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Polenta-stuffed Portabella Mushrooms with Pancetta and Tomato Sauce

Polenta-stuffed Portabella Mushrooms with Pancetta and Tomato Sauce

During a recent family dinner at my brother and sister-in-law’s house, my sister served up a batch of very substantial stuffed portabella mushrooms with red lentils and red quinoa. And at Christmas, my mother served baby bella mushrooms with a roasted red pepper sauce, which got me to thinking about what my dream stuffed portabellaContinue Reading

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

From the snowy hinterland that is our backyard, best wishes for a healthy, happy, and productive 2011. Be safe!

Trimming the Party Budget: On the air with FOX 25 Boston

It was a pleasure, as always, to visit with my friends at FOX 25 Boston, this time to discuss strategies for a budget cocktail party with the lovely and fun Elizabeth Hopkins. One thing that Elizabeth and I didn’t have a chance to discuss on the air is embracing the potluck. Don’t be afraid toContinue Reading

Egg Nog-Hazelnut Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

Egg Nog-Hazelnut Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting

So perhaps shopping for gifts is now out of the question, what with just a handful of shopping days to go. If that’s the case, I strongly suggest that you make these cupcakes, as they surely count as a gift. PrintEgg Nog-Hazelnut Cupcakes with Nutella Buttercream Frosting Yield: Makes 12 cupcakes (with a little leftoverContinue Reading

(Last-minute) Holiday Gift-Giving: Some of My Favorite Things

(Last-minute) Holiday Gift-Giving: Some of My Favorite Things

Anyone else out there a Last Minute Lucy when it comes to holiday shopping? Can I get a show of hands? Or at least an “amen”? One year long ago, I think it was 1998 (that’s long ago, right?), I had all of my shopping done right after Thanksgiving, and, boy, was that a greatContinue Reading