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The Raw Truth: Planning a Dinner Party

The Raw Truth about planning a dinner party is that things can, and probably will, go wrong. Raw!  The truth of the matter is it was raw in the middle! …

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The Best Dinner Party Questions for Fun Conversation Starters

This post on dinner party questions will help you avoid awkward silence and maintain a lively conversation with your dinner guests. Plus you can get a printable version of 112…

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How To Make This Easy Homemade Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe

This Chocolate Dipping Sauce recipe makes a thick, delicious chocolate sauce that is both an elegant and fun dessert. Think chocolate fondue, but without the hassle of using a Sterno…

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Easy Ideas How to Make a Beautiful Fruit Charcuterie Board

Here are some great ideas for how to make a beautiful fruit charcuterie board. It is so easy to create a simple fresh fruit board in your own kitchen. Fruit…

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What Temperature to Store Red Wine | Best How To Guide

So, you finally started buying enough red wine that you need to store it, but do you know for how long or at what temperature to store red wine? Wine…

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  • Sliced loaf of Traditional St. Patrick's Day food
    Food,  Recipes

    Bake this Irish Soda Bread Traditional Recipe for an Amazing St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

    /1 Comment

    This Irish Soda Bread is a traditional recipe to make for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration! If you are looking for a delicious and warm way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, look no further than this traditional Irish Soda Bread recipe. This bread is easy to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack with tea, or for dessert. The dough comes together quickly making two loaves so you will have some leftovers to enjoy. Raisins add a little sweetness as does the sugar and cinnamon on top. Slice while warm and give it a good lather of Irish butter for a warm treat anytime. Salute St. Patrick’s…

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    RANI

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    Mexican layered Tostito Dip Recipe

    The Best Easy Mexican Layered Dip Recipe with Tostitos Chips

    07/17/2023
    What temperature to serve red wine

    What Temperature to Store Red Wine | Best How To Guide

    10/19/2023
    Black Beans and Rice are healthy

    Easy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

    10/27/2023
  • Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting
    Dessert,  Food,  Recipes

    St. Patrick’s Day Desserts | Make this Recipe for Guinness Cupcakes

    /1 Comment

    St. Patrick’s Day desserts should be a delicious way to top off your feast! Look no further than these Chocolate Stout Cupcakes with Irish Cream Frosting. This recipe is easy, simple to make, and will wow your guests! The combination of chocolate and stout gives the cupcakes a rich, decadent flavor that everyone will love. Top them with a smooth Irish cream frosting and they will be irresistible! What is St. Patrick’s Day? St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday that celebrates Irish culture and heritage. It falls on March 17th each year and is typically celebrated with parades, food, drink, and lots of fun! According to Wikipedia, today’s Saint Patrick’s…

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    RANI

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    Beautiful Limoncello Martini Recipe in glass

    How to Make Limoncello Martini Recipe – Easy Lemon Drop Cocktail

    12/09/2022
    You want this Dark Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe up close

    How To Make This Easy Homemade Chocolate Dipping Sauce Recipe

    01/19/2023
    Best Red Wine for Heart Health

    The Best Red Wine for Your Heart Health

    02/09/2023
  • Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew for St. Patrick's Day Buffet
    Food,  Recipes

    How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Recipe for Guinness Beef Stew | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

    /No Comments

    This slow cooker recipe for Guinness Beef Stew is hearty and delicious! Perfect for your St. Patrick’s Day dinner! Looking for Easy St Patrick’s Day Recipes? If you are looking for an easy and delicious St Patrick’s Day recipe then look no further! This recipe for Guinness beef stew is sure to please. The beef is cooked in a savory gravy made with Guinness beer, and it is served with creamy mashed potatoes. It is the perfect dish for a winter night. With step-by-step instructions, this no-fail recipe is easy to follow. So, invite your friends over and enjoy a hearty St Patrick’s Day feast! Saint Patrick’s Day Feast As…

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    RANI

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    White Wine in Glasses

    Tasting notes: Conundrum, White, 2016

    04/08/2020
    Memorial Day Great Steak Cookout

    MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND GREAT STEAK COOKOUT

    05/20/2020
    Sizzling platter of beef fajitas to cook for Father's Day

    Grill Out with this Phenomenal Father’s Day Fajitas Menu

    06/17/2020
  • Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes ready to serve
    Food,  Recipes

    How to Make this Recipe For Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

    /No Comments

    This is a fabulously easy recipe for slow cooker mashed potatoes! Mashed potatoes are a classic dish that can be made in so many ways. You can add different herbs and spices, or use different types of milk, cheese, or butter. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the best. And this is definitely true for slow cooker mashed potatoes. These potatoes are velvety rich and flavorful, and they require no boiling or standing over the stove. Just put everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Mashed Potatoes are a Staple Dish all Winter Long Mashed potatoes are a staple dish all winter long. They are perfect…

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    RANI

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    Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Red wine glaze on a glass cake stand

    How to Make a Striking Brunch Dessert | Recipe for Dark Chocolate Bundt Cake with Red Wine

    03/31/2022
    Large zucchini at the farmers' market ready to grill

    Best Grilling Recipe for How to Cook Large Zucchini

    05/15/2023
    A delicious Dekuyper Buttershots drink recipe for a wintertime cocktail

    Can Butterscotch Schnapps Recipes Easily Warm Up Frosty Winter Gatherings?

