Main Line Feast

Skinny Dipping

During winter there’s only one kind of skinny dipping I’m game for. And that’s serving slimmed up versions of favorite dips for the super bowl. This year I’ve whipped up three dips that pack so much flavor, my taste testers didn’t notice a difference. Ingredients like light sour cream, light mayo and fat free Greek yogurt make great substitutions in creamy dips. And surprising ingredients like chickpeas in a cookie dough dessert dip will amaze. Just remember to save some for your guests.  

Discover Dixie Picnic

It’s quite a career shift: Tracey Deschaine spent 30 years as a nurse, but today she’s cooking up a storm – like that 50 lbs of potato salad the other night. She’s the chef/owner of Dixie Picnic, an inviting eatery in Malvern’s Lincoln Court Shopping Center, best known for their “Upcakes.” Dramatic career change it may be, but the amiable Deschaine exudes a natural finesse for this new venture. She spoke to me recently about the inspiration for Dixie Picnic, which she owns and operates with her husband and son. 

Chinese New Year Chat with Susanna Foo

You may think the holiday celebrations are over, but for over a billion people around the world, it’s just about to start. Chinese New Year, the longest and most important festivity in Chinese culture commences on January 23 for two weeks.

The traditions of this holiday – hanging auspicious decorations, exchanging lai see packets of money, and gathering for feasts with family – are particularly meaningful to me. Twenty-five years ago my family moved to Hong Kong and we’ve been embracing Chinese customs ever since.

So I was honored to have the opportunity to interview James Beard award-winning Chef Susanna Foo and chat about the New Year plans for her Radnor restaurant, Susanna Foo’s Gourmet Kitchen.

“Chinese New Year is akin to Thanksgiving or Christmas here in the United States,” Chef Foo explained. “It’s one of the most exciting events of the year for families.”

Stay Svelte While Dining Out (And In)

The New Year is here and my guess is many of us are vowing to drink more local microbrews, check out new restaurants and frequent favorite eateries. But it’s tradition to make lofty New Year’s resolutions to eat less and move more. So last week I asked local expert Kelly Strogen, Club La Maison’s registered dietician, to weigh in. Read on for her easy tips to stay svelte while dining out, the hot power food you have to try, and her favorite light Mexican recipe. (And check out her blog, where she shares more food finds, recipes and ideas.)

Read on for this fab and fit recipe, courtesy of Kelly.