East Valley Tribune - Entertaining

From the Cellar: Chill out the heat, try a light white wine

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:25:33 -0700

A few years ago, the wine wonks at Whole Foods in Tempe turned me on to Vinho Verde of Portugal as the ultimate white wine to beat the heat. It’s low alcohol, dry and tangy palate and gentle effervescence proved ideal for the energy-sapping 115 degree inferno outside.

Falling for figs

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:05:31 -0700

Even though it's actually a summer fruit, there's something about figs that say fall. Maybe it's the color of the dark, chewy, sweet flesh, or the crispness of the seeds, like the crisp autumn air.

Gridiron goodies: Kick off football season with snacks

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:39:22 -0700

Football is back on TV, and that means many Saturday (college) and Sunday (professional) afternoons will be spent in front of the big screen watching with friends and family.

Thinking ahead makes a potluck party easy on everyone

Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:32:29 -0700

A good old-fashioned potluck can eliminate a lot of stress, but even a bring-your-favorite-dish get-together takes a little foresight to pull off, says Judy Toth, a cooking instructor in Mesa who's a fan of potlucks.

Antipasto is ideal summer dish

Fri, 27 Jul 2007 14:23:41 -0700

Translated from Italian, antipasto means "before the pasta" and is traditionally an appetizer. A hearty arrangement of good cheese, marinated vegetables and cured meats can be used in lieu of main course on a hot summer night.

Successful party strategy puts presentation over prep time

Thu, 31 May 2007 15:21:11 -0700

Every year about this time, I'm hit with a raging case of spring fever. And one of the overarching symptoms is an incurable itch to fill my date book with parties. Whether it's throwing a wedding shower, hosting a graduation reception or honoring Mom with a Mother's Day luncheon, there are millions of excuses to gather with friends and celebrate life's big events.

Rare tropical delicacies can grow in our climate - with work

Thu, 31 May 2007 15:02:11 -0700

Many fruits, particularly tropical varieties, are at the height of their season and it's tempting to snatch up a bunch of them while they're on sale at your favorite market or ripe on the trees in your garden.

Tradition, correct ingredients complete the setting for proper tea

Fri, 04 May 2007 10:54:00 -0700

Brunch is nice. So is dinner. But a leisurely afternoon tea is the perfect way to spend some time catching up with your mother this Mother's Day, May 13.

Punch up summer dinner salads with fruit, protein

Fri, 20 Apr 2007 13:09:00 -0700

When it gets really hot in the East Valley, the last thing most people want to do is turn on the oven to create a great meal for guests. Cooking instructor Judy Toth of Simply Impressive in Mesa says you don't have to.

Quality leaves, proper brewing make a perfect iced tea

Fri, 13 Apr 2007 12:41:00 -0700

Whether it's raspberry infused or served with a wedge of lemon, the perfect pitcher of iced tea takes three things: quality water, proper brew time and the right water temperature.

Flavorful fondue is back in style for dinner parties

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:34:00 -0700

Gather around the table, pick your favorite color skewer and start dipping, because fondue is back in a big way. The popular tradition of the 1960s and '70s has been rediscovered as the latest trend in home entertaining.

Spare seasonal fruit finds a home in Southwestern recipes

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 15:40:00 -0700

Citrus smells great and tastes refreshing, but this year's crop is so abundant even one tree often produces too much fruit for a single family. To use that citrus, Valley chef and culinary teacher Barbara Pool Fenzl suggests her light, somewhat unusual and very Southwestern Jicama, Orange and Nopalitos Salad.

Classic cocktails in sexy shakers will spice up any bar

Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:54:00 -0700

Few drinks embody classic cocktails like the martini. Three ounces of stone-cold gin or vodka, a mere drop of dry vermouth, poured straight up with an olive in a martini-style glass. It's one part simple goodness and another swank styling. Sammy, Dean and The Chairman seared the martini into pop culture, and we never let go.