Book Description

Whatever the occasion -- low-key, special occasion, purely impromptu, fantastically formal -- Donna Hay's entertaining provides the menu, the mood, the drinks and the food. This refreshingly original, practical and inspirational approach will fill your table and picnic basket, breakfasts, lunches and dinners with endless irresistible but easily made dishes and simple but great ideas. Planning, preparing, cooking and serving -- always with simplicity and style -- are all part of the successful and enjoyable Entertaining experience.

Reviews (3)

simple and perfect
the ingredients in all of Donna Hay's books are simple but the flavors collide perfectly. Just looking at the photographs is inspiring enough to start cooking. I own 2 of her books and am now addicted to getting the full series because i know that each book pays particular attention to quality.

Adventures in Food
I bought both The New Cook and Entertaining during the same month due to the interesting food pairings and fusion of different ethinic cooking styles. I have not been dissapointed. Most of the recipes are extremely simple to make yet real crowd pleasers! (I feel confident enought with this cookbook to make a recipe without taste-testing it first - not many cookbooks inspire me to do this!) I am an avid cook (mostly vegetarian, some seafood.) The variety and richness of the flavors in this book continually inpsire my desire to create in the kitchen, and i really enjoy just browsing through it to learn about interesting food pairings and unusual combinations. If you'd like a little food adventure, this one's for you!

Pure Inspiration
I was an average 'throw it together - if it's edible, good enough' cook. Then my brother (an excellent cook) gave me this book for Christams. I was truly inspired with the photography (every recipe is beautifully presented), so much so that I now take pride in producing chic, simple dishes that are simply delicious. If you consider cooking a chore and need inspiration, this book is a must! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

I can't wait to get it
I purchased this book for my cousin as a Christmas present this year. I looked at all of the recipes and decieded that I needed a fondue pot! My husband got me the fondue pot, now I must get this book. There is such a variety of things to make in this book from your basic cheese fondue to dishes I hadn't even thought of making in a fondue pot. ... Read more

Book Description

People today live their lives on the run and often entertain that way. Bestselling author Marlene Sorosky has put together innovative menus, never-fail recipes, and creative presentation ideas for entertaining that work with our speed-of-light lifestyle.

Entertaining on the Run is more than a compilation of fast and fantastic recipes that you can depend on every time. It's a complete party-planning guide from one of the country's leading experts and includes everything you need to throw a terrific party. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very good for ambitious dinner parties
I've made several of the dishes from this book, although admittedly I have yet to follow the whole menu for any her planned parties. Most have received rave reviews from my dinner guests, and standouts include a chuntney-blue cheese fillet of beef, and a non-traditional Thanksgiving menu featured a stuff turkey breast dish that went over great last November. (The only recipe with which I found fault was a warm tomato dressing - it has an odd consistency and never really quite worked. But even so, the pasta, salmon and spinach rollup salad that went with the dressing has become one of my staple dinner party/elegant luncheon dishes.)
Her recipes are thorough, and whilst they are pretty straight forward, frankly some are probably a bit more work than most novice cooks might be willing to put into a dinner party, as they take a fair amount of preparation. (The progressive dinner menu she offers has interesting recipes on its own, but even in my group of foodie friends, I think it would be hard to find enough people willing to make stocks from scratch, marinate and break bread to pull it off.) Also, there are some excellent photos in the centre of the book, but no step-by-step photos; although the steps are pretty clearly stated, it would have been handy in a few instances. I think what makes this book worthwhile are her tips for how to coordinate everything, and to do many of the steps ahead of time, and to think through the menu. (She provides tips on what to do a month ahead, two weeks ahead, a day ahead and the day of the dinner party.) I don't know if all those steps work, as I usually only start to cook a dinner party a day or two ahead. I am not that much of a planner. So, despite her help, I'm just unlikely to start a month ahead for a romantic meal for two... but if you are the type who would, you should buy this book now.

True to the Title
Whether you love to entertain or are sometimes forced to cook for guests, you will love this book. Marlene makes it easy to serve fabulous meals while taking the time to enjoy your guests. If you have not had the pleasure of owning one of her books, pick this one up. If you have, I imagine you grabbed this book as soon as it hit the shelves. Using her books always makes me feel like I have an old friend guiding me in my kitchen! ... Read more

Book Description

Make your bridal shower fun!

Here's all you need to get your bridal shower off to a fast and funny start: four pencil games that everyone will enjoy (with duplicate game sheets for eight people) plus four entertaining group activities. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not for a younger crowd
This is a book that only contains game sheets, no writing or suggestions. The games are for a mostly older crowd. I'm 21, and most of the games involve questions that if you haven't been around long enough could not be very easy for example One game called famous couples your supposed to write in names of partner some people listed: George burns, Napoleon Bonaparte, Laura Ingalls. Some good Ideas for games but not for a younger group of people. I think I will only use one game out of the 8 listed. ... Read more

Book Description

Exquisitely illustrated with more than 55 color photographs, Birthday Cakes features memorable, celebratory cakes and birthday stories by renowned chefs, cookbook writers, and passionate bakers -- including the likes of Julia Child, Alice Waters, James Beard, Alice Medrich, and Jim Fobel. This elegant yet easy-to-use cake-making book invites us to celebrate everything birthday: the making and presentation of the cake, the warm glow of the candles, the whispering of a wish, and the heartwarming ritual of cutting and sharing the cake. Everyone will enjoy oohs and aahs when a Meyer Lemon Pound Cake is served, a beautiful, sophisticated cake that can be decorated with glazed flowers and long French birthday candles. A fabulous three-day cake-making extravaganza for the truly dedicated is Gayle Ortiz's Princess Cake, a Swedish sweet-sixteen tradition. For happy smiles all around, there's a simple, delicious chocolate cake dressed in luscious frosting, just like grandmother used to make. Sprinkled with fun ideas and tips for decorating, this collection of cake recipes and personal birthday memories will inspire cakes so special friends and family will wish they had more than one birthday. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Not Sure What it Wants to Be
Birthday Cakes is a visually stunning book. Every photograph is gorgeous, showcasing various cakes in lovely detail. Even so, it is something of a disappointment.

