Book Description

Recipes from Legendary Lodges

National Parks Lore and Wilderness Landscape Art

Music by the Big Sky Ensemble

A romantic getaway to luxurious lodges in the heart of America’s wilderness! Dining at Great American Lodges includes full-flavored recipes from lodge chefs, luscious food photography, and photos of each lodge. Home cooks will enjoy making Roast Duck Breast from Lake Placid Lodge, Roasted Beet Salad from Sundance, and Marionberry Crisp from Timberline Lodge. Quotes about the beauty of nature by Thoreau, John Muir, and Teddy Roosevelt will inspire hearts and imaginations. On the companion music CD, instrumentalists of the Big Sky Ensemble blend bluegrass, country, western swing, slack key, and jazz. Inspired by traditional American songs, their music is a cross-country journey to enjoy while cooking, dining, and relaxing at home. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

This is a book that I take out and use every Christmas
I am now ordering my third copy of this book to give to another relative who wishes a copy. I have had the book for more than 5 years and use it every year for Christmas cooking. Every Christmas Eve, I prepare one of Susan Branch's recipes and everyone's mouth waters in anticipation. This is the best book a Christmas lover could have. It's also a wonderful recipe book for those who are not fond of complicated Christmas recipes. This year, I made the Bread Pudding with Whiskey sauce for the first time and it was out of this world. The illustrations are fun and by now, I know the text better than Ms. Branch. Highly recommended.

Couldn't put it down!!!
My introduction to Susan Branch's "Christmas from the Heart of the Home" was about a year ago. A friend had it out and had decorated her home for a party using some of Susan's wonderful ideas ... I just "loved" the little ideas she had, so I immediately went out and purchased my own copy. I am marveled at her beautiful artwork, lovingly hand printed recipes and stories, and realistic drawings of everyday items. You can tell there is "love" in every stroke of her brush. By the time I finished reading every page, I felt I knew Susan personally, like an old friend. I have added other Susan Branch books to my collection, and have enjoyed the same quality, ideas, recipes, etc. I am continually amazed at her talents, and the care that she puts into each page. My sister visited me this Christmas and fell in love with my books. Although of meager means, she couldn't resist starting her own collection. My sister and I live hundreds of miles away, but Susan Branch has brought us even closer together. I am going to seek out her "newsletter' information next. Anyone who is lucky enough to own one of Susan's books will not be able to resist purchasing another. She is wonderful! Thank you!

The perfect holiday book
I bought this book when I first discovered Susan Branch books. I loved it so much I gave it to all my sisters and sisters-in-law. They have all used it as a reference during the holidays and even through out the year.I have given this book to so many others as well and they all love the book. I can only state that this book stands up with all the Susan Branch products and is wonderful and so useful.

A Wonderful Gift!
This book is so charming! I received it as a gift from a dear friend many years ago and I re-read it every Christmas! Recipes, ideas, and holiday thoughts pulled together with Susan Branch's truly unique artistry make this a favorite.

A beautiful holiday treasure!
No matter what else is going on, this book is a wonderful holiday "pick-me-up". You will feel instantly more "Christmasy" after looking through it. I keep it on my coffee table throughout the holiday season.

As with all Susan Branch books, her watercolor illustrations are absolutely beautiful. They rnage from adorable little elfs to sumptuous holiday table settings.

The recipes are clearly written, her cookie recipes are particularly good and she offers great tips on presenting cookies as a holiday gift.

This is a great book to browse through around the holidays! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Donna Hay's mission? Even if you're short on time, even if you're new to the kitchen, the award-winning Australian food writer wants you to be a proficient cook. Her Modern Classics, Book 1 aims to be for a new generation of cooks what Fanny Farmer and Irma Rombauer were for their grandmothers--kitchen companion, inspiration, culinary bible.

