Healthy Seven Layer Dip I have friends to thank for this one. Iterations of this appetizer kept showing up at casual poolside barbeques and weekend gatherings last summer. Healthy, colorful and easy to assemble, it’s definitely a crowd pleaser. To assemble the appetizer, spread out the ingredients in thin layers on a white platter or…
Entertaining
Buffalo Chicken Wings
Crispy, tangy, salty, crunchy. My mouth is watering just remembering these indulgent bites of buffalo chicken wings. If I hadn’t made them myself, I wouldn’t believe they were Whole30 compliant. And by the way, I’ve never used the word “compliant” so much in my entire life. The chicken wings are truly a three ingredient recipe:…
New Year’s Eve Fondue Party
Think of this as your last hurrah before resolutions come knocking. Do it up big, with a fondue and wine party to satisfy a crowd. Warm gooey cheese and melted, fragrant chocolate wrap up a season of indulgence with a big red bow. Fondue is my love language, especially if I have on ski boots…
Simple Chocolate Fondue
Fondue reminds me of skiing. Which tells you what type of skier I am. The type that likes to get a couple runs in, and then cozy up next to a fire with a cocktail and a warm snack. Fondue also pairs well with game nights, Christmas Eve or any gathering where you’re entertaining a…
Cranberry Baked Brie
My family has been making this cranberry baked Brie for years. Found in the appetizer chapter of an 80s-era Junior League of Pasadena cookbook, it’s a holiday appetizer that makes an appearance at every extended family gathering. So much so that my sister-in-law, mom and sister might ask each other, “who’s making the cranberry brie?”…
Prosecco Pomegranate Spritz
Quick and colorful, a prosecco pomegranate spritz can be your signature cocktail this holiday season. And with half the glass full of pomegranate juice, it’s less caloric than a traditional cocktail. Not that calories count in December. A little elf told me that one, but I’m not sure I believe it. (Whole 30, see you…
Blistered Shishitos with Everything Spice
This is the time of year when you may find yourself with neighbors who stop by for a glass of wine, extra family members to entertain and feed or just hungry mouths in general. Grab some Shishito peppers and everything bagel spice and fire up your oven, help is on the way. If you’ve been…
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
Ok friends. I swore to my kids I wouldn’t try to create a healthy Thanksgiving menu, but I do think it’s good to balance virtue and vice. When you have a table filled with probably twenty pounds of butter-and carb-filled side dishes, it’s important to have something green. Yesterday in the Houston Chronicle, I had…
Pomegranate Sangria
A big and bright pitcher of pomegranate sangria is the easiest way to entertain a crowd. Full of pomegranate seeds, thin slices of apple and oranges, this fruity cocktail is slightly bubbly from sparkling wine. Depending whether it’s early fall or winter, you can add dark plums, berries or fresh figs to the mix. Stir…
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Autumn has finally hit Houston, which means the leaves are falling, there are acorns crunching underfoot and it’s 80 degrees and humid. Here’s the plan: Turn down your air conditioning to 70 and fire up the oven for this super tasty apple cranberry crisp. It will make your whole house smell like cinnamon, pecans and…