The introductory pages include discussions of the various types of equipment called for throughout the book, and the appendix lists sources for all kinds of baking supplies. There is even a list of tips and hints for baking the best possible cake. Ideas for enhancing birthday cakes and celebrations are sprinkled throughout, short discussions of "the birthday song" and birthday candles. None of the instructions are very thorough or detailed, however, leaving one to wonder if the book's intended use is to be merely decorative rather than a practical baking resource.

Fans of culinary literature will be disappointed that so little of "Memories from Celebrated Bakers" is included. Many of the cakes, in fact, have no such memories associated with them in the text. Some of the recipes have no context at all, other than brief explanations of where the recipe was originally published.

Finally, several of the recipes are ridiculously complicated for the home baker. "The Princess Cake," for example, requires following four lengthy pages of instructions! The cover photo suggests a book of classic birthday cakes suitable for home baking - witness the chocolate cake so fondly remembered from childhood - but, sadly, there are only a handful of these simple types of recipes.

In the end, "Birthday Cakes" doesn't seem to know what it wants to be. Is it merely a collection of pretty pictures with explanatory text? An instructional text? Is it for the advanced baker or the home cook? Is is culinary literature? It's a bit of each of these, but not enough of any.

lovely in every way!
This book is lovely. Is a wonderful collection of cake recipes, contains a good variety of well explained recipes with color pictures and well detailed intructions on how to create them at home. It also features a list of where to get cakecraft suppliers. Simply a beautiful book to look at!!!

Lovely book about birthday traditions (cake).
First let me say the photographs are beautiful and the pages are thick! That is definitely a nice start for any book.

The recipes range from a birthday cake for Elvis (chocolate with peanut butter and bananas) to chiffon cake to German chocolate cake to beautifully domed cakes covered in fondant (this recipe is from 'The Baker's Wife' by Ortiz.). There is nothing spectacular about any of the recipes...they are down-home good recipes that are accompanied by warm-hearted birthday tales.

Anyone who has a favorite home-made birthday memory will love this book or someone who is looking for a 'simple' but stunning birthday cake that tastes great. I have really enjoyed reading this book and the Banana spice cake I made came out wonderful. I look forward to making many more cakes from this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You'll be cooking French food in no time thanks to Laura Calder's friendly and witty introductions to each of the recipes in her charming cookbook, French Food at Home.Calder lives in Paris where she works as a correspondent for Vogue Entertaining & Travel, and where she taught herself to cook the same way most of us learned--by feeding herself and her friends. Who among us can't relate to her description of Mushroom Toasts: "It's a starter when other people are around, but if I'm alone, I just tilt the whole pan into a high, rubbly heap on my plate, dig in, and call it dinner." And how many of us recognize ourselves when she confesses of Burgundy Eggs (a heavenly concoction of eggs poached in red wine served with a hearty sauce that she adores): "Oh, how I did not want to make these when I first came to France; I thought nothing on earth sounded so vile."

Almost all of Calder's recipes are barely a page long, and that's only because of those frank and funny introductions. Her recipes for dishes such as Camembert Salmon, Scallops in Velvet, and The Lemon Tart of My Dreams, are simple, approachable, and manageable. The ingredients are easy to find, and she's always suggesting options. Calder's is a sunny and welcome addition to the list of French cookbooks already out there, and happily, chefs of any skill level will enjoy her company in the kitchen. --Leora Y. Bloom ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Easy, varied, and delicious recipes
I first found this book in the library, and was enjoying cooking from it so much that I didn't want to take it back. I've gone and gotten myself a copy, and cooked many of the recipes from it, and each one has been delicious and fairly simple to make. The instructions are clear, and as others have mentioned, she's a very engaging and amusing writer. I have a lot of cookbooks, but this has quickly become a favorite.

Great book but a few minor problems
I really loved this book for the most part - it is well written and her recipes are not complicated. She makes french food seem less intimidating. I have made the Salmon Camembert (delicious), Wine Sausages (easy and rich), Beet Stacks (impressive - a burst of different, complex flavors and very gorgeous to look at); as well as the Potato Gratin and The Lemon Tart Of My Dreams. The last two recipes have some minor problems - both were rather runny - especially the tart. The tart had the best flavor of any lemon tart I have ever had, but I was disappointed with the texture. It might either need to be cooked a little longer than the directions, it may need a thickener of some sort - or it may simply need to rest overnight in the refrigerator. I am not sure which is the best way to correct this. I will try it again and try to perfect this thing. The taste alone is worth the effort!

Other than those minor problems, everything in this book is doable and I will certainly be trying more!

A cookbook you'll actually use
The real magic in this great book is that it's approachable and inventive. It's full of things you'll actually make. Things that taste good and look good. But don't let the simplicity fool you--the flavors are fresh and surprising. And Calder's heatnotes are a joy. Encore!

A miracle of a cookbook
Laura Calder has written a miraculous cookbook. She has taken the mystery and difficulty out of cooking French food at home. The recipes are inventive, clear and easy to make. And taste nothing short of fantastic. Plus, her writing style is engaging, knowledgable and eminently readable. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough for anyone who loves to food and loves to cook.

