Dinners for Two (Menus and Music) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The CD of classical music is great, but the recipies are a little high-scale for the average cook and not very practical for the average couple. However, if you enjoy gourmet cooking, this is the book for you.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dinners for Two (Menus and Music)

Some of lifes happiest moments are spent at dinnersfor two! This volume will help home cooks to plan fabulous,unforgettable meals with recipes from the finest country inns of theUnited States and Canada. The recording of classical music provides aromantic dinner concert.

Click here for more information about Dinners for Two (Menus and Music)

Read More...

Perfect Recipes for Having People Over Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Anderson's brief introduction emphasizes organization and planning, and the book's design is elegant - lots of full-page color pictures of finished dishes - and practical, with a tip guide at the bottom of each recipe.
She starts with the main course, grouped by occasion, from kitchen gatherings to barbecues, sit-down dinners and breakfast. "All the Rest" follows, from appetizers through dessert, including drinks and breads.
Anderson often offers a master recipe, which can be transformed with simple additions - quesadillas, for instance, or shish kebabs, which both come with a page of variations in spices and main ingredients. This is particularly true for the soups, like the Creamy Vegetable, which comes with 10 separate recipes and ideas for "hundreds" of variations.
Each recipe concludes with suggestions for when to serve and what to serve it with, variations, shortcuts, advance preparations and, my personal favorite, ideas for the leftovers.
For the dining room there's an Easy Baked Risotto which does away with much of the stirring and Beef Tenderloin with cracked pepper and a red wine pan sauce; more casual meals feature Oven-Barbecued Pork for sandwiches or carnitas and Lasagna made with both white and red sauce and no-boil noodles. Breakfast might be a savory baked strata, assembled the night before.
Side dishes are bright and imaginative, like Smoked Salmon and Watercress Salad with Red Onion-Caper Vinaigrette or Orange-Glazed Asparagus; desserts are simple and many are homey, like the Tender Yellow Cake and Five Variations. Drinks come by the pitcher.
There's nothing difficult here and there's plenty of range to suit every taste and every occasion. Anderson's fans ("The Perfect Recipe," "How to Cook Without a Book") will snap it up and anyone who entertains should find it a useful pleasure.
- Portsmouth Herald

Click Here to see more reviews about: Perfect Recipes for Having People Over

Get 34% OFF

Click here for more information about Perfect Recipes for Having People Over

Read More...

The Complete Do-Ahead Cookbook: Southern Living (Today's Gourmet) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Over the past 25 years, I've purchased a lot of cookbooks and I love to cook. When I ordered this book I expected a lot of mediocre recipes that could be done ahead and in a hurry. What a wonderful surprise. Every recipe I've made has been outstanding and received rave reviews from my family. I don't like meatloaf - but I loved the Piquant Little Meat Loaves. Cornish Hens Mandarin was excellent and Company Chicken-Artichoke pleased even grumpy teenagers. The final and supreme compliment came when I visited my mom (recovering from surgery in Iowa) and I cooked one of the recipes. She is a superb (extremely particular) cook and said, "This is a cookbook that finally makes sense." She liked that the first recipe was large and leftovers were utilized in the series of recipes that followed. Thank you so much for a group of fresh and exciting recipes!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Complete Do-Ahead Cookbook: Southern Living (Today's Gourmet)

This cookbook takes the hassle out of meal planning, with timesaving recipes and menus to make ahead and serve later. Over 300 delicious recipes, chill or freeze, then bake up perfectly when you are ready to serve them. Includes pho tos showing how dishes can be garnished. Over 90 color photos.

Click here for more information about The Complete Do-Ahead Cookbook: Southern Living (Today's Gourmet)

Read More...