The difference between today's new cooks and their forebears lies in the globalization of taste. Thus Modern Classics offers detailed instructions on how to build a Thai Beef Salad, whip up a Roasted Vegetable Frittata, deliver to the dinner table the perfect Lemon and Parmesan Risotto, as well as how to master contemporary versions of such Anglo staples as white sauce, brown gravy, roast pork, flaky pastry, and Shepherd's Pie.

In sections on the basics, Hay gives step-by-step directions for making the essentials (stock, mayonnaise, fluffy rice). How-tos guide the chef through preparation of specific dishes (spinach and cheddar soufflé, freeform ratatouille tart, laksa, French onion soup, pad thai). A sampler of recipes from around the world follows, offering variations on the kitchen skills and flavors just introduced. An array of short orders, easy-to-follow recipes for condiments and side dishes to complement the entrees, ends each section.

And here's the sweetest thing: pictures. Full color, artfully shot photos of beautifully prepared dishes show us what our labor will produce. For a generation of visual learners, these tantalizing visions are well worth the space that might have used to list 14 more things to do with turnips. Modern Classics would be the perfect gift; it deserves a spot in the bridal registry or the new graduate's apartment. --Schuyler Ingle and Joyce Thompson ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Awesome!!
This is a fantastic cookbook. My cousin sent it over to me from Sydney, Australia & i love it! I use it all the time - the pad thai is easy & delicious, the three cheese tart was scrumptious and my boyfriend LOVES the egg & bacon tart......yum! She doesn't overuse words making everything confusing, she uses a simple easy to follow text and the pictures make your mouth water. oh i made the french fries this morning for a breakfast treat.....mmmmm!!!!

Picture Perfect
This is a cookbook that makes your mouth water. It is an ideal gift, and a book to treasure. Many interesting approaches to classic dishes, lots of ideas, and a number of very simple, straight-forward dishes. You'll use this one! It won't sit on the shelf collecting dust.

Bound To be A Classic Cookbook
Her interest in providing a modern classic cookbook, basing it on timeless favorites updated sometimes, and some candidates she puts forward as classic contenders is a winner!

A fan of this "down under" chef, this is her best to date. With sections on soups, salads, veggies, roasts and simmers, rice, pasta and noodles, pies and tarts ... there is just a wealth of heavenly food in here.

A new soup that I just had to try was a knockout: Lentil, lemon and yoghurt. There's also big spreads on just how to create some feature recipes,e.g Laksa, a spicy Singapore soup with shrimp paste and singapore spice is a hot, spicy number many will enjoy.

One presentation of a fav dish of mine is Shank Pies, made with lamb shank in a small ramekin, pot pie style. Great idea! This is a show stopper at the table, and not that hard for many to prepare.

This exceptional collection is in nice to use large format with excellent photography by con poulous. This is a definite candidate for giving and/or putting on your cookbook shelf. ... Read more

Book Description

12 months of books, authors, menus, and recipes for book clubs.

Unlike other basic reading group guides, "Recipe for a Book Club" combines good eating with good reading for the millions of Americans who participate in book clubs. Written by two book-and-cooking sisters who formed their own monthly reading and eating groups that continue to meet, "Recipe for a Book Club" starts in January and ends in December, with a reading theme for each month and a menu and recipes to go with it, a featured favorite book and author, suggested reading list, and interesting questions to ponder and discuss. From January’s theme of New Authors to December’s theme of Inspiration for the new year, this attractively illustrated guide is ideal for all reading groups, whether brand-new or long-established. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the infectious enthusiasm of a kid on Christmas morning, Mario Batali--who presides over a culinary empire that includes the popular Food Network television show Molto Mario, four acclaimed New York restaurants, and a wine store--presents four complete menus for the holidays and captures all the fun and festivity that epitomize Italian celebrations. True to the commitment to simple cooking evident in his first book, Simple Italian Food, the dishes here deliver maximum flavor and enjoyment without being overly complicated.