Excellent read and recipes!
This is a fantastic book both to read as well for its recipes and cooking advice. Laura Calder obviously enjoys feeding her friends good, simple and delicious food without any fuss - not difficult, ornate French dishes that may keep you in the kitchen all day . Her recipes are at the same time simple to understand, easy to execute and simply delicious. I have used her recipes to put together several dinner parties for my friends, and I didnt spend the day or the evening in the kitchen. Her writing is both warm an funny - an excellent read in itself! Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Remember this book the next party you go to . . .
If asked to define the essential duty of a host, most of us probably would agree with the ancient Akkadians: "Give food to eat, beer to drink, grant what is requested, provide for and treat with honor." Well, the author shows that it's much more complex than that. Who's in charge? The guest or the host? (Well, who decides the dinner menu, who sits where, etc?) Do you invite only friends to a party? Or do you go with the original Greek meeting of "hospitality" and welcome strangers to your home? Browner also makes a convincingly case that for a ruler, like Hitler or Louis XIV, hospitality is a manipulative tool of state policy. He claims not to be an historian, but his grasp of the past is quite solid, and his witty, felicitous style makes for a pleasureable and entertaining read. The chapter comparing Lady Ottoline Morell and Gertrude Stein -- the former a nearly complete failure as a hostess, the latter a considerable success -- is especially good, as is his discussion of what he describes as the historical antithesis of hospitality: the German takeover of the Roman Empire.

You'll Never Look at a Dinner party the Same
Have you ever thought about what a two-way street hospitality is? How the host gets a benefit, too? Has it occurred to you how hospitality marks civilization's progress, how impossible travel would have been without it, in the days when there were no motels or inns? Probably not, but Jesse Browner has pondered these things, and he has written a thoughtful, eclectic recap.

The title refers not to a doting hostess, but rather to the ludicrous protocol in the French court at the time of Louis XIV. Browner's historical sorties can grow ever so slightly tedious, but they all have their lessons. Long before "Lives of the Rich and Famous," Louis created a cult of celebrity that makes our current breed of gossip column inhabitants look positively reclusive by comparison. His political enemies were completely distracted by the complicated and petty games they had to play to gain favor in the court. Louis paid the price of spending every moment on display.

Hitler, Gertrude Stein, Caligula-they're all here, and as you learn how each treated his or her dinner companions, you gain a newfound sense of what hospitality is. Hitler was gracious and boring. (An edgier title for the book might have been The Vegetarian and Animal Rights Pioneer Who Was a Genocidal Maniac.) Stein's inflated ego led to a very proactive style, which succeeded very well in her circle of artists and writers. The Roman emperors who followed Julius Caesar were jaw-droppingly brutal and decadent. Typically Browner reports his often bizarre stories in a lively style, and then ends his chapters with perceptive insights.

One of his comments in introducing his bibliography is very telling: "I have tried, wherever possible, to stick to primary source material, which I have read with the eye of a novelist, seeking out character and story." Browner's is a very personal and candid approach, which may be too impressionistic for some. But the topic of hospitality touches us all, and this book gave me a much more careful point of view on the matter.

Witty, charming, informative
From the ulterior designs behind his own modern poker refreshments to Nero's dubious habit of poisoning dinner guests, Browner's succinct and lively history of Western hospitality delights as it informs.

Novelist Browner ("Conglomeros," "Turnaway") loves to entertain and suffers from the insecurities and appetite for praise of hosts everywhere. But few hosts have the wit and knowledge to explore the subject analytically - as universal power play, manipulation, social arbiter, and occasion of fear.

Browner proceeds back in time through Hitler, the Renaissance courts of Europe, the Dark Ages, the Romans and Petronius' "Satyricon," and the Greeks' kindness to strangers, and ends with a poignant, personal meditation on his family's Thanksgiving.

Each chapter is a small feast of historical detail, anecdotally presented and peppery with humor, opinion and personal identification. Against the forbidding, sumptuous settings of despots and kings, we imbibe personal foibles, like Hitler's dyspeptic asceticism ("His tastes in food hovered somewhere between the mundane and the revolting"), and Louis XIV's adroit humiliations (the duchess who preferred to stand than accept a stool).

He reveals the personalities behind the successes of Gertrude Stein and Audubon ("confidence and hubris") and their failed counterparts. His chapter on the Dark Ages - its incivility attributable completely to the Germans' uncouth disregard for any but drunken hospitality - is a savage delight.

Two portraits of men behind the thrones - Olivier de la Marche who proudly arranged parties for the ambitious Duke of Burgundy, and Petronius, who orchestrated Nero's excesses, while secretly penning the "Satyricon" poking fun at it all - take us behind the scenes to muse on the motivations of those who stand and watch. And then there are the Greeks, whose generosity to strangers was compelled by fear of divine retribution.

Browner's personal engagement and breadth of knowledge combines fortuitously with his natural storytelling ability and effortless prose style, like the consummate host who makes it all look easy. For those who want more, he appends a chapter-by-chapter bibliography. A well-nigh perfect blend of erudition and entertainment. ... Read more

Book Description

Hollywood caterer Nick Grippo provides dozens of star-tested, easy-to-follow recipes, and complete menus--all without the stuffy grow-your-own-endive approach of other noted caterers.With full-color photography and personal snapshots, Grippo shares the personal side of Hollywood parties and the gorgeous food they demand, revealing the secrets behind the delectable fare he serves at events for Jack Nicholson, Barbra Streisand, Robin Williams, Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Barry Manilow and more.Decorating and clean-up tips are included, along with advice on how to customize recipes for special dietary needs, making this the perfect gift book for home cooks everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

a masterpiece for the beginner to the artisan
This book is a culinary tour de force that features a variety of tastes that will whet anyone's pallet! A must read as well as a must use. I highly recommend this book to anyone whose interest reach beyond the den of their house. Enjoy-I did!