At Home With Carolyne Roehm Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a fan of Carolyne Roehm's A Passion for Flowers, I was anxious for the release of At Home with Carolyne Roehm. Given her instinctive sense of color, texture, and proportion in designing luxuriously elegant flower arrangements, I was hoping to see her talents applied to interior design in her latest book, At Home. I had expected to see favorite rooms in her houses with tips on decorating, but please be advised, "At Home" refers only to entertaining including menus, recipes, place settings and more flower arrangements. Although I was frustrated at having misinterpreted the title, the sheer loveliness of her ideas on seasonal dinners, afternoon teas and picnics did make up for some of my disappointment.
If you're interested in still life photography or design layout, you will enjoy the visual appeal of this book. Chapters are organized by season and subdivided into holidays and other events. Roehm creates poetic tableaux - for example, a springtime picnic photo shows a canoe laden with cushions, picnic basket, fruit and flowers. It's moored at the banks of a grassy island (yes, owned by Roehm) and leafy branches trail at the surface of the water.
I have tried a few of the recipes, which are for the most part, simple and tasty. But what makes Roehm's meals extraordinary are not the recipes, but her impressively extravagant collection of china, silverware and glassware. Although there is an appendix ("Details") on table setting design and care of china and linens, etc., this is not for someone who is looking for an extensive "how to" a la Martha Stewart. It probably wasn't meant to be.
I believe Roehm simply offers us artistic inspiration. This is her visual interpretation of a year's worth of entertaining. And while most of us don't have the extensive resources she has, we are still able to draw several ideas about presentation that will delight our own guests.

Click Here to see more reviews about: At Home With Carolyne Roehm

Former fashion designer Carolyne Roehm is renowned for combining a keen appreciation of beauty with practical know-how. Now, with this gorgeously illustrated guide, readers can go behind the scenes of her memorable parties, learn her entertaining secrets, and visit the glamorous homes where she has dazzled her prominent guests. Imparting fresh ideas and inspiration for knockout events on any budget, At Home with Carolyne Roehm follows the calendar’s seasons to provide year-round suggestions for place settings, floral arrangements, and menus. Emphasizing creativity and natural elements, Carolyne Roehm’s tips are not exclusively geared toward elegant functions: Picnics, cozy fireside meals for two, afternoon teas, and formal dinner parties are treated with equal verve. Drawing on ingredients and imagery appropriate for spring, summer, winter, and fall and all the major holidays, this handsome collection yields a trove of simple but sophisticated recipes along with perfect tabletop and decorative accents to accompany them. Biscuit sandwiches of Mustard-Glazed and Smoked Cheddar; Shrimp and White Bean Salad; Zucchini and Watercress Soup; and Fudgy Rum Chocolate Cake are just a few of the delicious and easy-to-prepare dishes. For successful festive occasions that friends and family will remember for years, from a grand New Year’s Eve gala to a spring brunch with a floral theme, At Home with Carolyne Roehm is itself glorious cause for celebration.

Get 37% OFF

Click here for more information about At Home With Carolyne Roehm

Read More...

Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Katie Brown Celebrates has over 100 tasty recipes that make your mouth water with anticipation. With an introduction from the author, this wonderful book has month-by-month recipes, though they could be used any time of the year. With an innovative and delightful 6 page picture index at the back, I have to tell you, this book has tempted my taste buds and inspired my own creative party-hosting abilities. There are countless, vibrant and beautiful photographs, with each recipe photo showing you exactly what you're version should look like.
Some recipe titles include:
' Parmesan Soup with Swiss Chard-Stuffed Dumplings
' Gorgonzola-Stuffed Potatoes
' White Bean-Lamb Stew
' Herbed Feta Puffs
' Pizza Stick Roll-Ups
' Green Garden Soup
' Lemon-Rhubarb Trifle
' Moroccan Braised Chicken
' Apple Brownies
' Pear Salad With Jicama Radish, and Celery
.....And MUCH, MUCH MORE!
With unique and creative party planning and menu ideas, many of which I have never seen before, you are sure to find everything you will need to delight even the most discerning of guests.
I very highly recommend this book!
(10 out of 10 Diamonds) - Absolutely LOVED it!!? 2008-2009 Bobbie Crawford-McCoy (Book Reviews By Bobbie).
All rights reserved.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round

