Want to host a festive fête that keeps spirits high and stress levels low? Take cues from Colorado foodies, who divulge their favorite recipes—for appetizers, cocktails and desserts—and best-kept entertaining secrets.Savory StartersCookbook author Eugenia Bone grew up in the company…
Powerful when raw, and mellow, sweet and smooth when cooked long and slow, garlic is an intoxicating herb (although some call it a vegetable) that improves many dishes. It can balance and lift the acid of tomatoes, give dimension to meats…
All-AmericanGathered by the foodies at Denver’s Marczyk Fine Foods, this menu calls to mind the classic wicker basket and feel-good Midwestern fare—but with a modern, elegant twist.FIND IT AT MARCZYK’SLa Quercia’s Prosciutto Artisan-crafted meat from Iowa Cold, Oven-Fried Picnic ChickenFrench BaguetteZucchini and…
In the summer, strawberries star in shortcakes, sorbets and other sweets. When perfectly ripe, their meltingly tender texture also plays well in entrée recipes. Whether cooked long and slow so only their essence remains, or tossed into salads fresh and…
Grilling season takes most of the main-dish cooking outdoors, and grilled veggies are often a good side, but sometimes too much smoke is just too much smoke flavor. Take those veggies back inside for some quick and simple flavor combos…
When the early and tender produce comes to market this time of year, I just can’t wait to prepare the freshest, lightest and most flavorful menus. I love the locally produced (and so seasonally available) veggies from markets, as well…
Hard-cooked eggs are a staple in our fridge as a convenient, high-protein snack. Around the Easter and Passover holidays, they are a more high-profile item—but eating them plain can be a bit boring. These recipes elevate the egg in it's…
For some, corned beef conjures up memories of a cozy dinner with family; for others, it’s the most important ingredient in their favorite hash. The following guide opens the door to home-cured corned beef as well as pork. Lately I’ve…
Pumpkin is known for its affinity with sweet spice, and is famous as a star ingredient in pie. There are many takes on the pie theme—lattes, cheesecake, ice cream and smoothies. The list goes on.I happen to love pumpkin (and…
“Joyful and happy, unusual and unexpected.” So describes the festive tablescape Anne Gee designed for a father and his daughters in their Cherry Creek home, featured in the L’Esprit de Noel Home Tour. The co-owner of Patina Antiques & Home in Greenwood…
Happily, Denver’s on board the culinary trend that’s been sweeping urban culture for the past couple years, and the pickings are hardly slim—the Mile High City’s fleet of food trucks serves up eats from tacos to kebabs and cupcakes, proving…
I love baking pies, and so did my grandfather. He was continually trying out new concoctions on us, and we always had at least three varieties at the holidays. Our benchmark for a great pie is the crust. I am…
Alex Seidel is getting plenty of recognition these days for having his finger on the pulse of the farm-to-table food movement in Denver. And it’s no surprise; at Fruition, the restaurant he co-founded with maitre d’ Paul Attardi in early…
Too often during summer, I turn to an ice cream cone, bowl, sundae, sandwich, you name it, but it seems just a bit heavy and cloying in all of that heat. These days, I'm after something more refreshing...and maybe a…
As the weather warms, we’re increasingly drawn to the grill. Not only does it keep the heat of cooking outdoors, but the savory flavor of grilled food just speaks of summer. Everyone has tossed on a thick steak or burger…
One of the very best things about summer cooking in Colorado is the opportunity to use fresh herbs. Sure, you can buy herbs in the grocery store year round, but who wants to pay $3 a package for a few…
There’s something about spring that makes us naturally crave lighter, more refreshing foods. Salads are infinitely versatile, whether served at lunch or dinner, as a side dish or entrée. But if you find yourself in the rut of tossing together…
Remember when you sorted through various china patterns, in search of the perfect one to add to your bridal registry? You gently ran a finger over different plates, bowls and accessories until you came to the pattern that just captured…
Every winter, my daughter, the once-competitive-but-now-just-obsessed snowboarder, goes nuts waiting for that first major snowfall. Like so many others in Colorado, she lives for ski season and waits excitedly to see which resort will open first. I used to ski…
It’s that time of the year again—the holiday season. The time of year when we delight in spending special time with family and friends, when we break out the decorations and traditions from years past, and—for many—when we fret endlessly…
Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. It’s a chance to bring family and friends together, the day when we take a little extra time to give thanks, and for many, a day devoted to cooking and eating—plus a…
The last thing anyone wants to do during the final hot days of summer is turn on the oven and slow cook something for hours. But thankfully, here in Colorado the weather changes in October to cooler, crisper days, with…
As an avid home cook, as well as a cooking teacher and caterer, you’d think I’d have gadgets overflowing in my kitchen. The truth is, when I packed up to move a couple of years ago, I actually gave away…
When mid-summer rolls around, the temperatures in Colorado can soar to uncomfortable highs, leaving residents feeling wilted and lethargic. The last thing you feel like doing when the heat becomes oppressive is turning on your oven or slaving over your…
