Potato Skins are my favorite stand-by bar food. What are my other options? Nachos: Done right, YES, but why is it so hard for bars to get nachos right? Chicken wings: I can't get past the thought (and feel) of chewing off the bone. Fried calamari: Too fried. Potato Skins it is, then. And they are so easy to make at home, and add or limit ... view more
Damn Meatballs {Sweet + Sour}
That's what my parents call them. "The Damn Meatballs." My parents actually aren't the swearing type, they just happened to QUADRUPLE this recipe for a New Year's Eve party they hosted, to serve 150 guests, and forming the meatballs turned in to an all-afternoon affair. "When will we be done making the Damn Meatballs?" But don't be dissuaded - ... view more
Kettle Corn {Fast + Easy + Healthy}
You can make a healthy version of kettle corn, at home, in your microwave, in less than 3 minutes. There. The secret is out. But backing up a bit, let me start with confessing that I find the smell of microwave popcorn to be quite off-putting. The stuff that comes in the pre-measured, pre-sealed bags - hate it. I blame my first job, where I ... view more
Party Tips: Meatballs + Manicures
Sometimes when I have people over for a get-together, I am a mess at "game time." As my first friends are arriving, I am generally not wearing makeup (or shoes), my sink is filled with dishes, and I'm lucky if I haven't thrown two armfuls of clothes in the bottom of my closet to hide them from sight. Something is simmering on the stove - three ... view more
Green Grape Gazpacho {Healthy + Easy}
In honor of my 100th post (!), I present to you a very easy, very healthy recipe that takes, honestly, about 100 seconds to make once you have all of the ingredients ready. This Green Grape Gazpacho is a Cooking Club favorite (Hostess: SLSC; Theme: A Light Spring Menu; Date: 04.23.06), and over 8 years later, we are still enjoying it - ... view more
Mini Pretzel Dogs
These Mini Pretzel Dogs are not healthy. Or easy. But they are so delicious, adorable, and fun to make (and eat) that their shortcomings are way outweighed. I stumbled on a recipe for mini cheesy pretzel dogs when it was next to one of my photos on Foodgawker. What an amazing idea, and the picture was awe-inspiring - I had never made hot ... view more