In KATIE BROWN CELEBRATES, Katie gives readers a reason to host a party every month of the year. From a festive New Year's Eve dinner to a lavish Christmas brunch, from the perfect child's birthday party to a down-home family reunion, readers will delight in Katie's signature approach to making any celebration simply wonderful. With delicious recipes, straightforward craft projects, and tips for casual entertaining, Katie shows how any host can make a delicious meal and create gorgeous ambiance without the hassle. KATIE BROWN CELEBRATES is a must-have for anyone who ever gives--or has ever thought of giving--a party.

Click here for more information about Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round

Read More...

Good Things for Easy Entertaining: The Best of Martha Stewart Living Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have this book on a 30-day preview and it's on a mental future purchases list. I've been pleased and excited by it. Every "good thing" from those on the endpapers to the sidebars are wonderfully do-able ideas. I'm planning to use a few (the finish-your-own-lemonade setup and flower/blossom on a napkin are two) for an upcoming birthday dinner. This book is an excellent introduction to entertaining in a new, yet only-Martha way. I also highly recommend Good Things, Arranging Flowers, Comfort Food, and Desserts, all four of them in The Best of Martha Stewart Living series as companions to this book.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Good Things for Easy Entertaining: The Best of Martha Stewart Living

In this latest volume in the Good Things With Martha Stewart Living series, you will find dozens of ideas, projects, and recipes to help you entertain more easily and often.Delicious drinks and hors d'oeuvres, simple lighting projects, beautiful centerpieces, clever place cards, creative table coverings, and luscious desserts round out this inspired collection.

Click here for more information about Good Things for Easy Entertaining: The Best of Martha Stewart Living

Read More...

Dinner Parties: Simple Recipes for Easy Entertaining Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book was "just okay". It was chockful of simple food items that I would not serve to guests that I am trying to impress at a dinner party. Boiled red potatoes with parsley....I don't think so....Not interesting enough for me, nothing in this book catches the eye....if you want extreme simple this is the book for you. Another dud....

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dinner Parties: Simple Recipes for Easy Entertaining

Fabulous food and good times are on the menu with this collection of delicious, no-fuss recipes from home entertaining expert Jessica Strand. From an intimate dinner for four to a festive feast for a dozen, this collection of simple, yet sensational, recipes will inspire both experienced dinner hosts and first-time party planners. Orchestrating a cozy double-date is an affair to remember with elegant cocktails, Dry Rub Pork Ribs, Asian Coleslaw, and a special treat -- Homemade Sundaes (one per couple for an extra dose of romance) -- and when a full-scale gala for twelve is what's in order, Moroccan-style Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Pesto is a show-stopper. Filled with enticing color photographs to whet the appetite as well as "menu managers" suggesting timelines for when to prepare and serve each delectable dish, Dinner Parties guarantees effortless entertaining at home.

Click here for more information about Dinner Parties: Simple Recipes for Easy Entertaining

Read More...

Talk with Your Mouth Full: The Hearty Boys Cookbook Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Chicago's Hearty Boys broke through as the first gay couple to have their own TV show,as well as win Food Network's "Next Food Network Star." They brought their catering skills to a national venue,showcasing their "retro with an edge" style. They have a sense of camp like the Puppini Sisters,and a sense of taste&class like Pink Martini.
"Talk with your mouth full" is hardly everyday food,let alone 30 minute meals. Dan Smith and his business- and life- partner Steve McDonagh bring fancy meals to the table. They have sophisticated appetizers like chilled beets and asparagus with nasturtiums, caviar deviled eggs, and truffled mashed potatoes. Forget quiche. They have goat cheese and red pepper torte. One of their simpler recipes is pearl barley tabbouleh,they give Chef Boyardee a run for his money with their leek and cremini ravioli with red and yellow tomato concasse. They have a fancy shellfish polenta,along with salmon Wellington and seared ahi on wonton crisps. There's a sense of class and delicacy with the presentation; everything looks too good to eat. They give wine&cocktail pairings,as well as timelines. This is cooking for crowds,not everyday. It's cooking to impress. If these two men are "unduly feminine",they're doing a good job at it and should stick with it!
One Catholic priest claimed that homosexuality leads to art collecting&eating sweets. He should've stopped with his condemnation if he saw the creative desserts the Hearty Boys cook up. They have Almond Punch (for marzipan fans). There are chocolate cream cheese cupcakes,pretty normal,along with more avant garde desserts like chocolate risotto with orange ganache and rosewater cupcakes with grenadine frosting and sugared rose petals.
The entire cookbook is artistic. Delicious! The Hearty Boys have a delightful rainbow of dishes. Bon appetit!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Talk with Your Mouth Full: The Hearty Boys Cookbook

