Anyone else pumped for concerts in the park this summer? Is there anything better than picnicking with friends on a blanket on a warm summer night? Here's a nibbles-centric menu for the evening picnic with plenty of graze-able foods that can be easily shared with whoever's on the blanket. More

What happens when the Kentucky Derby and Cinco de Mayo collide? You might call it Cinco de Derby or Derby de Mayo, or something far less appropriate*! Big hats, mustaches, horses, and booze are the ingredients for this holiday that only comes once every seven years. (Ok, I don't know if that's true, but it sounds good.) As the resident Spanish speaking Kentuckian, I bring you the complete guide to Cinco de Derby party-throwing! Complete with carnitas, piñata cookies, and a Mint Julep bar with an anejo tequila option. More

I can't claim to be from Kentucky or any state south of the Mason-Dixon (southern California doesn't count right?) but I've been to a few Derby parties. I've worn a few wide-brimmed hats. Mint juleps are of course the time-honored classic Derby drink, and what you want handed to you upon arrival of any Derby party, so let's start there. Then we'll move onto beer cheese, Kentucky Hot Browns, bourbon balls, and more for your Race Day spread. More

We're deep into the start of grilling season here, and we all know that the greatest part of grilling is feeding guests, right? There are few things I like more in life than kicking back on the deck or in the yard with a few close friends, a few close beers, and a hot kettle full of glowing coals, the sizzle of a juicy steak providing the soundtrack. More

Sunday night television is just gangbusters right now. First you got Mad Men back a month ago, then Game of Thrones, and now the youngest of the line-up, Girls. I've spent more time reading critiques on each and forming opinions on what I should watch, then actually watching any of them. What to eat during this Sunday night television marathon? Duck and mead for Game of Thrones; chickpeas, Greek yogurt, and kale chips for Girls. Anybody watch both on HBO right after each other? More

Spring is one of the easiest times of the year for entertaining. Its flavors are so bright and fresh after the root vegetable-based fare of winter that really, all you need to do is find a good source of vegetables (like a farmer's market) and treat the vegetables as simply as possible. Roast chicken is the centerpiece of this dinner, and it gets roasted with asparagus and spring leeks. A simple salad and a five-minute-start-to-finish dessert seal the deal. More

After more than a year of themed dinners and poppin' parties, it's time for me to turn all my attention (and calories) to sweets. Every menu for Serious Entertaining has been fun to make, but there are just some dishes that I keep serving again and again. Here are my favorite starters, entrees, sides, and desserts. The theme is up to you. More

Though it might be spring already, there are still times when I'm in the mood for comfort food. That doesn't mean I want a heavy plate of food, just some simple, satisfying fare that seems imbued with the wisdom of the ages, like Salad With Pimiento Cheese Toasts, Shrimp and Grits, and Sweet Potato Pie. More

After a long, painful wait, it's finally happening. I have my cocktail shaker on standby, my cherry apron around my waist, and a Pandora station dedicated to the Supremes. That's right, this Saturday, just a few short days away, Mad Men will make its season 5 premiere. More

Crappy tacos are one of those food items that I just don't love, not even in the it's-so-bad-it's-good kind of way, but I have always liked the idea of taco night. Who doesn't like tacos and/or a mini-fiesta? I decided that there had to be a way to enjoy this kitschy American tradition in a way that was both tasty and fun. In my opinion, this menu of grilled chicken tacos with pumpkin seed sauce, chili roasted pepper salad, and cara cara cocktails strikes that balance. And fine, you can bring a bag of Tostitos if you want. More