Love this cookbook!
I really enjoyed this cookbook and all of its stories. I've tried a couple of the recipes (including the turkey for Thanksgiving) and they were as easy as promised. I'm glad I bought it and now I'm going to buy some for gifts.

Great cooking and a great "read!"
Great recipes and wonderful stories about Nick Grippo's experiences in Hollywood catering for celebrities. He answers the questions I'd ask, such as what did he make, who did he make it for, and what was the experience REALLY like. The book is fun to read and I received it as a gift recently. The photos of the food are just beautiful, the candid shots with the stars are fun and informal and there is not a stuffy tone to the book, which is why I like it. It was also quite candid and revealing -almost as if Nick is "Everyman" in an apron. The layout was most unusual. It's quite a beautiful and deliscious book and gave me a few insights into Hollywood, along with a lot of laughs and a few tears when i read it..

Nick Grippo's Cook Book Is As Good As His Food.
It's about time that Hollywood's best celebrity caterer wrote a book. His food has been fabulous everytime I have had the opportunity to savor it. With these concise recipes, even a "room service only" musician like me can attempt to rehearse some of his world class cusine at home. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn to use your microwave oven to do everything you hoped it could and more with breakthrough techniques and recipes that will change the way you cook forever.

First published in 1987, Barbara Kafka's Microwave Gourmet redefined the way people thought about the microwave oven. Microwave Gourmet is the only book that clarifies which dishes are at their best when made in the microwave, which are the worst, and why.

There are over six hundred delicious recipes for everything you can conceivably want classics like Filet of Sole with Almonds and Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and Saffron Risotto, plus old-fashioned favorites such as Baked Macaroni and Cheese and an American Chocolate Layer Cake that cook up in five to ten minutes. Microwave Gourmet lets you eat good, homemade food in no time at all.

Microwave Gourmet is an indispensable reference and a ground-breaking book that will change your mind about using the microwave forever. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Simply the best all-around guide for using the microwave.
Introductory chapters excellent for understanding how this media works. Last sections alphabetic quick guide to cooking all sorts of things. Recipes are superb--and truly gourmet. Try her home-made mango chutney with home-made curry powder (seeds roasted in the microwave and all!!) As we say in Hawaii: "ONO!!" meaning "the greatest" or "excellent." Heartily recommend this book.

Superb Microwave Cooking
This book is beautifully organized and has excellent recipes for everyday cooking in various quantities as well as gourmet meals. I find I refer to it constantly, especially for fish, vegetables and wonderful rice dishes. I've never had one fail me yet, but often need to add a little more liquid to some of the rice pilaf dishes.

Exceptionally Good Reference for Kitchen Fixture
I make a point of distrusting blurbs by friendly (and probably compensated) colleagues and self-congratulatory comments on the covers of all books, especially cookbooks, where the criteria for quality are often a lot more objective than for fiction, memoirs, or criticism, for example. In rare cases, an especially strong or unexpected blurb can turn my head. With this book, the combination of distinguished cookbook author Barbara Kafka and front cover blurb source Maida Heatter combined with the very prosaic subject of the microwave has definitely turned my head. Ms. Heatter says 'Don't even think about using a microwave without Microwave Gourmet'. Maida Heatter is rarely wrong about anything.

The microwave seems to be the iceberg lettuce of kitchen appliances. It is the device that many culinary writer / TV hosts love to malign, or at least ignore. Sara Moulton seems proud of the fact that she does not even own one. The microwave so prominently visible on Rachael Ray's set of '30 Minute Meals' rarely gets any use. Gadget king Alton Brown has, in about sixty shows I have seen, used it but once or twice. He at least did us the favor of explaining how it works on one occasion.

Some prominent culinary author whose name escapes me at the moment has said the microwave is good for melting chocolate, baking potatoes, and cooking bacon, and that's about it. That statement actually did me a favor, as I didn't even give it credit for doing those things. I regularly do baked potatoes and bacon in the microwave now. On the other hand, I have had a long history of failures and accidents with using my microwave, all entirely due to my misunderstanding its capabilities and limits. Using it to soften butter often leads to greasy messes. Using it to defrost chicken often leads to frozen breasts with toasted edges. Using it to roast garlic leads to dry, useless cloves. Even my successes with the microwave such as a really very nice catfish stew from Shirley King's book 'Fish The Basics' end up being something of a nuisance, as they involve constantly opening and closing the microwave and pealing back the plastic wrap to stir and add ingredients.

Barbara Kafka has done us all the service of eliminating any excuses for microwave mishaps. I strongly agree with Ms. Heatter's advice and the subtitle claiming that this is the only microwave cookbook you will ever need.

In the opening chapter 'The Oven', Kafka explains how a microwave works and all the whys and therefores about what works and what doesn't work and what kind of machine you should buy. She especially agrees with Alton Brown that a microwave without a rotating plate should be donated to the Smithsonian. All the little details of working with microwave dishes and plastic wrap are explained with excellent line drawings. The serious, detailed instructions continue in the 'Microwave Basics' chapter. One of the most important lessons in this chapter is the explanation that special consideration has to be given to multiplying quantities in recipes, and Kafka explains why this is true, based largely on the fact that microwaves work to a much greater extent on asymmetrical molecules like water and proteins than they do on symmetrical or non-polarized molecules such as fats. The remaining chapters are:

First Courses, especially preparation of cold, make ahead salads, pates, and cooked vegetables.
Soups, one of Kafka's specialities, as she has written a complete book on the subject.
Good Grains, Pasta & ... especially rice. The risotto recipes reveal one of the true difficulties of microwave cookery. This is the need to often open and close the door and restart the oven. On the plus side, the microwave does give especially good control of these operations with the built-in timer.
Fish and Seafood This is where the microwave shines, as both fin fish and shellfish cook very quickly, especially in the microwave.
Fair is Fowl No surprise here that the most successful microwave cooking methods for chicken are poaching and braising, as neither depend on browning for their appeal. If browning is needed, the recipes typically call the broiler into service.
Mainly Meat opens by entering the very rocky territory of chili recipes. Ms. Kafka's recipe is very toney, as it calls for cubing beef and including a bit of chocolate. Very Aztec. Traditional daube recipes contribute much here, as the method specifically prepared red meat without browning.