First book by the popular Food Network personalities and winners of The Next Food Network Star competitionEveryone loves a party; now hosting can be as fun as attendingMore than 100 great party-proven recipes—from signature cocktails to upscale comfort food—that are easy to make at homeThe stars of Food Network's popular Party Line with the Hearty Boys bring their signature style of casual entertaining to their first book. These Hearty Boys don't solve literary mysteries, but they sure are great at demystifying party-throwing. Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh are two guys who never attended culinary school yet built one of Chicago's most popular catering businesses. In Talk with Your Mouth Full, the couple's self-deprecating, natural approach to cooking, which has made them such a hit on the Food Network, comes through on every page. Packed with exciting but accessible recipes, clever how-to tips, and a gaggle of tales from the catering trenches, this is truly an entertaining entertainment cookbook.Featured recipes include hors d'oeuvres, starters, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, and libations. Nibble on Gorgonzola, Fig, and Pecan Cheese Terrine or pass Seared Ahi on Wonton Crisps. Or sit down to enjoy Balsamic Mushroom Chicken and Oven-roasted Root Veggies, and finish the meal with Chocolate Cream Cheese Cupcakes. Talk with Your Mouth Full offers help on everything from chilling wine to decorating a buffet table, as well as complete menus and planning advice. It's the ultimate guide to enjoying food and company.

Click here for more information about Talk with Your Mouth Full: The Hearty Boys Cookbook

Read More...

Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Perfect One-Dish Dinners / 978-0-54719-595-7
I love cookbooks and I was excited to try this one when it came available on NetGalley. Several weeks later, I'm a little...confused.
Make no mistake about it - this is a breathtakingly lovely book. There's a lot of valuable recipes here, but they're definitely of the "advanced student" variety, so do be aware of that. Almost every recipe has at least a dozen ingredients, and almost everything in this book is made completely from scratch - anytime dumplings or biscuits are working into a recipe, for instance, you *will* be making those dumplings from floury scratch.
There's nothing wrong with an advanced-level cookbook, but it's just strange because the book is marketed as "easy" recipes, and there's really nothing easy about these. No prep times are estimated with the recipes, but I'd guess that most of them take over an hour to prepare. Adding to my confusion is the whole "one-dish" premise isn't kept to - the introduction states that "one-dish" dinners are easier, and thus was born this book... but every "one-dish" comes complete with an appetizer and dessert suggestion... as well as the occasional side. Don't get me wrong - it's great to have the suggestions of sides and desserts for when they are wanted or needed, but this is especially weird because everything is grouped together as one "meal", rather than the usual entrees, sides, appetizers, desserts layout of most cookbooks. The practical upshot of this is that if you want to make the "Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream", you'd better remember that it was listed with the "Lobster Dinner", because there's no Table of Contents to get you there. (In all fairness, there is an alphabetized index in the back.)
I'm also not sure about the "Get-Togethers" part - a lot of the recipes are very exotic and specialized, and maybe my family is different, but if you get more than 5 of us in a room together, someone is going to dislike (or worse, be allergic to) at least one of the ingredients in these dozen-ingredient extravaganzas.
So, ultimately, if you take out the "one-dish", the "easy", and the "get-togethers", we have "Perfect Dinners: All You Need". But, then, I don't know if this is ALL you need since the layout can still be a little wonky - there's no Table of Contents, the pictures aren't labeled (although they ARE lovely) and sometimes require a little guess work to match with the relevant recipe, there's no prep times listed, and there's no nutritional data summary (a nice touch in many of the Better Homes and Gardens books that I've come to like).
Really, if you have all the time in the world, love baking from scratch, are an advanced hand in the kitchen, and have a non-picky and open-minded group of friends and family, there are some really good three-course meals in this book. I just don't understand why they're not marketing it that way?
NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through NetGalley.
~ Ana Mardoll