Batali's version of the famous Italian seafood extravaganza traditionally served on Christmas Eve--known as the Feast of Seven Fishes--includes no fewer than 15 enticing dishes. Marinated Fresh Anchovies are both surprisingly delectable and delightful in their simplicity. Salt Cod with Capers and Mint, Grilled Lobster with Herbs and Arugula, and Sea Bass Ravioli with Marjoram and Potatoes would each be showstoppers as the centerpiece of any meal. Served together, they comprise a truly unforgettable feast.

The Christmas Day menu is equally lavish, centering on a succulent boned turkey breast stuffed with chestnuts and prunes, while the New Year's Day spread is pure decadence. The latter begins innocently enough, with a refreshing aperitivo of tangerine juice, Compari, and soda, then proceeds through a parade of richly flavored dishes, from the hot-pepper-spiked Octopus in the Style of the Prostitutes of Napoli, to the meatball-filled "mythic pasta dome" known as Timpano di Maccheroni, to the prosciutto-wrapped Braised Pork Roll. An irresistible selection of dolci (sweets), including Cinnamon Chocolate Pudding with Pine Nuts and Waffle Cookies, rounds out the meal. New Year's Day welcomes a relaxed daylong open house replete with an ever-changing spread of antipasti, pasta, and dolci, most of which can be prepared at leisure and served at room temperature, enabling the hosts to enjoy the party as much as the guests.

Photos, along with helpful wine suggestions and practical advice on technique, accompany each menu. Throughout, Batali paints a portrait of his Italian-American family that reminds readers that the simple joy of being together is what the holidays are really about. The 60 simple yet elegant recipes can be mixed, matched, and adapted for any occasion. Served together or separately, each is cause for celebration. --Robin Donovan ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Classic Mario, just not enough to meet expectations
The very best thing about this book is that it is more of Mario Batali cooking Italian food. Once that is said, there are some things which are disappointing about this book.

First, the book only covers Christmas and New Year. I would hardly expect Molto Mario to cover Thanksgiving, but what about Easter? There are also the hundreds of festivals in both Italy and the United States where food is a major element of the festivities. The whole point of 'carnevale' is food, as the meaning of the word is 'a farewell to meat'.

Second, the book only covers Campania. What about the other 21 provinces of Italy? The best part of this selection is that it is the region from which the Italian food most familiar to America comes. I think Mario would have been much better to name the book 'Holiday Food of Campania'. Joe Bastianich contributes some notes on the wines of Campania, reinforcing the impression that the book covers a limited range.

Third, the book is two-thirds the price for less than half the book you can find in Mario's first and third books.

If you are really interested in Italian Festival Food, check out the book of that name by Anne Bianchi published by Macmillan. It even includes a blurb from Mr. Molto himself on the dust jacket and I got it at a deep discount. Highly recommended.

All is not lost. This is still, after all, a cookbook by Mario. It's best feature is to give us recipes in order that we may do a Christmas Eve feast of the seven or ten or thirteen fishes (take your pick). It strikes me that this is another example where Italian food traditions depart broadly from the more formalized doctrines of France or Japan. While Richard Olney, our most analytical writer on French cuisine, dispairs of writing on improvisation in cooking, the Italians seem to revel in it. Like the Japanese, the Italians seem to really enjoy small portions of a lot of different dishes, at least at holiday meals. Mario warns us that because of this, portion sizes may be tricky.

The photographs of the food are much more colorful and more plentiful in this book than they are in Mario's first. They add some value to this rather slim offering. The list of sources at the back of the book is very good for a resident of New York City. I am especially happy to see DiPalo's cheese shop included.

If, like me, you are a Mario fan, you must have this book. This is especially true if you live vicariously through books and enjoy writers' tales of their holidays. If you are really looking for something with more meat on it's bones, check out the volume by Ms. Bianchi.

Beautiful and traditional
I love this book. The recipes are traditional and delicious, the photographs are lovely, and I like the comments Mario includes with the recipes. I get hungry just looking through it.

