Braising is one of the most useful cooking techniques to learn. Once mastered, it turns tougher cuts of meat and vegetables into a hearty meal that warms your stomach and your heart. Also, it makes your casa smell fantastic. Braised dishes are always a crowd pleaser and perfect for entertaining, as they can be made a day in advance. In fact, I try to always cook mine a day ahead because it allows the flavor to enhance and deepen. What could possibly make this dish any better? To serve it on top of creamy, cheesy polenta.

Our main plate is a fillet of beef topped with sautéed spinach, Mushroom Duxelles, and bleu cheese….all perfectly wrapped with filo dough into an adorable present for each guest to open on their plate!  These gems can be prepared hours in advance so that as cocktail hour begins to wind down, you just pop them into the oven to warm before serving.  The perfect present for you the party giver and the party goers!

This is a scrumptious, savory pastry free-form tart filled with sautéed Swiss chard and mushrooms. Its just enough to ward off pre-festivities hunger, but not fill you up. Perfect paired with a glass of bubbles!

Sausage, peppers, and onions are one of my favorite meals. I just love that savory combination of the pork & sweetness of the onions and peppers. In this rendition, those scrumptious, savory, sweet flavors are presented in an easy-to-hold “bowl” of a lightly roasted mushroom. A perfect finger food for an appetizer party! I dare you to eat just one.