Click Here to see more reviews about: Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers

Get 46% OFF

Click here for more information about Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers

Read More...

Southern Living Christmas Cookbook: All-New Ultimate Holiday Entertaining Guide Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I purchased this book and planned a week's worth of menus for Christmas company around these menus. Fortunately, for me and my guests -- they were detained because of snow, and my husband and I were the only ones to eat the food. I made eight recipes -- cookies, pie, bread, salads, salad dressing -- food one should not be able to mess up. Without exception, the cooking times were way off (not just oven variances), the ingredients did not blend well, and the cookies, pie, and bread were bland or the textures not pleasant. Did the authors actually test these recipes? I'm not sure. Buy another book; this one was pretty but totally unmemorable.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Southern Living Christmas Cookbook: All-New Ultimate Holiday Entertaining Guide

Throwing a party—big or small, simple or extravagant—just got easier. Whether you're planning your first big holiday celebration or your twentieth, you'll find this memory-making treasury an invaluable hospitality guide for all occasions.Over350 recipes, 32 menus, and nearly 250 color photographs team up to make this the ultimate holiday entertaining guide. Take the guesswork out of meal planning with complete menus and time-saving game plans–one for every menu. Make entertaining a joy with casual-fare menus, for when you're entertaining family and close friends, and more dressed-up menus, for when you want to go all out.You'll love the make-ahead ease of the Harvest Fare menu that features Bourbon-Glazed Ham and Out-of-this-World Scalloped Potatoes. The Easygoing, Family Breakfast, with its Breakfast Pizza and Cheesy Baked Grits, will delight the entire family. Don't miss the Coffee and Chocolate Party that offers such indulgences as Mocha Fondue, in addition to tips on setting up a coffee bar. The Classic Christmas Dinner, with its entrée choice of Marinated Cornish Hens or Marinated Turkey Breast, will have you preparing this meal year-round rather than waiting for Christmas Day! You'll be ready for every Yuletide event with menus for brunches, buffets, and cocktail parties, as well as a New Year's Day feast.A full-to-overflowing "Holiday Cooking" section encompasses every food category from appetizers and beverages to main dishes and sides; there are breads, as well as cakes, pies, and candies. Treats for Early Risers gives you at-a-glance breakfast and brunch ideas, from Basic Buttery Biscuits to Bananas Foster French Toast and cute, little Mini Sausage-and-Egg Casseroles baked in coffee mugs. You'll refer again and again to Simple Supper Solutions as a year-round source for family-friendly dishes. Whether it's Fiesta Turkey Soup and Green Chili Biscuits or Spicy Coleslaw Reubens, you'll discover a treasure trove of easy weeknight meals. Convenient prep and cook times are listed with every recipe to help you plan ahead.A bonus gift section—"5 Ingredient 15 Minute Gifts From the Kitchen"—shares a dozen quick-and-easy gifts from the heart of the home. Each recipe either has just 5 ingredients or takes only 15 minutes to prepare—and some feature both. Colorful photos show simple packaging ideas, so whether it's Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix or Red-and-Green Pistachio Bark, you'll have delicious solutions to satisfy everyone on your gift list.Be sure to check out the "Holiday Entertaining Guide" for inspiring table-setting ideas, hostess tips, and a special selection of 12 year-round, all-occasion, mix-and-match menu ideas that will have you in good standing for party planning any season of the year.

