Haylie Duff is a girl who seems to have it all… yet somehow manages to stay completely down to earth, unpretentious and downright fun. She’s already a triple threat talent (actress, musician and food blogger) and now she’s just added the title of “cookbook author” to her resume with the recent publication of The Real Girl’s Kitchen — a gorgeous, completely approachable collection of Haylie’s best recipes that she tested and styled herself. So excited that she invited us into her welcoming, light-filled Hollywood Hills home for a day of cooking and letting us in on the secrets behind her laid-back entertaining style. Click through for the too-pretty-for-words images shot by Belathée Photography… and don’t miss the recipe for Haylie’s Kale “Love” Salad. Perfect way to kickoff a new year of healthy eating!
The restaurant meal I’ll never forget:
The incredible meal I enjoyed with friends at Chef Ludo’s pop up restaurant Trois Mec.
My signature entertaining dish:
Literally all of my friends have enjoyed my herb roasted chicken, kale salads and brussels sprouts.
Current favorite color palette for parties:
Neutrals! Linen, white, and burlap.
My dream dinner guests:
Someone I could never meet but would like to… like Jackie O, Julia Child, or Bonnie & Clyde.
The perfect dinner party playlist includes:
Easy going stuff… Ray Lamontagne, Alabama Shakes and any and all oldies. People tend to dance when the oldies come on!
My entertaining style in 5 words or less:
Relaxed, welcoming, lively, experimental and tasty!
My must-have entertaining tool:
A wine opener!
The entertaining rule I rarely break:
I try not to set too many rules! I associate entertaining with fun. Rules? Not so much…
A colorful Moroccan pouf at Haylie’s Hollywood Hills home.
What scares you about entertaining?
Not much, actually! I try to keep the recipes simple so that I’m comfortable cooking and talking with my guests.
The taste I’m always craving:
Savory! I don’t have much of a sweet tooth.
According to Haylie, it only takes a few key elements to make a really beautiful charcuterie plate…
1. When plating, use a big cheese plate or board. I love to use a rustic wooden board for a more relaxed feel or a big piece of slate.
2. Use the delicious combos of salty, buttery or nutty flavors.
3. Don’t be afraid to include some out-of-the-box additions like my Rosemary Macrona Almonds or Parmesan Crisps.
Haylie’s entertaining words of wisdom:
Test out new recipes on smaller groups in case something goes wrong!
Always in my refrigerator:
Lemons, eggs, yogurt and fresh herbs.
Haylie’s Kale “Love” Salad
Click here to get the recipe for Haylie’s Kale “Love” Salad
Find more of Haylie’s simple, elegant recipes in her cookbook, The Real Girl’s Kitchen.
My standard host / hostess outfit:
Usually a comfy pair of jeans, simple sweater and a pair of flats…or barefoot!
Click here to see more of Belathée’s work.
