February 2, 2006
as seen in "The Dinner Diva" syndicated column
by Leanne Ely

If I had the ability to bless each woman in the world, I think I would send them all off to one gigantic spa retreat. You know the place, where the terry cloth robes are thick and soft, the staff waits on you hand and foot and fabulous, relaxing treatments like massages, facials and luxuriant pedicures await you.

Look no further. True, I can't exactly stuff one of those robes in this column, nor will a facialist suddenly appear to make your face glow in the comfort of your living room.

What I can offer you however is some incredibly delectable food — the kind a lavish spa would offer — beautifully prepared and artfully presented, the kind of food you can actually make yourself and feel pampered simply by eating it.

In a spa setting food is exquisitely prepared with attention to each feature. The clever detail in the actual presentation itself is what makes the traditionally very low-calorie food look like so much more. So come to the spa and invite a few friends. This enticing spa menu plays well for an elegant dinner party.

Shrimp Cocktail with Wasabi Dip

Arugula with Toasted Pine Nuts and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Apricot Chicken Breasts

Pears with Blackberry Sauce