Vegetables are a natural for the microwave since they cook so well in water, steam, or water-based sauces. They are doubly applicable to frozen vegetables. Broccoli is a feature in this chapter, as the author takes if from simple to complex recipes.
Savory Basics covers something I would never have thought of connecting with microwave cooking. This basically gives you techniques for making small quantities of broths, stocks, and funets quickly with a microwave. Other cooking staples such as roux, duxelles, and infused oils are covered as well. The article on breadcrumbs turns a generally nasty microwave property of drying food into a virtue.
Desserts, especially based on poached fruit, are done here. Chocolate and caramels are also prominent.
Jams & ... covers many common pantry preparations with fruits and pickling.

The best section in this overall very good book is the 'Dictionary of Foods and Techniques'. It is the section to which I refer whenever I crack the microwave for anything except heating water. It will give me comforting reassurance when I do bacon and good estimates of cooking times for all sorts of fruits and vegetables.

There is no question that microwave cookery cannot do everything and it can do some things not as well as conventional cookery, but it has its place. It is probably great for very small kitchens and excellent in hot weather when cranking up the old Hotpoint just seems too unbearable for words.

Very highly recommended reference for something we all have anyway.

The ultimate book for microwave cooking??
It does not fit my needs 100% so I give it 3 stars. It has alot of usefull information when it comes to using a microwave for cooking like placement and conversions. The thing that I don't like is the choices in recipies. There are many of them, but for my taste it really didn't do much for me.

I do recomend this book for the information, but unless you have a taste for ALL food types including some interesting combinations, I would not recomend it.

It's a toss up. Information v. recipies. Still, it is an excellent buy and a great source of information.

Another Kafka gem
I've had Barbara Kafka's "Roasting" cookbook for several years and will never part with it, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised that "Microwave Gourmet" is a keeper, too -- but who would have thought that microwave brownies could be so GOOD?! That recipe alone is worth the price of the book. I can make a pan of fudgy raspberry-laced brownies in 20 min. start to finish (I've been known to make them during commercial breaks).

From a classic mac-&-cheese that my five year old loves (good-bye fake cheese packets!), to cakes, cookies, and preserves, from Szechuan green beans to her famous risotto, Kafka covers an amazing amount of culinary territory (did you know you can deep-fry in the microwave?). I still have to remind myself to turn to this book when I'm looking for traditional recipes, the ones I normally wouldn't micro-cook; but whenever I look up a dish or a main ingredient I always find something tasty and fast.

The Dictionary section at the back is full of useful information for the cook, and there are lists and diagrams of the cookware you'll find most suitable for the recipes as well. Kafka clearly explains how to follow any special micro-cooking directions (making a seal with cling wrap, for example). And as always, her great humor shines through.

I've only had the book about 2 months, so I've barely scratched the surface, but so far everything has turned out exactly as described. On my next trip to the states I plan to pick up some glass souffle dishes (I can't seem to find any in Taiwan that don't cost a fortune) so I can try out more of her recipes. Personally, I would never have the patience to experiment with a microwave recipe again and again until it came out right, but thankfully, I don't have to -- Kafka has done all the work, and I get to have all the fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Do we need another by-the-seasons cookbook? Yes, emphatically, if it's Gordon Ramsay's A Chef for All Seasons. Ramsay, a rugby player turned U.K. superchef, has done a rare thing: he's created a chef's cookbook of impeccable yet unfussy food that's truly approachable. A quick look at the recipes--Corn and Green Onion Risotto, Asparagus Soup with Fresh Cheese Croûtes, Monkfish with Creamy Curried Mussels--reveals not only Ramsay's cognizant palate but also his singularly direct approach. Though many of the dishes aren't meant for weeknight cooking, a sufficient number, including Spring Pea Soup and Roasted Cod with Garlic Pomme Purée, are easy to put together and would make impressive fare for relaxed entertaining. Most cooks, and all food lovers, will delight in Ramsay's book.

The chapters, each devoted to a season, begin with illuminating explorations of relevant ingredients. Spring's curly parsley, for example, is ideally blanched, puréed, and mixed with mashed potatoes. Recipes follow, each illustrated with color photos. The winter selection is particularly satisfying and includes Quick Casserole of Squab and Loin of Pork with Choucroute and Mustard Cream Sauce. Desserts aren't neglected; such sweets as Roasted Autumn Fruits, Panna Cotta with Raspberries, and Mille Feuille with Lavender will surely please those who try them. With an extended section on basic, step-illustrated techniques and core recipes (Ramsay's Peach Chutney is almost worth the price of admission by itself), the book is a truly welcome addition to the seasonal--and everyday--cooking canon. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Outstanding Cookbook
I purchased this book and Alfred Portale's 12 Seasons Cookbook at the same time. Both are gorgeous to look at and flip through, but I find myself going to this one time and time again for recipes I actually plan to try. Clearly, Gordon Ramsay is a man in love with food and his craft. Don't let what you may have heard about him (e.g., he does not roam through the dining area of his top rated restaurant to glad-hand patrons and solicit their thoughts, believing that anything leaving his kitchen is perfect and beyond criticism) deter you from picking this up!

