THE LATEST FROM FRAN BERGER
Food & Recipes
Kitchen Hacks: Must Have Spices for any Home Cook
“Sniff test” your cabinet – it may be full of spices but are they still usable? Even if you cook every day, there’s always a chance you’re going to run into a situation where you just don’t have all of...
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Enjoy Al Fresco Dining – Even in Winter!
What a great opportunity – to cozy up with warm drinks, hot food, and close friends. The Italians love dining outside so much that there’s a term for it in Italian – Al Fresco; dining in the fresh air. Dining...
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A Sparkling ‘Welcome’ Drink for Your Guests
A great recipe for a truly fruity drink: Freixenet, Cointreau, Cranberries, and Oranges! When entertaining at home planning is everything. If it’s a themed party, you want just the right decorations for your guests to enjoy. If you’re hosting a...
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How to host an EASY and fun Super Bowl Party
Two big tips and one great recipe idea for #Superbowl #SB52 – Good Food, Good Friends, Great Times. I have hosted a ton of Super Bowl Parties at my home and, I’ve been a guest at quite a few of...
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Recipe for a Warm-up: Bloody Mary Soup
A new food memory: try my friend’s recipe for this delicious Bloody Mary Soup. A few years ago, on what in Southern California is considered a “cold” winter day, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted a Bloody...
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Outdoor Dining for (almost) anywhere.
Just because it’s a little chilly outside doesn’t mean you can’t have your party outdoors. I’m not talking about freezing weather. Let’s be sensible! And – yes – I know: “chilly” weather in California isn’t the same kind of “chilly”...
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Recipe for a Quick Pickle
An easy “pickle” recipe that’s great for home or as a gift. I had a great Bloody Mary at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, and they served a simply wonderful vinegary/garlicky green bean as one of the vegetable garnishes...
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A New Holiday Party Idea for your New Year’s Celebration
Start a new tradition for ringing in the New Year with an Open House! One of the best times of the year to have a party is New Year’s Day. I’m not talking about New Year’s Eve – the one...
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Holiday Favorite: Easy Prosciutto Asparagus Wraps
Finger Food Idea – prosciutto wrapped asparagus – it’s EASY Everyone has a favorite holiday appetizer: finger foods for the Christmas office party, New Year’s party, or any other gathering. After twenty years in the restaurant business, I’ve collected all...
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Setting up a home bar? Keep it simple!
10 Simple Tips for setting up your home bar for a holiday party. Home bars do not have to be and, quite frankly, should not be complicated affairs. I mean, unless you’re a professional bartender, why go out and get...
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Healthier drinks for the holidays?
Two KEYS for healthier choices from your holiday libations. I’ve been a home entertainer all my adult life. My friends have always thought of me as an expert at entertaining guests and throwing good parties – just ask any of...
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Kitchen Hack: Easier way to peel potatoes and stop them from Discoloring
Nobody likes black potatoes! Here’s how to stop it. As if you need a reminder – we’re coming up on the holidays and in my house that means a whole lot of potatoes! I’m not too fond of the yucky...
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What about those Meal Kit Delivery Services?
Review of the top 5 meal kits – for pleasure, convenience, and flavor! A friend of mine goes on frequent camping trips with her family. There’s one thing that she does before every trip – no matter if it’s a...
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My Favorite Secret Italian Sauce
You’ll flip when you see how easy it is. Anyone who knows me knows that I love all types of cuisine. But Italian cooking – that’s my absolute go-to favorite. Many of my favorite restaurants are Italian – in Los...
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My best recipe for Beer Steamed Clams
Want to try cooking Clams? Try my “beer steamers” – so easy to do. I know a lot of my friends are intimidated by the thought of cooking clams. It’s true that you have to be a little careful with...
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Rosé is a Rose by Any Other Name?
There’s just so much more to your wine than just a name! First, a little story. I was with a friend who is a real muscle car geek. This man knows every make, has details about every model, knows things...
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How to tell if that fruit or veggie is actually organic!
A kitchen hack that makes it easy to tell the difference between organic and GMO produce. I work very hard on keeping a balanced and healthy diet. The best way for me to do this is by reading labels. It’s...
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Level up your Summer Snacks Strategy!
Kitchen Tips: Chill out and stock up on fruits and frozen blueberry “Bites” Here comes the sun. Summer is one of my favorite times of the year. I’m a sunshine kind of person, so I welcome all of it. Especially...
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Fresh Eggs!
An easy test to make sure that your eggs are fresh and safe to eat. Eggs are a staple – fried or poached for breakfast, boiled for salads, brilliant as an omelet for a late supper or as an important...
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A simple way to save “leftover” wine
Wine Ice Cubes: The best thing for “leftover” wine. Good wine is a terrible thing to waste. Being a lover of wine, I’m always offering a glass or two to friends when they stop by. I take great care in...
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