Get 24% OFF

Click here for more information about Southern Living Christmas Cookbook: All-New Ultimate Holiday Entertaining Guide

Read More...

Dinner Party Disasters: True Stories of Culinary Catastrophe Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this book because I found the title amusing, but in addition to the disastrous tales there is some wonderful advice. I don't think of myself as an entertainer, but now I'm inspired (and armed with the wisdom of others' mistakes!)
Often I don't know what to bring my hosts when attending a dinner party. Flowers seem so trite. I plan on buying several copies of this book so that I have a "go to" gift, whenever in doubt.
Dinner Party Disasters would make an excellent hostess gift or a gift to a newly married couple.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dinner Party Disasters: True Stories of Culinary Catastrophe

A hilarious collection of true tales of culinary catastrophe, Dinner Party Disasters guides you through the faux pas that other hostesses have made so that you don't make the same mistakes. Vital facts about each party (the number of guests, the menu) followed by a first-person description of the ensuing disaster, are accompanied by sidebars offering real-life solutions, such as how to prevent fires, how to recover from a hangover, how to spark conversation among your guests, and how to mend broken furniture. The author also provides her simple formula for the headache-free dinner party, which includes the perfect mix of guests, food, décor, entertainment, and preparation, ensuring your next gathering will be a rousing success. A wonderful gift for the host or hostess, these witty stories and charming illustrations will have you chuckling from start to finish, and will help you devise an event that your guests will never forget—but in a good way!

Click here for more information about Dinner Party Disasters: True Stories of Culinary Catastrophe

Read More...

Mom's Best Crowd-Pleasers: 101 No-fuss Recipes for Family Gatherings, Casual Get-togethers & Surprise Company Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Andrea Chesman is the accomplished author of dozens of cookbooks including Mom's Best Desserts and Mom's Best One-Dish Suppers. Now she has created Mom's Best Crowd-Pleasers, a compendium of 101 easy-to-prepare recipes for dishes that are perfect for informal family gatherings, casual get-togethers with friends, and delicious dishes for surprise company occasions. From finger foods and snacks; to salads for buffets, picnics, and potlucks; to main dishes and grillings; to desserts and bake sales; Mom's Best Crowd-Pleasers fully lives up to its title with such "kitchen cook friendly" offerings as Peach-Orange Muffins; Baked Rice Pilaf; Stuffed Pork Tenderloins; Grilled Turkey Burgers; and One-Bowl Chocolate Cupcakes. Also highly recommended for the kitchen cookbook shelf are Andrea Chesman's legendary cookbook titles: The Garden-Fresh Vegetable Cookbook and The Vegetarian Grill.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Mom's Best Crowd-Pleasers: 101 No-fuss Recipes for Family Gatherings, Casual Get-togethers & Surprise Company

Forget the stressful dinner party for twelve. How many home cooks really drag out the china, silver, and linen more than a few times a year these days? Mom’s very best crowd-cuisine is fun, relaxed, and informal. From a hungry group of the kids’ friends looking for afternoon munchies to a potluck office farewell party to a 4th of July barbecue for the neighborhood, today’s typical gatherings are casual occasions to share hearty, homemade food.Mom’s Best Crowd-Pleasers is full of recipes that reflect the way Mom really cooks today, simply tailored to feed eight or more people. Cucumber Sandwiches, Quesadillas, and Sweet and Sour Meatballs are all simple finger foods perfect for after-work get-togethers, book club meetings, and informal baby showers. Muffalettas, All-American Hamburgers, and deep bowls of Summer Fruit Salad and Broccoli-Rice Salad are delicious at backyard cookouts, tailgate parties, and summer pool parties. And Three-Cheese Noodle Bake, Cuban Black Beans, and Baked Barbecued Chicken will attract happy fans whenever the potluck gathering calls for a hearty hot dish.Most recipes are designed to feed eight hungry people, but author (and home cook) Andrea Chesman provides advice throughout on expanding recipes, stretching dishes when the dinner seating unexpectedly grows from eight to eleven people, using clever shortcuts that make cooking for a crowd no more difficult than cooking for four, and generallymaintaining a degree of sanity as more people come flooding through the front door.As always, Chesman’s primary accomplishment is to provide homey, hearty tastes that satisfy modern palates, yet still bear the unmistakable stamp of Mom’s Best.

