It’s perfect when you are having a large number of guests and want to have something already out while waiting for everyone’s arrival. […]

September 24, 2014
At Home with Friends

4 comments

Fig Pesto Torte

This makes a wow presentation. As good as it looks, it tastes even better. The combination of savory (pesto) and sweet (figs) combine for a magical taste. This recipe makes a large 10-inch torte so it’s great for a big party. Also it’s better if you make it at least 2 days ahead. You can […]

September 1, 2014
At Home with Friends

3 comments

Gorgonzola Cherry Bites

This is a recipe I was testing just before the Apps & Alcohol Party. It’s so simple that I decided, at the last minute, to make a small batch and see if people liked them. They disappeared. Friends who called the next day raved about them. This recipe is going into my permanent collection: I […]