ST. PATRICK’S DAY: Oysters & Champagne

Oysters and bubbly are not just for New Year’s Eve. Oysters on the half shell are a favorite in Ireland. While they’re popular bar food with a beer, you can create a real celebration with sparkling wine. Whether with Champagne or the lighter and more affordable Cava and Prosecco sparklers, invite friends over to toast…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Save At The Buffet

Put it at the end of the buffet table! Photo courtesy Allen Brothers and Morton’s The Steakhouse.   Last month we suggested entertaining with buffets. Here’s a follow-up to that tip, from chef Louis Eguarias: Set the buffet table with less expansive items first: breads, salads, sides. Keep the expensive meat and fish dishes at…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Have An Ice Cream Tasting

Celebrate National Strawberry Ice Cream Day by tasting 4-6 different brands. Your favorite may surprise you. Photo courtesy Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.   Today is National Strawberry Ice Cream Day, a good excuse to have an ice cream tasting. Most of us keep buying Brand 1 out of habit; but perhaps we’d prefer Brand 2,…
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TIP OF THE DAY: Entertain With Tapas

Entertain with tapas: Start with a good cookbook. Photo courtesy Knopf.   Is there a tapas bar in your town? About 20 years ago, this style of eating from Spain—which consists of grazing on several smaller plates of food instead of an appetizer and a main course (like dim sum)—began to take hold in parts…
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ENTERTAINING: An Instant Plate Pedestal

Pedestal plates and bowls are very festive, but require extra storage space that many of us lack. Thanks to an innovation from Fusion Brands, you can now elevate a cake plate or fruit bowl with Serveitup, a white porcelain base with a suction cup that provides a secure lift. In an instant, you can put…
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