Authentic Recipes..with great photography
As a Sicilian growing up with a large Italian family in Brooklyn, this book had many traditional recipes. As the older generations are gone..so are their recipes..this book brought them back to me. Christmas Eve - the traditional Fish Feast was fabulous in this book. The photography and layout is very good. I also enjoyed the brief history he includes with the holiday and food. I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this book.

Surprising Book
preordered this book when I saw it listed, knowing anything Mario had published would have to be great. I was however a little surprised when it arrived and I saw just how small it actually was. After reading it through from cover to cover, I overcame my disappointment however, realizing that Mario had chosen only the best recipes for the holidays. As the Italian food host at BellaOnline, I am always on the lookout for Italian cookbooks that offer more than simply everyday recipes. Anyone buying this cookbook that is familiar with Mario Batali's work, will not be sorry. If you are interested in Italian recipes specific for the holidays, buy this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Nationally known chef Leslie Mackie opened Macrina in 1993 as an artisan bakery and lunch spot. News of this exciting eatery spread quickly through Seattle and beyond, making Macrina an American favorite. This lavishly produced cookbook offers the same dishes, developed from extensive research and travel, found at Macrina. More than 100 recipes range from a classic Rustic Potato Loaf or Raisin Brioche Twist, to a delectable Raspberry Cinnamon-Sugar Bread Pudding with Nectarine Compote, to a tantalizing variety of lunch items, including Butternut Squash and Apple Galette, and Salmon Paillard on Mixed Greens with Mustard Vinaigrette. The book features a special holiday section, and gorgeous duotone photographs capture the setting, its people, and its inspiring displays of breads, pastries, and breakfast and lunch fare. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Breads, pastries, sweets and savories
Leslie Mackie opened the Macrina Bakery & Cafe in 1993, specializing in hearth-baked artisan loaves and rustic European pastries. An expert baker, Leslie Mackie's recipes have been featured in Bon Appetit, Sunset Magazine, and The New York Times. Now, with the assistance of Andrew Cleary, Leslie Mackie has drawn upon her expertise to compiled the Macrina Bakery & Cafe Cookbook showcasing her favorite breads, pastries, sweets and savories. From Guatemalan Hot Chocolate Bread; Raspberry Cinnamon-Sugar Bread Pudding with Nectarine Compote; Chocolate Cherry Pound Cake; and Lemon Chess Tart; to Sour Cherry Shortbread; Gingerbread Crepes with Citron Ricotta, Cranberry Compote & Vanilla Syrup; Tuscan Tomato & Fennel Soup with White Beans; and Steamed Chocolate Pudding Cake, Macrina Bakery & Cafe Cookbook is a gourmet's delight and very highly recommended for personal, professional, and community library cookbook collections.

Great bread recipes
The porcini mushroom loaf is just the bread for a melted fontina sandwich. Recipes were clear, user-friendly and delicious. Not sure I would do the breakfast bread pudding again (with sausage, cranberries and goat cheese), but there are many other wonderful recipes to try. Best of all, visit Macrina in Seattle and eat for yourself! I used to stop in on the way to work or on the way home for bread; it is always a treat.

Beautiful, but not a coffee table book---very helpful
As a cooking student, this book is helpful, not too fluffy with photos. It explains the care and feeding of dough starters, and how to make crusty breads at home (different than in a commercial kitchen a little). There are great non-bread recipes for salads, brunch items,soups, gnocchi, biscotti. Haven't tried many of them yet but so far, so good, money well spent, and I'm sure it will inspire recipes for my workplace. ... Read more