    12/08/2021
  • Sliced wheat soda bread with oats
    Food,  Recipes

    Delightfully Easy Irish Brown Soda Bread Recipe

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    Looking for a delicious and healthy Irish Brown Soda Bread recipe? Look no further! This easy bread recipe is made without yeast so you’ll have a traditional Irish Brown Soda Bread loaf on your table in just a few simple steps. It is perfect for serving with hearty dishes like stews and casseroles, or simply enjoyed on its own with a smear of butter. Give this healthy Irish Brown Soda Bread a try today! What is Traditional Irish Brown Soda Bread? According to The Real Word from the Trafalgar travel company, this simple Irish classic is a staple in households throughout the country. Individuals use this delicious savory bread to…

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    How to Cook a Baked Potato at 375 or 400

    Best Advice How Long to Cook a Baked Potato at 375 or 400: In Foil or Out

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    Bounty of food with Turkey and pies

    Choosing Great Sparkling Wines and Best Champagne for Thanksgiving Dinner

    10/06/2022
    Best White FIsh to Grill on a plate

    The Best Recipe for Simple Mediterranean Grilled White Fish

    05/01/2023
  • Crustless Quiche Baked and ready to serve
    Food,  Recipes

    Recipe for Crustless Quiche – A Delicious and Easy Brunch Recipe Idea

    /No Comments

    Look no further for a recipe for crustless quiche that is delicious and easy to serve at your next brunch. This crustless quiche will please everyone at your brunch gathering. It is healthy, easy to make, and can be adapted to include any of your favorite ingredients. Plus, it can be made ahead of time so you don’t have to worry about last-minute preparations. So, gather up your eggs, and let’s get cooking! What is Quiche? According to Wikipedia, quiche has a pastry crust with a filling of eggs and milk and/or cream. It can be made with vegetables, meat, seafood, or just about anything you have on hand. And,…

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    Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew for St. Patrick's Day Buffet

    How to Make the Best Slow Cooker Recipe for Guinness Beef Stew | Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

    02/14/2022
    What to cook Father's Day

    What to cook for Father’s Day

    06/17/2020
    Rose Wine in Glasses

    Come and Play! Vinho Verde Rosé, Casal Garcia

    08/26/2020
  • Creamy Salmon and Cucumber Bites on a platter
    Food,  Recipes

    Brunch Appetizer Recipe for Quick and Elegant Easy Salmon

    /4 Comments

    This brunch appetizer recipe makes a beautiful platter of elegant and impressive Creamy Salmon and Cucumber Bites. When you are hosting a brunch, you want to make sure that your guests are impressed from the start. What could be better than an elegant finger food appetizer? This recipe is simple but looks and tastes amazing. You can make it ahead of time, so it is perfect for busy hosts, and it will add a touch of elegance to any brunch menu. Beautiful Brunch Ideas A brunch can be a casual affair, or it can be more elegant. It all depends on your style and the type of brunch you are…

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    RANI

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    Delicious and Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe

    Delicious and Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe

    03/16/2021
    Hollandaise Sauce ingredients

    Best Ways How to Reheat Hollandaise Sauce

    08/23/2022
    How to Host a virtual wine tasting.

    How to Host a Virtual Wine Tasting

    04/20/2020
  • Perfect Chocolate Soufflé from your Freezer
    Cooking Techniques,  Food,  Recipes

    Perfect Chocolate Soufflé from Your Freezer to the Oven

    /1 Comment

    Bake this Perfect Chocolate Soufflé, individual servings, straight from your freezer. Yes, it is homemade. Yes, you did it in advance! Dinner Party Disasters Dinner party disasters are the stuff of legend. But what if you could avoid them altogether by preparing your dessert in advance? That’s right, I’m talking about chocolate soufflé from the freezer. With this little trick up your sleeve, you’ll be able to take your hosting skills from zero to dinner party hero in no time flat. Make this delicious dessert along with the rest of the Double Date Dinner menu to entertain guests for a special evening. Wine recommendations are included to include dessert wine!…

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    RANI

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    A delicious Dekuyper Buttershots drink recipe for a wintertime cocktail

    Can Butterscotch Schnapps Recipes Easily Warm Up Frosty Winter Gatherings?

