2012 — Easy Recipes for Stylish Entertaining

May 15, 2012

Creole Crab Cakes

May 15, 2012 By Alyce 1 Comment

Who can resist the sweet, delicate flavor of good crab meat? I know I can’t. The season is approaching, so here’s today’s recipe for rich and satisfying crab cakes. Enjoy! -alyce eyster photo: fulton davenport

Filed Under: Entrees, Fish & Shellfish, Summer

May 11, 2012

Party Thyme Quick Tip: Dining Table Seating Options

May 11, 2012 By Alyce Leave a Comment

So you are having a big dinner party or other event in your home where you need extra seating. What to do? You can always rent dining chairs from party rental companies. Or you can start of collection of inexpensive, easy-to-store temporary seating. You want a nicely made chair that doesn’t take up too much [...]

Filed Under: Entertaining & Menus Tagged With: additional seating, casual entertaining, entertaining tips, inexpensive folding chair options

May 8, 2012

Chopped Salad with Manchego, Tomatoes & Sherry Vinaigrette

May 8, 2012 By Alyce 4 Comments

My go-to vinaigrette consists of a garlic clove, honey, Dijon, lemon juice and walnut oil. It’s a tasty little recipe, but I’ve tired of it. I’m craving different flavors now. The vinaigrette I’ve been making lately features Sherry wine vinegar and thyme from the herb garden. This salad has great mouth feel. There’s the crunch [...]

Filed Under: Salads, Spanish Tagged With: manchego, paella, salad recipe, sherry wine vinaigrette, spanish chopped salad

April 30, 2012

Dallas Wine & Food Festival Begins This Week!

April 30, 2012 By Alyce Leave a Comment

Calling all wine dorks and food geeks, I mean enthusiasts! The Dallas Wine and Food Festival kicks off tomorrow in venues across the city. This is a lively, fun and educational event featuring local and national culinary talent, where foodies and wine lovers can enjoy movies, entertaining seminars, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings and chef dinners while [...]

Filed Under: Dallas Restaurants, Wine

April 27, 2012

Party Thyme Quick Tip: Table Options for a Garden Party

April 27, 2012 By Alyce Leave a Comment

So you’re having a party in a few weeks. Weather permitting, you plan to use the patio, but you need another table or two. What to do? You can always rent tables from party supply companies. But why not just move a casual inside table outdoors? Just make sure the sky is clear if you do [...]

Filed Under: Entertaining & Menus Tagged With: entertaining tips, garden party, party thyme quick tip, table options

April 24, 2012

Fresh, Local Veggies Delivered to My Door

April 24, 2012 By Alyce 3 Comments

I love going to the Farmer’s Market on the weekend. But the reality is that my kids’ sports schedules often make getting there by noon on Saturday a challenge. Enter Farmhouse Delivery, a service that, for a weekly or bi-weekly fee, will bring the market to you in the form of a hand selected bushel [...]

Filed Under: Food Products, Spring, Tarts & Pies Tagged With: butter pastry dough, Farmhouse Delivery, fresh, local, organic produce

April 20, 2012

Party Thyme Quick Tip: Partyware

April 20, 2012 By Alyce 2 Comments

If you entertain more than 12 guests frequently, consider purchasing a couple of dozen (or more) basic, inexpensive wine glasses and plates for large party occasions. No need to get red wine glasses and white wine glasses. I recommend a glass with a medium sized bulb to accommodate red or white. Look for a price [...]

Filed Under: Entertaining & Menus Tagged With: additional, entertaining tips, inexpensive glassware and plates, party planning, party thyme quick tip, partyware

April 16, 2012

Classic Potatoes au Gratin

April 16, 2012 By Alyce 3 Comments

This has to be one of my most requested recipes. And for good reason. It’s a crowd-pleaser. (What’s not to like with all that cream?) And it’s a breeze to make. In the winter months I like to make it with half sweet potatoes and half russet. Several weeks ago I made this dish for [...]

Filed Under: Fall, French, Side Dishes (Carby, Starchy), Vegetables, Winter Tagged With: Gruyere, heavy cream, potatoes au gratin, sweet potatoes, yukon gold potatoes

April 13, 2012

Party Thyme Quick Tip: Take Note

April 13, 2012 By Alyce 2 Comments

If you entertain frequently, consider keeping a diary of your parties. Information like who came, what was served, and quantities of food and beverage left at the end of the evening can prove immensely helpful for future party planning. Let’s say you have a cocktail party every fall. At the end of the evening, take [...]

Filed Under: Entertaining & Menus Tagged With: entertaining tips, party planning, party thyme quick tip, take notes for your parties

April 8, 2012

Asparagus and Mushroom Saute

April 8, 2012 By Alyce 4 Comments

Fresh asparagus and earthy mushrooms really capture the essence of Spring’s bounty. I hope you enjoy this recipe. Cheers! -alyce eyster photo: fulton davenport

Filed Under: Side Dishes (Vegetables), Spring, Vegetables, Vegetarian Tagged With: asparagus, herbs, mushrooms, Spring recipes