Book Description

They're coming for how long? This utterly charming guide brings together inspiration and advice for planning a visit that's relaxing and enjoyable for guest and host alike. From invitations no one could refuse to advice on furnishing a cozy guest bedroom and stocking a well-appointed bath, A Gracious Welcome is a refreshing approach to sharing the home turf with family and friends. Ranging from luxurious craft projects such as handmade bath salts to simple additions like a bedside bouquet of sweet-smelling flowers, here are pages of ways to make every guest feel welcome. Whether home is a bungalow in the 'burbs, an uptown pied-a-terre, or a roomy weekend cabin, hosts will find plenty of useful inpiration, plus ideas for easy meals. Chockful of tips for clever outdoor activities and day trips to please all ages, and adorned with delightful photographs throughout, A Gracious Welcome is an invaluable helper when loved ones come to stay. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Beautiful Book!
A wonderful book from a former Martha Stewart editor with many ideas for entertaining guests in your home. The pictures are beautiful and the recipes and ideas are creative and easy to implement. ... Read more

Book Description

More fun activities, recipes, decorating hints, gift ideas, and planning tips than any other party book.

This all-inclusive book contains information on how to plan and host a great bachelorette party -- plus great games, activities, and recipes. It includes the kind of spicy, fun ideas that bachelorette partygoers are looking for:

* Fun party themes, such as Rubber Bash, Get Lei-d, Striptease, and Find the Heart-On.
* Entertaining games, such as Pin the Privates on the Pinup, We're Looking for a Few Good Men, Bimbo, Hung Man, and Video Scavenger Hunt.
* Embarrassing bridal attire, such as Rubber-Made Train, Design-Her-a-Gown, and Colorful Condom Corsage.
* Tasty recipes and drinks, such as Better-Than-Sex Cake, Horny Party Mix, Who-Took-My-Cherry Dessert, Screaming Orgasm, and Slippery Nipple.
* Gift ideas, such as Panty Rose, X-rated Fortune Cookies, and Boyfriend in a Bag. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Who's ready to Party?
A lot of good ideas, many drink recipes and decorating ideas. If it hadn't been for this book, I don't know how my best friends bachelorette party would have turned out. Highly recomend it, many, many recipes.

I LOVED IT!!!
My cousin and I are getting married within 6 months of each other and this book allowed me to plan a party for her with very little stress. She is also going to use the book to plan the party of MY DREAMS. THANKS

Useful
I enjoyed reading this book, especially not knowing the first thing about throwing a bachelorette party. The book also gives enough examples to where it is possible to create your own original ideas following along with a basic concept of i.e. themed parties. The book is light hearted, and fun, which is expected considering the subject matter. Overall, it is a very interesting and practical book, for the purpose.

Tons of ideas!
I was able to use many of the book's ideas for planning a friend's bachelorette party. Among other things, it features a variety of unique themes and games. The scavenger hunt was very original and lots of fun! ... Read more

Book Description

"Entertaining Celebrations" is an invitation to celebrate life, family and friendships every month of the year.You are invited and no RSVP is required.When you consider entertaining as a gift you give to your friends, you'll have a sucess every time.This party a month guide features incredible photography, flower ideas, party ideas,menu suggestions and recipes from New Orleans' most famouse restaurants! Now... Let's Celebrate! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This book will make you want to throw a party!
The color photography is amazing! This book offers a party a month suggestion that includes everything from the invitation to the dessert! The recipes from the best restaurants in New Orleans are featured in the how-to section of the book. Throw this book in your purse and head to the store and your next event is sure to be a hit! ... Read more

Book Description

Recipes, menus, and entertaining tips from one of the largest, most respected African-American women's organizations in the world.

Renowned for their dedication to service, the women of Delta Sigma Theta are equally admired for their chic signature style. In Occasions to Savor, the sorority shares its entertaining savvy with everyone-Deltas and non-Deltas alike.

Lavishly illustrated, this book features more than 250 recipes compiled from members of the sorority, plus entertaining tips and suggested menus for specific occasions, including bridal and baby showers, book club meetings, an after-theater dinner, a backyard barbecue, and Christmas dinner. Featuring a full range of recipes from appetizers, beverages, salads, soups, and entrées to breads, breakfast foods, and desserts, Occasions to Savor is much more than an entertaining guide and cookbook; it's a celebration of African-American women who have made significant contributions to society.

