A homemade feast of 8 dim sum dishes -- mouthwatering, bite-sized morsels of varying textures, preparations, and succulent flavors.

A evening far far away...in Berkeley. An exploration of African flavors: Senegalese-style Mafé, a tomato-based groundnut stew, and Bread Pudding with Malagasy Vanilla Rum Sauce.

Finishing up this holiday dinner with Honey Wheat Bread Wreath, a beautiful Festive Spinach Salad, Ina Garten’s staple Lemon and Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken, and Riesling Poached Pear with Cardamom Cream.

There is nothing like a good excuse to have a dinner party, especially with the busyness of the season. Now, when I decided to throw this little party, I knew I wanted to feature seasonal ingredients that would make for a warm, cozy, winter dinner. And of course, I wanted some wow factor!