Get 19% OFF

Click here for more information about Mom's Best Crowd-Pleasers: 101 No-fuss Recipes for Family Gatherings, Casual Get-togethers & Surprise Company

Read More...

Dining with Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)If you are looking for a complete vegan cookbook to add to your library, or if you are interested in learning about veganism, I highly recommend this book. You don't have to know a thing about veganism to jump in and cook scrumptious meals. This book provides an explanation of terminology as well as an essential ingredients list and shopping guide. As someone who loves to eat, but hates to spend forever preparing meals, I was especially impressed with the availability of the ingredients and the simple directions. Although I've been vegan for many years, I found new delicious recipes such as Cream of Broccoli Soup w/Cashews, spicy pasta dishes like Pasta w/Artichoke Hearts (cooked with dried and fresh tomatoes), as well as yummy desserts, appetizers, and dips. This book is a must for all kitchens, and I'll be giving it as a gift to vegan and nonvegan friends.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Dining with Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine

Vegan Cookbook by Friends of Animals ALL NEW --- Second Edition -- With New, Gluten-Free Desserts --ALL VEGAN --- ALL DELICIOUS 129 innovative recipes as enjoyable to prepare as they are to eat. Everyday cooking ... raw foods... festive holiday occasions... homemade breads... salads... breakfasts... sandwiches...soups for all seasons... classic pastas... heirloom recipes... perfect cheesecakes...

Get 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Dining with Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine

Read More...

Christmas With Southern Living 2005 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have the past 10 years of these Christmas with SL books. This is one of the best! The decorative ideas are new and fresh and abundant. The recipes, as always, look wonderful. I have only tried the Cranberry Brie so far but it was excellent (also great over cream cheese instead of brie). I can't say enough good things about this one...and there are tons of pictures! Also, there projects are simple and elegant not "crafty".

Click Here to see more reviews about: Christmas With Southern Living 2005

From the most treasured authority on gracious holiday entertaining comes a special 25th anniversary edition of Christmas with Southern Living. As always, CWSL takes readers on a photographic tour of the South's most spectacular residences, decorated to the hilt in a variety of Christmas styles. This commemorative volume also features 25 all-time favorite Christmas recipes; 25 years of top decorating and gift ideas; and a lavish Christmas dinner menu with a step-by-step photographic "Countdown-to-Christmas" calendar and style guide. New "5 Ingredient, 15 Minute Holiday Recipes" help preserve your sanity during the hectic Christmas season. Key Features:* Complete guide to the holidays, containing new ideas for decorating, holiday cooking and entertaining, food gifts, and wrappings* Nearly 100 kitchen-tested recipes with shortcut options* Over 100 ideas for decorating the entire house—simple centerpieces, place cards, party favors, table setting ideas—many of which are made from things you have on hand* Over 50 Christmas Tips & Pointers

Click here for more information about Christmas With Southern Living 2005

Read More...

Fast and Fabulous Hors D'Oeuvres: A Survival Guide for Today's Busy Entertainer Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I have made many recipes from this book and they have all been fabulous. The make-ahead tips are extremely helpful and actually let you prepare for a party weeks in advance. Many of the recipes can be frozen, and they taste great when thawed. This book has enabled me to feel at ease about throwing a Christmas party for 60 people!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Fast and Fabulous Hors D'Oeuvres: A Survival Guide for Today's Busy Entertainer

Fast and Fabulous Hors D'Oeuvres: A Survival Guide for Today's Busy Entertainer brings you 350 exciting recipes for dips, sauces, spread, pates, molds, pastries, and more.