Engaging profiles of such influential Deltas as former Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; Mary McCleod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman College and founder and first president of the National Council of Negro Women; renowned choreographer Judith Jamison; and Dorothy Height, civil rights activist and chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, reveal why the women of this esteemed organization are held up both as role models and mentors and as icons of style and substance. ... Read more

Book Description

For centuries Jewish communities around the world forged dynamic cuisines from ancient traditions combined with the bounties -- and limitations -- of their adopted homelands. In this important new collection, Matthew Goodman has assembled more than 170 recipes from twenty-nine countries, handed down through the generations and now preserved in this historic volume.

The heirloom offerings Goodman gathered range from such iconic specialties as bagels, kugel, and chopped liver to such favorites, mostly unknown in the United States, as Turkish borekas, flaky cheese-filled turnovers; chelou, an Iranian rice specialty; and shtritzlach, a sweet blueberry pastry unique to Toronto. Together the recipes celebrate the ingenuity of Jewish cooks around the world, in Mexican Baked Blintzes with Vegetables and Roasted Poblano Peppers, Syrian Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Molasses, Moroccan Roast Chicken with Dried Fruit and Nuts, Iraqi Sweet-and-Sour Lamb with Eggplant and Peppers, Italian Baked Ricotta Pudding, and many other unexpected delights.

These dishes have been shaped by the histories of the communities from which they come. This book also features dozens of lively, engaging essays that present the history of Jewish food in all its richness and variety. The essays focus on ingredients, prepared dishes, and cultures.

Food is a repository of a community's history, and here, in its broad strokes, is the history of the Jews. The recipes and essays in this book provide a fascinating new perspective on Jewish food. More than a cookbook, Matthew Goodman's Jewish Food: The World at Table is a book to learn from, to cook with, and to pass on through the ages.

Amazon.com

Donna Hay, Australia's bestselling cookbook author, understands our pain. The pain, that is, of producing delicious meals when time is tight and we really can't shop--again. Off the Shelf: Cooking from the Pantry presents a blueprint for from-scratch good eating that relies on a thoughtfully stocked larder, a few fresh ingredients, and truly streamlined recipes. The idea isn't new, of course, but Hay finds a better way with it, presenting recipes like Pasta with Pancetta and Peas; Lime, Beef, and Noodle Salad; and Green Olive and Baked Chicken that are truly quick and easy to do. First published in Australia, Off the Shelf arrives here in an edition meant to work for American cooks; if ingredient names, quantities, and some operations aren't always completely "translated" (one recipe calls for English spinach leaves) or given conventional American form, willing readers will still be able use it most productively.

Organized by ingredients and topics, the book offers buying advice throughout, regular recipes, and Short Order sections that distill formulas, such as those for Lemon and Basil Pilaf and Marinated Chickpea Salad, into get-the-drill-quickly paragraphs. Among the fuller-dress recipes, readers will surely want to try Beef and Caramelized Onion Couscous Salad, Crispy Spiced Thai Chicken, and Seared Salmon on Coconut Spinach, among others. Sweets, including Burnt Vanilla Creams and Chocolate Honey Snaps, are also delicious and easily accomplished. With truly useful tips (cut overlong cooked noodles to make them more manageable is one why-didn't-I-think-of-that example), an oversize bravura design, and color photos throughout, the book shows and tells how to cook with the greatest ease. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Reviews (4)

You'll use it!
I don't know about you but I have a whole shelf filled with cookbooks. Many of them seemed like a good idea at the time (ahem.... Bobby Flay), but after struggling through their long and complicated recipes - delicious as they often were - I never returned. They sit, forlorn, awaiting the day I have four hours to spend on dinner.

I can think of no higher praise for 'Off the Shelf' than to say my copy is happily covered in splashes and stains: the mark of a real cook book.