I found the one theme, intended or not, that makes this a favourite is that many components of the various recipes are interchangeable. For example, there is a great recipe for a lobster and mango/baby spinach salad. I was shopping for ingredients and found the lobster sub-par, so I managed to substitute his marinated tuna recipe in with great success. Same goes with recipes for various pureed sauces and soups. And particularly useful are discussions on the best of seasonal ingredients (notwithstanding that many may not be available to the average cook due to cost, or geographical limitations)

Overall, a top notch book and highly recommended.

Great Scots Chef
With a talent for the simple and elegant, Gordon has produced a book with class. Typical of Ramseys attention to detail a multi-tude of simple and surprisingly easy recipes. No poncy overblown recipes here just class. And to think he played for Glasgow Rangers Soccer team. what he lacked in finesse on the field he more than makes up with finesse in the kitchen and nice to here him singing the praises of the quality of Scots ingredients.

A Cookbook Of Purity and Elegance
These are the words Charlie Trotter described Ramsey's cooking. I bought this based upon a recommendation about new, hot cookbooks coming out. Sometimes one is really disappointed with the final product.

By first inspection, I imagined this was another of those letdowns. Beautiful photos, seasonal recipe organization,and what appeared to be bland style recipes.

But upon trying several, this book delivers Trotter's assessment: purity and elegance. Although tried only Cauliflower and Sorrel Soup, Tomato And Parmesan Gratinee Tarts and Duck Breasts with Endive Tarts, this food is elegant and tastes are clean, distinct and so, so satisfying.

Anxious to explore this hot London cook even more.

A chef for all seasons
A cook book following all four seasons by one of the best British chefs. His restaurant is probably the best in England, book one month in advance. His innovative recipes, beautifully illustrated are aimed at the cook at home using only the freshest ingredients. There is a helpful basic recipes and techniques index at the back of the book for the less experienced cook. Anyone who loves cooking and eating food should add this one to their collection. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

First book in the series
Let me say that this is a nice book. But, it doesn't have all the color photos, details and recipes that the later editions do so if you have those, don't expect the same with this one. I buy these for friends annually because they are that great and this one is pretty good. I think the third and fourth are the best so far, and this one is just average. The recipes are incredible, however, so it is worth the price of admission just for those. I love these books and it's hard to be disappointed with them once you start using them. ... Read more

Book Description

Afternoon tea is one of the fastest-growing trends in America. Hotels, country inns, and tearooms are reviving this most relaxing repast. The customs and courtesies associated with serving tea are new to many Americans eager to use tea as an alternative to the business lunch or dinner, or as a social event. This book, written by one of America's foremost authorities on etiquette and protocol, is a fanciful, but correct, guide to the pleasures of tea -- at home and for business purposes. Filled with tea facts, history and etiquette, the book provides the simple rules that will help all readers glide through the most formal or casual tea, with aplomb. Tea rooms and shops, hotels and inns, tea importers, and Ms. Johnson's own licensed protocol consultants will be promoting this book outside bookstores. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Finally a book with everything...
I am starting a small catering business doing tea parties! This book is perfect! It has everything you always wanted to know about preparing, enjoying and serving tea. From the different types of tea from Cream Tea to High Tea and what to do with the tea bag after you've taken it out of your tea cup. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to serve and to enjoy a proper afternoon of tea. Thank you for being so thorough.

Good Reference on tea entertainment
I find this book very useful and informative. The author presents the material in a concise and down to earth manner. The etiquette portion of this book contains do's and do not's that leaves no questions. The tone of the book is conversational just like the topic it explains. If you are thinking about having a tea party for the first time or attending to one, this book is a must read!

This book was a pure delight
I enjoyed this book so well, I'm sending a copy to my sister. The Simple pleasures in life can be the greatest. Graciousness in easy to read and apply form.

An excellent guide for etiquette in the 90's.
This book is an excellent follow-up to Mrs. Johnson's miniature book "The Little Book of Etiquette". It primarily focuses on etiquette in the tea room, but it also discusses everyday etiquette as well as business etiquette. This is an easy to understand, user-friendly book. A must for anyone who loves to take tea.

You Don't Need to be Miss Manners to Like This Book!
What a useful book! This book did not talk down to me, nor did I feel like I had to be a Miss Manners to enjoy this book. It helped me plan a wedding shower for my sister; every quest complimented me after and wanted a copy of the book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Back in 1993, the editor-turned-designer Kate Spade made a splash in the fashion world by turning out a small collection of boxy, utilitarian handbags, each elegantly accented with her name stitched in discreet, lowercase letters. As a result, the simplicity and unabashed refinement of the Spade moniker on those Lilliputian labels has come to define the very foundation on which the designer has since built a fashion empire, one that now, in addition to handbags, includes shoes, clothing, and smart home things, all of which embody the Spade formula of timeless style--a seamless merging of cheerful colors, clean shapes, and well-chosen embellishments.

Not bad for a Kansas City-born girl who used to comb vintage stores for fun. Having perfected and expertly marketed her own brand of personal style (one that has famously been counterfeited throughout the world), the designer has emerged with an equally elegant trio of books whose topics Spade has become a virtual authority:Style, Occasions, and Manners.

Applying a personal touch to everything you do is Spade's mantra, and leads us off to parties big and small in Occasions. Just like its sister volumes Style and Manners, Occasions has the spirit of a light-hearted scrapbook, but it still packs a bounty of inspired entertaining ideas into its slim proportions. From classic cocktail recipes and setting a sparkling table to seasonal menus, party themes, and the art of the perfect toast, Spade offers all the ingredients for making a party memorable (and maintaining grace under pressure). While she often spotlights the wisdom and flair of famous party stars she loves (Truman Capote and his Black & White ball among them), Spade in her own words resonates as the real tastemaker, getting the balance between girl-next-door and bon vivant just right. --Christene Barberich ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Hmmm
I bought this book as a gag gift for a friend, assuming that it would be full of cutsie little ideas for parties... maybe a few recipes and quotes and bits of ettiquette.

