The secret to happy dieting? Count the flavor, not the calories with fast and delicious fruit vinegars, caramelized veggies, a citrusy halibut salad, even a bit of rich zabaglione with strawberries. Heaven (not heavy)!
Gameplan
Day Before Dinner:
Day of Dinner:
Half Hour Before Dinner:
Dinner Party:
Celebrate all the flavors of spring with a meal set right in the garden! It's too easy with luscious spring pea soup, spiced honey ham, asparagus bundles wrapped in salty prosciutto and a creamy lemon curd with berries to finish. Bella primavera!
Gameplan
Day Before Brunch:
Morning of Brunch:
Hour Before Dinner:
Brunch Party:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, it's time to put on some Sinatra and bring out the red checkered tablecloths for the cozy Italian food we grew up on! It's fast and simple and just like mama's!
Gameplan
Day Before Party:
One Hour Before Party:
At Party:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio; Chiarello Chianti
Fire up the counter top grills for a night of poker and paninis. What could be simpler than having the guests make their own mouth watering grilled sandwiches, while the host stars with Caesar salad made right at the table. Double down!
Gameplan
Day Before Panini Poker Party:
Morning of Panini Poker Party:
One Hour Before Panini Poker Party:
Panini Poker Party:
Wine Recommendation
Red Zinfandel
Two guys, two grills, two barbecue recipes and a great big party, full of food. There's a whole lot of smokin' going on in this neighborhood battle of the barbeques. Blindfolds optional as the rest of the block judges these easy recipes for themselves.
Gameplan
Week before cookoff:
Day before cookoff:
1 hour before cookoff:
1/2 hour before cookoff:
Cookoff:
1/2 hour before dinner:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio
When dinner is down to the wire or you're too tired to cook, a meal straight from the pantry is the way to go! Michael teaches us the essentials of a well stocked cupboard to make quick and impressive meals for impromptu guests. Who knew it was so easy?
Gameplan
Hour Before Dinner (made with guests):
Dinner Party:
Wine Recommendation
Chiarello Vineyards Cabernet
A spectacular outdoor party with this classic.one dish meal - so easy because it's cooked inside, and then taken outside to eat right out of the pan! Ole!
Gameplan
Day Before Party:
1 Hour Before Party:
45 Minutes Before Party:
At Party:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio
Don't miss this classic he-man, meat and potato meal as Michael hosts a monthly get together of men who love to cook. It's easier than it looks with Michael's special chef's secrets. While the men flex their culinary muscles, the women sit back and enjoy the show!
Gameplan
Day Before Party:
2 Hours Before Party:
Hour Before Dinner:
At Party:
Wine Recommendation
Gargiulo Vineyard Chianti
Bring your iron clad stomach to this devilish meal full of peppers and spice. Just in case it's too hot to handle, we're sharing ours with the local fire department! So fast and easy, it's smokin'!
Gameplan
Day Before Party:
Day of Party:
2 Hours Before Party:
45 Minutes Before Party:
No room for a party? No problem! Invite your friends for a giant cookout at your local state park. This party is as easy as it is fun as Michael gives tips for simple cooking in an outdoor fire. Because you eat it all with your hands, you won't even have to wash dishes!
Gameplan
Day Before Party:
2 Hours Before Party:
At the Party:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio; Gargiulo Vineyard Cabernet
Got too many tomatoes? We've got just as many ways to fix them. Its use 'em or lose 'em time as Michael hosts this fun cook along party. Guests bring their extra crops and cook up enough for everyone to stock their freezers. At the end of the day - the annual tomato fight!
Gameplan
Morning of Party:
2 Hour Before Party:
1 Hour Before Party:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio; Stonefly Vineyards Cabernet Franc
Michael Chiarello shares great tips for a simple cheese plate and great wines to make you the most sophisticated, relaxed host around. Throw open the doors and let them come!
Gameplan
Day Before Party:
2 Hours Before Party:
1 Hour Before Party:
Wine Recommendation
Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand or California Central Coast); Syrah (Napa, Rhone, or Australian)
Are you ready for some chips, dips and a hearty meal that will score with your friends? It's easy. Bring your team spirit and your appetites; we're watching the big game from the back of the pickup!
Gameplan
Day Before Game:
Day of Game:
At Game:
Wine Recommendation
Garguilo Vineyard Pinot Grigio; beer