Hay has a simple philosophy: acquire some pantry staples and with the addition of a few fresh ingredients you can have a quick and interesting meal ready in no time. And it works!

Each dish in the book gets its own beautiful photograph, which makes for an inspirational flick-through each time I'm at a loss for what to cook next. It helps that the styling and photography are top notch too.

I suspect many Americans have few culinary associations with Australia beyond barbeque, but Hay - who edits the food section of Australian Marie Claire - proves she has her finger on the pulse of what and how people want to eat nowadays. If you're like me, that means interesting dishes borrowing techniques and ingredients from Asia and the Mediterranean - that you can make in under an hour.

Trust me: this is a book you'll use whether cooking for yourself or a dinner party. Your copy will be filthy in no time!

Off The Shelf: Cooking From the Pantry
Most of the recipes don't have more than 5-7 ingredients, mostly items from the pantry but there are always 2-3 fresh items that really make the difference. There are pictures for every single recipe, very useful for when you want to know what the dish should really look like. The gorgeous pictures alone are worth the price of the cookbook, wonderful to browse when you are trying to figure out what to cook. The only negative is that the recipes are not inherently low fat, but it's easy to substitute high fat cheeses etc with the low fat version. The interesting food combinations and easy easy preparations make this an awesome everyday cookbook.

A GOOD, BASIC BOOK FOR THE NOVICE
If you are a basic sort of person who enjoys plain, down-to-Earth meals, and do not like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, this book is for you. Not only does it suggest what basics to stock on your shelves, but the recipes turn out very well if fresh ingredients are used. One will not be caught off guard when unexpected guests arrive, if you follow the suggestions offered by Hay. I did, however, find the recipes were not quite as original as anticipated. Many are variations of recipes found in other similar cookbooks, particularly the Asian noodles; however, the recipes are still tasty and the book will be particularly valuable to those inexperienced in the kitchen.

Easy, stylish cooking
This book is worthy of its predecessors. Like Donna Hay's 4 earlier books, this is a beautiful cookbook (the photography and food styling are gorgeous) filled with inventive and reliable recipes. The speciality of this book is that it provides recipes that can be made with just a few staples in the pantry. The asian chicken noodle soup is particularly wonderful. ... Read more

Book Description

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. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A waste of time
"Try The $50 Dinner Party" by Sally Sampson. Sally's book is super and we used for a very elegant party at our large beautiful home.

Awesome Book - pick it up
This is one of my favorite books on entertaining. I love all of Martha's stuff and this one is one of my favorites. Anyone considering entertaining on any scale should pick this up and read it!!

Terrific book filled with "good things"!
In spite of Martha Stewart's recent troubles, her legacy continues with this splendid book. It is fresh, intelligent and packed full of great tips and ideas for the entertainer who wants to make a splash without spending a fortune. The thing I like about Martha Stewart's approach is her emphasis on simple abundance--the notion that you can achieve good results through creativity and ingenuity. I think those who want to criticize Ms. Stewart should consider how many people she has inspired through this approach to good living!

Lives up to its title!
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. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Kids Party Games and Activities.
This book was arranged in 3 age groups. Tha's really helpful, so you can zoom in on your child's party and find just the right activities. Each section includes lots of traditional games as well as innovative ones and other party activities, like face painting. Also included are trip parties and theme parties for each age group.

Each game or activity includes creative suggestions for adapting the game, ideas for prizes and troubleshooting common problems ahead of time. The game directions are complete and easy to follow.

This book will offer ideas for many parties to come. The games may be dropped into your theme. The theme parties offered here are easy and fun and offer the inspiration to add your own ideas.

A wonderful book for ideas and themes!
I think I may just like the ideas from this author, because I liked another one of her books. This book will help you with games, invitations, tips,etc. I think it's a good book to keep around and pass around. I was stuck with no ideas and it lifted alot of stress from my party planning. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Changed my life
I never cooked until I bought this book! It is amazing. The recipes are great especially their 5 most popular. Everyone loves the Italian cream cake I have made many times. Many recipes are listed as easy and fast. There are many helpful hints. I highly recommend this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Dean Rockwell purchased his first antique knife rest in 1968. As his collection grew so did his realization there was little or nothing written about these fascinating artifacts. "Somebody has to learn and write about them." he said to a friend.