    12/08/2021
    Budget-Friendly Double Date Dinner Pan-Seared Salmon

    Simple Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe for an Elegant, Healthy, and Delicious Dish

    01/20/2022
    Three homemade baguettes baked without bread flour cut in half

    How to Bake Bread Without Bread Flour

    07/09/2020
  • Baked Risotto with Butternut Squash an excellent Arborio Rice recipe
    Food,  Recipes

    Excellent Arborio Rice Recipe for Baked Risotto with Butternut Squash

    /2 Comments

    This Baked Risotto with Butternut Squash and Sage is an excellent Arborio rice recipe. It is easy to make and is packed with flavor. Butternut squash and sage give it a delicious Autumn vibe, while Parmesan cheese adds a touch of indulgence. The biggest secret to happiness is giving. And what could be more satisfying than giving your friends and loved ones a delicious home-cooked meal? So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get cookin’! Your guests will love this comforting dish. Is Risotto rice? Yes, risotto is a dish made with rice.  It usually takes a lot of time standing over the stove and slowly ladling and stirring…

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    Easy Recipe for Chicken Sliders at your Next Cookout

    08/02/2022
    Sparkling Wines to Enjoy

    Tasting notes: Rosé Sekt, Schloss Biebrich, 2019

    07/15/2020
    Delicious and Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe

    Delicious and Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe

    03/16/2021
  • Budget-Friendly Double Date Dinner Pan-Seared Salmon
    Food,  Recipes

    Simple Pan-Seared Salmon Recipe for an Elegant, Healthy, and Delicious Dish

    /1 Comment

    This Simple Pan-Seared Salmon recipe makes an elegant, healthy, and delicious main dish you can confidently share with others. Salmon is a deliciously healthy fish that can be prepared in many different ways. In this blog post, we will show you the best way to cook salmon with skin on the stove. This dish is simple but elegant enough for company!  First, brine it to season the fish and keep it moist. Then pan sear with no oil – just salt and pepper. Invite friends over and make this simple and elegant dish as part of your Double Date Dinner menu today! Why Salmon IS Good For You!  Salmon is…

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    Christmas Stocking Cocktail Intro

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    12/08/2021
    7 Budget Friendly Thanksgiving Wines

    7 Best Budget-Friendly Wines You Need for Thanksgiving Dinner

    10/03/2022
    Black Beans and Rice are healthy

    Easy Black Beans and Rice with Sausage Recipe

    10/27/2023
  • Easy green Salad Recipe in a bowl
    Food,  Recipes

    A Simple and Easy Green Salad Recipe You’ll Make Again

    /No Comments

    This simple and easy green salad recipe makes a flavorful dish that is bright enough to serve any time of year. It will lighten up a heavy winter meal and entice your palate with fresh elements like bright apple and crunchy celery. Invite friends over and serve this elegant and easy green salad recipe as part of the Double Date Dinner menu. The menu also includes wine recommendations for your meal! Is green salad good for you? According to WebMD, the nutritional value of any salad greens really depends on the variety. Generally, use red or darker green leaves in your salad as they typically have higher nutrients and vitamins. …

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    RANI

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    What the Hell – You can always order pizza!

    03/30/2020
    Large zucchini at the farmers' market ready to grill

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    Colorful and crunchy grilled coleslaw with dressing recipe

    How to Make Grilled Coleslaw with Dressing for a Surprising Addition to your Cookout

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  • Best Gazpacho with Shrimp
    Food,  Recipes

    Easy Gazpacho Recipe for the Best Gazpacho Recipe Using Shrimp

    /1 Comment

    This Gazpacho recipe makes the best gazpacho recipe you will find using shrimp! And I add some extra spice to liven up this dish.  I call it “Faux-spacho”. You can enjoy this gazpacho recipe year-round. It is the perfect soup to enjoy on a hot day as it is served chilled.  And the spiciness of it can be enjoyed on a cold day to warm you up a bit. It’s very easy to make with ingredients you can find in any grocery store. It may look a little challenging, but it is an ideal gazpacho recipe for beginners as well as seasoned chefs. And this soup will also provide you…

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    How to Host a virtual wine tasting.

    How to Host a Virtual Wine Tasting

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    Healthy Hollandaise Sauce on Eggs Benedict

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The Hostess of Lone Star Gatherings

Howdy!  I’m your host, Rani.  As a WSET certified wine lover and cooking enthusiast, I love to entertain at home. With 25 years of experience cooking, entertaining, and pairing wine, let me guide you through stress-free gatherings with amazing food, wine, and cocktails! Grab a drink and join the party!

Contact

Have a question or suggestion?  I would enjoy hearing from you!

Send an email to [email protected]

 

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