Click here for more information about Fast and Fabulous Hors D'Oeuvres: A Survival Guide for Today's Busy Entertainer

Read More...

Big Night In: More Than 100 Wonderful Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends Italian-Style Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)After having more than a year to enjoy her Glorious Soups and Stews I was really looking forward to anther chance to taste what Domenica was cooking up for this intriguing new cookbook. Big Night In, so aptly titled has exceeded my expectations. First of all it is such an easy layout- so well designed to help you plan and prepare a special meal. I love the colorful segmented ingredients lists which make it pleasing to the eye and make it convenient to plan. The tips, ingredient descriptions and equipment suggestions at the top of the book are very helpful. Domenica also has a lovely way of personalizing food and entertaining; just like you would exchange ideas with a good friend.
So having said that, the best part: the recipes!
I got the book just prior to my turn to host my monthly book club. This is a group of 5 women who have been meeting and exchanging hosting dinners for over 10 years. We take pride in trying to create something special for each other each time we meet. I was excited to plan a Big Night In experience for them. After pouring over all the menus I decided on the Spicy Seafood Chowder, Spinach & Apple Salad and Frank's Garlic Bread. One reason I picked this was because we have a non meat eater in the group but also it was something I could mostly prepare ahead of time so I would not be fussing in the kitchen when my friends arrived. Domenica takes care to give "Do Ahead" tips that facilitate planning.
Well what a hit it was! Our conversation was frequently interrupted with exclamations of praise over each dish. I had made an entire loaf of the garlic bread thinking I would have leftovers. Well, there were nary a few crusts left. No one turned down an offer to take some of the chowder home either for themselves or their spouses, which I was of course delighted to provide, yet selfishly realized the next day I would not get to enjoy it as many subsequent times as I hoped!
Exciting recipes, easy to follow instructions, warm and helpful commentary and gorgeous photos, make this a winner of a book. I know what I am giving as a Christmas gift to many folks on my list this year!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Big Night In: More Than 100 Wonderful Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends Italian-Style

Author Domenica Marchetti had wonderful memories of her childhood, when her Italian-born mother often cooked up homemade ravioli, lasagne, roasts, invited everyone over, and always made them feel at home with her warm and open personality. Domenica recreated those days for her own family and friends by creating over 100 simple, delicious, Italian-inspired recipes that are comforting, delicious, and perfect for any size gathering whether an intimate dinner party or a huge crowd of hungry relatives.

Get 35% OFF

Click here for more information about Big Night In: More Than 100 Wonderful Recipes for Feeding Family and Friends Italian-Style

Read More...

The Surreal Gourmet EnterTains: High-Fun, Low-Stress Dinner Parties for 6 to 12 People Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Joy of Cooking is a great cookbook, but The Surreal Gourmet's style makes it fun to read and try recipes. The recipes are popular favorites presented in an easy-to-follow format. At the end there are drink recipes, basics (stock, pesto, etc), and tips on setting up your kitchen, even music recommendations. The book lives up to it's title with cool illustrations and a refreshing style that is definitely surreal compared to other cookbooks.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Surreal Gourmet EnterTains: High-Fun, Low-Stress Dinner Parties for 6 to 12 People

Martha Stewart run for cover! The Surreal Gourmet is back with hundreds of unique ideas for throwing a worry-free dinner party. Bob Blumer-master of creative entertaining-takes angst-ridden hosts through the planning step by step. Here are over 25 recipes that can be quickly and easily prepared by even the most inexperienced cook, each accompanied by suggestions for wine and music to dine (and cook) by. There's also an "advanced adventure club," featuring high-concept dinners like salmon cooked in the dishwasher (it works!). Filled with witty, full-color artwork, The Surreal Gourmet Entertains is sure to bring dinner companions together with fantastic food, a vibrant atmosphere, and lots of fun.

Click here for more information about The Surreal Gourmet EnterTains: High-Fun, Low-Stress Dinner Parties for 6 to 12 People

Read More...