From that self admonishment has come this book, the first to delve into the appearance, manufacture and use of the now much sought after tools of a proper dining scene of the 1760-1920 period in the English speaking world. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

They left one thing out...
This was a very cool book, but I was surprised that they didn't mention vegaspartyhouse.com I stayed at one of their properties for a bachelorette party and it couldn't of been any cooler! Well, hopefully they'll add it in the next edition.

Great Little book!
A friend of mine gave this to me because she knew I was to host a bachelorette party in the near future. It was a very buy time for me overall, so I took the book only expecting to refer to it occasionally for tips. What a surprise. I started reading it in bed and I honestly read it cover to cover. It was such fun! It was very informative but as importantly, a good read. I highly recommend this book for anyone in need of a good time. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

A vital MUST HAVE handbook for professionals!
Whether one is cooking in a restaurant or a school kitchen, this is the most valuable handbook. You'll want it at ready reference. I know, because never a week went by that I didn't consult it while running my bakery/deli in the Oregon Cascades.

I must confess that I didn't tell customers my recipe source. I preferred they think me a genius or as having come from a family steeped in cooking history. They knew I was no genius (hell, they knew I wasn't even very smart) but they did like the foods we provided. And, when I decided to produce a new, tasty meat pie, it was this book that I consulted to improve upon my concept.

Choose not to buy this book and you probably are never going to know what you don't know. Choose not to consult it while it sets on your shelf will probably endanger your relationship with your harshest critics.

A Must-Have!
I discovered this book several years ago while working as a hall director for a cooperative living residence hall.The college women who lived there cooked for their fifty housemates.

Molt's book was a godsend for us; the instructions were basic, easily understood, and useful.

The best aspect of Food for Fifty is the fact that, recipes aside, the book gives excellent tables and instructions for cooking times/weights/quantities beyond the recipes it lists.In other words, it is quite useful when adapting one's own recipes to meals for 50 or 100 people.

I have since used Food for Fifty in another food service job, where it was equally useful and well-received.I highly recommend it to anyone, whether you're doing institutional meals, church meals, or simply work with large food quantities on a regular basis.It's worth it!

Small variety and non-healty recipies make this book a pass
Unfortuately, this book has a limited number of fish and chicken recipies and the ones it does have, aren't very healthful.It does have more of a selection for meat recipies.I returned the book.

Great book that explains how to do food service excellance!
Most referance books I use in my job (I am a cook) does not go into detail how to use math to computehow much to use or how less to use according to scale. Examples and explanation makes it so much easier to understand whatis required to do the proper job. I love the equilivants of which itemswhich could be compatable to food items. My only complaint is that sectionsto find measurements to total needs to be more organized to make it easierto find in the tables. At my job, this book really is considered a"bible" and I'd buy it for my own personal use!

"bible" for serving 100+ young professional musicians/staff.
The tables provided are worth the price alone but the basic recipes are invaluable.They can be adapted to different requirements.Quantities, particularly vegetables, are somewhat conservative compared to what I find needed but the age of the "fifty" (or 100)and their physical activities make a difference.It is the general guides - cooking temperatures/times/specific cuts of meats/yields of purchased bulk versus usuable portion that I find myself referring to over and over.This is also what is missing or reduced in other similar books. I have used a number of the baked goods recipes and find them all to be excellent.Seasonings are very low in most recipes but that is easily remedied - especially spices in the sweet breads and desserts and herbs in most dishes.They need to update that which I hope to find reflected in the newest edition.This book would be a great resource for any type of small catering company, restaurant with changing menu, or institutional food service. ... Read more