I read it on the way home, and was bored to tears. There's nothing I love more than entertaining and pretending to be sophisticated, but this book was niether. It told me almost nothing that even barely related to reality, and that which was complete common sense that any 5 year old could tell you about having friends over.

I ended up returning the book. It wasn't even worth it as a gag gift.

Obviously $20 doesn't mean much to Kate Spade.....
Or she would have spared me (and other buyers) from paying for her advice, information, opinions, and knowledge on her version of "entertaining". Most of the information is irrelevant - unless you have your own caterer, florist, maid, bellman, limo driver, party organizer and an unlimited amount of cash. Dispensing advice on how to entertain using caterers and servers is hardly applicable to most of us who do not entertain in a posh Manhattan apartment. The section on "Weekend activities in the Country..." is perfect insight in to how contrived and artificial the life of Kate and Andy must be.

Although one might try and find the book humorous - in order to justify its ridiculous overpricing. The real joke is on me the purchaser of the book as I was the one duped and the Spades are laughing all the way to the bank.

Kate - You need to stick to handbags!
I anxiously awaited the release of this book, as well as the other two in the series. What a disappointment! There is nothing in this book that is new or exciting. Kate offers the same old, tired suggestions that you can find in any book on entertaining. The watercolor illustrations are cute but that's about it. This book has no substance and reads more like a children's book then anything else. For $20 these books are overpriced, as is anything with the Kate Spade name on it. Don't waste your hard-earned money so she and her yuppy husband can laugh all the way to the bank, or their "summer home" in the Hamptons! :-(

YES!
This book is wonderful. After watching Oprah and reading about these books in Style Magazine, I decided to see what the hype was about! This particular book helped me organize a great Happy 40th birthday for my mother and her friends. After the success of my party, I went ahead and bought the other two books as well. These books have great suggestions and look great on the coffee table! I would recommend buying all three books, they are excellent!

Occasions - surprises and disasters.
Full of watercolor illustrations, Occasions is an anecdotal book that will give you some basic fun tips on flowers, surprises and disasters, the art of the toast, weekend activities in the country and special events - from BBQ's to weddings. It's an interesting book to have if you are looking for short tips and you understand the jokes, but it won't
help you in planning and organizing a serious occasion. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical guide gives readers all the best Girlfriend-tested tricks-to make playtime and parties as easy as they are fun. Includes...

€ The best ideas for angst-free at-home fetes and off-premises extravaganzas
€ No fail game and craft ideas-for any theme
€ Affordable alternatives to junk-filled goody bags
€ Age-specific suggestions for can't-miss gifts
€ Save-the-day stuff to stash in your cupboard for instant fun, any time
€ Playdate success secrets
€ S.O.S. strategies for when you're too tired to move ... Read more

Reviews (7)

very dissapointing
i am a card-carrying girlfiend ... loved iovine's previous books (i have all the guides from pregnancy to getting your grrove back and LOVE them all!). i really wanted to love this book.

instead, it was a huge dissapointment. it had none of the chatty, witty dialougue or cute anecdotes that made iovine's earlier books fun to read, and so different from every other parenting book.

this book read like a very tedious magazine article. the author occasionally tried to sprinkle in some vicki-like humor or language but it was sporatic, awkward and always fell painfully short. and as far as the content -- even the slightly experienced mom will find the ideas redundant.

A lot of help!
As a person who enjoys cooking and entertaining at the drop of a hat, when it came time to throw a birthday party for a 3-year-old, I was clueless. I bought this book in anticipation of my daughter's 3rd birthday party. I followed the directions to the T and the party went off without a hitch. I have since used it to plan activities for playdates and for gift ideas for other kids' birthday parties. No, Vicki didn't write this all by herself, but hey, she's got a lot going on in her life with 4 kids, etc. I still found the information to be enlightening and helpful.

Disappointment to Girlfriends
How disappointing to discover that this Girlfriend's Guide isn't written by Vicki Iovine (her name is on the book, with another author, but it just doesn't sound like her). This volume reads more like a tedious magazine article, replacing those terrific anecdotes with reminders about choking hazards. The party ideas are presented in fairly bland description, and were not really very creative. The playdate information was covered better in other volumes. The gift-giving section was poorly though out (this is supposed to be for moms as they relate to their kids' friends, but extravagant, "grandparent" items were listed (instead of general guidelines about choosing how much to spend). Many of the ideas for play with children just sounded like lists in a magazine article. Most of the things I loved about the other Girlfriend's Guide books are absent from this volume--it just doesn't ring true. It does, however, have enough decent information to warrant a glance--but it could've been in any parenting magazine. The book just lacks the magical quality that made the other books such treasures to moms.

Not Written By Iovine
Having loved Iovine's previous books, I felt betrayed to learn early in the book that Iovine was not the primary author of "her" book. Although the content is helpful, it does read like someone trying to write like Iovine which I found distracting. Also, I couldn't help feeling like girlfriends don't false advertise to other girlfriends--just couldn't get past that. Fine if Iovine wants to support the primary author, but apparently she is now just a brand.

