Elm Leaves

BLT casserole: a twist on a classic sandwich

Mon, 20 May 2013 10:06:01 -0500

Throwing grass seeds, spreading mulch and cutting back unwieldy vines sets the stage for a welcome onslaught of sunny days, cook-outs and summery cocktails. Planting hardy perennials, flavorful herbs and delicate annuals brighten any yard in advance of the summer entertaining season, but meal planning often takes a backseat during the busy march toward Memorial Day.

Chefs’ takes on breakfast in bed

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:28:03 -0500

Breakfast in bed is the universal “thank you” for Mom on Mother’s Day. The tradition is so widespread that celebrity Chef Emeril Lagasse annually hosts a Breakfast in Bed contest. Lagasse surprises one lucky mom at her home and cooks breakfast for her — in bed.

A meal worthy of Mother’s Day

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:54:00 -0500

Motherhood is a gift. But let’s be honest, some days the gift feels more like opening the misshapen rummage sale sweater your loony aunt Bernice picked out instead of that fetching piece of jewelry you’ve had your eye on.

Cinco dishes for Cinco de Mayo

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:42:01 -0500

One of my all-time favorite Mexican restaurants, La Quinta de los Reyes, famously crams a 20-piece mariachi band in a room the size of a standard elementary school classroom.

A peck of stuffed peppers for Cinco de Mayo

Mon, 06 May 2013 08:49:58 -0500

Peppers are the pick of chefs everywhere for Cinco de Mayo — and Peter Piper has nothing to do with it. These peppers won’t be pickled; they will be stuffed.

Spring bounty means stepping away from the oven

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:52:00 -0500

April dinner parties are decidedly feminine affairs in my book and each year I gather some of my favorite ladies for a meal we affectionately refer to as “the spring hat dinner.”