If your family is anything like mine, celebrations always center around food. Mothers Day Brunch is a staple in our family and one of my favorites. It's early in the day so Mimosa or Bellini is always in order. Also, you can mix the menu to include breakfast favorites like Amaretto French Toast, Banana Pancakes, Frittata etc., with yummy lunch dishes, like Panini and something I love, Canape, which is simply an open faced sandwich. Curried Chicken Salad with Grapes and Almonds is one of those items I always make. It's super easy, but don't tell mom!

No Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without Salsa (A great recipe here) and Guacamole.  Now, you could buy it pre-made but come on my peeps, I know you all want and appreciate the homeade goodness.  THIS is the easiest Guac ever and I promise people will compliment you over and over.  It's so easy I whip it up really quick and home just to eat.  No special occasion required for this one.

One of the great things about living on the west coast is that great sea food is always in season. Here is a recipe inspired by the classic Maryland style crab cakes with my own California spin.

Many of people are not big fans of mayonnaise and that flavor really shows in  a traditional crab cake recipe.  The substitution of sour cream mellows that flavor and the addition of citrus, avocado and cotija cheese will give your crab cakes a twist the really says west coast!

No Super Bowl party would be complete without chips and salsa and Buffalo Wings! I already posted an easy, delicious salsa recipe here! I hope you try it. I also thought I would share my recipe for grilled chicken wings, which is actually a healthier way to enjoy some spicy wing goodness!

This is a FAB recipe to have in your back pocket because all you need to do is cook the shrimp AND you can do it the night before or even the morning you plan to serve it. Anytime you can prepare the food ahead of the meal you buy yourself a little less stress. The Limoncello adds a rich fragrant citrus aroma without being over powering at all. PLUS, it's bound to impress your special someone.

I have been to dinner parties cooked by chefs and non-chefs alike. Some were great and others weren’t. Some went smoothly and some didn’t. Not all chefs know how to cook for large groups and there are some home cooks who are masters of the party! Catering is a business full of lessons, many hard learned, and I’ve been there. Almost all catering disasters can be avoided by effective planning and for those things that just happen, a clear head and some flexible thinking can usually get you out of anything.

I don’t know about you, but I love the salsa at my favorite Mexican restaurant. I just can’t afford to eat there whenever I get that craving. The jarred Salsa at the grocery store is expensive and frankly, doesn’t have the restaurant fresh taste I desire. That is why I make mine, it’s cheaper than eating out or buying jars, and I promise you, it is so easy you won’t believe it!