Cute book
This is a cute book with all the typical Iovine humor. Alot of cute stories about her own personal experiences, and those of her friends. Some cute suggestions too, about parties and toys! ... Read more

Book Description

Imagine a big glass bowl of fruity, frosty, thirst-quenching elixir. In Punch, dozens of simple, delicious recipes are ready and waiting to add a lively dash of fun or a classic touch of sophistication to any get together. From a traditional summer's-here refreshing strawberry lemonade to innovative twists on Champagne punch for the holidays, liquid inspiration is close at hand. Add to that variations with or sans alcohol, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the citrus kick of a glass of Margarita Madness to a tasty mug of Coffee on the Cubes (complete with decadent dark chocolate shavings). Helpful advice on selecting the appropriate liquor and which punch bowl to use, and ideas for decorative ice rings and shapely cubes give punch added punch. For every season, every gathering, may your cup runneth over. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A Waste of Money!
I bought this book with the intention of using it to help plan
my sister's baby shower. With the exception of one or two ideas,
I found the book to be of little use. I would recommend browsing through it at a bookstore (with pen and paper in hand)
or borrowing it from someone and saving the money to use towards
the shower you are planning.

made my head hurt
wow-too much information!! this book is a little too thorough in my opinion. it made me feel like i needed an army to help me throw a party. lots of info-but nothing too out of the ordinary if you ask me.

FABULOUS BOOK!
If anyone is going to throw a baby shower,on any sort of budget, this is certainly and completely the book to get. There's everything in there from how to make easy invitations and recipes to games to play at the shower. It's very charmingly written, well-organized and makes it so logical and simple to do. This is the only baby shower book you'll ever need to buy. Check out the lists - they're great!

Not as many genuine ideas as I would have liked:
I would not recommend this book. I simply thought that the ideas were self explanatory - they weren't as unique as they claim. It was well laid out, but it's hard not to have a good layout for one of these books. Take another look around before getting this book, I think there are some better ones out there.

Wow! Super Book! Just what I needed!
What a terrific book! I found everything I needed to plan a shower fast, easily and with a lot of flair. From games and ideas to decorating tips to even a grocery shopping list, this book was way, way worth the price! A great find! We had a really fun shower! ... Read more

Book Description

Chilled gazpacho, fresh lobster salad, buttery shortcake piled high with sweet strawberries-summer cooking is all about making the most of the season's luscious abundance. Revised and updated, this bestselling cookbook now has a beautiful full-color format packed with photographs and colorful sidebars full of helpful hints on cooking and entertaining. Whether you're toasting a new graduate with a backyard buffet or relaxing under the stars with a picnic for two, The Taste of Summer will delight and inspire you all year round. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A fabulous cookbook.
I adore this cookbook. It's for people who love to cook and want to recombine fresh ingredients in new and interesting ways. It has everything from intriguing salads (like the green bean salad with jicama, yellow peppers, and tomato) to summer soups (like the chilled avocado soup with tomato-cucumber salsa) to entrees (like the spinach pesto-marinated chicken). If you like cooking with fresh foods, this is the cookbook for you.

The best cookbook I own/A great gift
Finally this cookbook has been re-released. I own many, many cookbooks and this is by far my all time favorite. You can use these recipies as a first time try on your guests. No worries.

A Wonderful Summer CookBook!
This book is full of delicious and appealing receipes for summer. It's wondefully put together, and so easy to follow. The receipes are easy enough that anyone (even those with little experience) could create wonderful and tastey meals. The photography is beautiful and it's enjoyably constructed. Highlights are the "Cold Lobster Salad" and the "Summer Squash Gratin" ...but, there are so many more that I can't wait to try. I recommend it to any cook out there! ... Read more

Book Description

No bachelor pad, lounge, or luau is complete without a cocktail, and this handy hipster's recipe book includes five dozen of them, each inspired by everyone's favorite cool cat, the Pink Panther. The Clouseau blends bourbon, cherry liqueur, triple sec, and light cream for a scintillating drink that pays tribute to the bumbling but beloved inspector. The Phantom, aka the Sir Charles Cocktail, combines lemon-flavored vodka, triple sec, grapefruit juice, and fresh lemon for an appropriately sophisticated taste. Of course, the Panther himself is here in a variety of luscious libations, including some that are actually pink thanks to ingredients like pink lemonade and grapefruit juice. Colorful retro artwork by the infamous Shag adds to the fun, and the bonus CD expands the experience with video clips and songs from Virgin Records' "Pink Panther Penthouse Party." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Bon Appetit does it again--a great resource for entertaining
With my busy schedule, I dont have the luxury to test new dishes before I entertain. I know I can always count on recipes from Bon Appetit cookbooks and this one is no exception. This book is not only a cookbook but a menu planner and resource guide. Last weekend I had 10 people over and served the following from the book: spicy shrimp in snow peas, deviled eggs with smoked salmon and green onions, spinach bacon spirals, and layered enchilada casserole. All got rave reviews. In the fall I used dishes from the barbecue menu. This book gives menus and planning tips for a number of entertaining ideas--from Saturday potluck to help yourself brunch to drinks and eats.

I highly recommend this book--get it anyway you can. But you can't have mine.....

Entertaining can be easy!
This cookbook really does make entertaining easy. Not only does it offer delicious recipes that we've come to expect from Bon Appetit but it organizes them in such a way that your menu and time easily managed.

There are three sections which are themed around a particular type of event: Occasions, Instant Entertaining, and Get-Togethers. Within each section, there are menus for specific functions (Celebration Dinner, Elegant Shower, Romantic Dinner, Kid's Birthday Party, Big Anniversary, Potluck Housewarming Party, etc . . .)

The feature I like the most is the timeline for each function's menus. For example, for the Kid's Birthday Party, send out invitations, shop for nonperishable food items and paper goods, decorations, and candles three weeks ahead. Two weeks ahead, bake and freeze cake layers for birthday cake, etc . . . .

One other item to mention is there are pictures of every recipe (something I find very useful).

I recommend this book wholeheartedly. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. ... Read more