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

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

Book Description

Approximately 10 million Americans smoke cigars today, while cigar bars are popping everywhere.This book features a run-down of cigar terms, sizes and shapes and teaches readers how to clip, light, and smoke a cigarand even how to deal with an uneven burning cigarhow to care for cigars, judge a good cigar, use tobacconists to help in their selections, and match drinks and meals with cigars.It also offers concise guidelines on how cigars are rated today, a run-down of the popular brands, and an overview of the new labels appearing on the market.Chapters cover the history of cigar tobacco, and famous real life and fictional smokers.Also includes a special section on cigars and the opposite sex.Tad Gage was a pioneer in the efforts that initiated today's consumer love affair with cigars.He served as editor and publisher of The Compleat Smoker, this country's first four-color quarterly magazine on cigars, pipes, tobacco, and spirits that debuted in 1990.He has authored numerous articles on cigars and serves on the executive committee for Chicagoland Pipe Collector's Club, which annually hosts the largest pipe, cigar, and tobacco convention in the U.S.Mr. Gage lives in Chicago. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The Perfect Introduction to Cigars
Having several friends who enjoy cigars I decided to check out a tobacconists shop only to be completely overwhelmed. I went home and did a search on Amazon and bought several books. Of them all, this one turned out to be the most helpful, most enjoyable and most complete book of the bunch. It was very easy to read and very insightful. It explained everything I needed to know about cigars and didn't make me feel like I had to go out and spend a fortune on cigars and accessories. This book made my next trip to the tabacconist very enjoyable. A must have for every cigar smokers library, experienced and beginner alike.

A complete basic cigar primer
The book is well-organized, allowing you to skip sections that you're not interested in (pipes, collectibles). Descriptions of how cigars are made play into the complete discussion of selecting and smoking cigars. A basic table of cigar "strength" in the beginning of the book is helpful. There are some omissions in the appendices describing basic cigar brands, but I suppose the date and expediency prevent this guide from being a reference text. Could use some more in-depth discussion of wine, beer, and spirits. Good for beginners like me.

Great book for afficianados and beginners!
Whatever your level of interest in cigar smoking - whether you are a veteran or a raw rookie of cigars - this book will interest you. One will learn many facts about cigars, their manufacturing, their storage, and how and where cigar leaf is grown.

You will learn how to get more out of your cigar smoking and learn how to savor your cigar. Written in plain English, it is easy to understand and straight forward. Useful recommendations of what cigars to purchase are plentiful.

The best thing about this book is that it is not at all intimidating and once you read it, your knowledge of cigars and the industry will increase.

A must read for all cigar fans!

Great Book for all smokers
This is a great book for all cigar smokers. It teaches beginners how to properly do all the things that veteran smokers do including cutting the cigar properly, lighting it, smoking it and what, when and where to smoke certain cigars. Great book for all smokers!

Wonderful Entry Point Into World of Cigars
For one just beginning to "seriously" get into cigars, this has provided a most helpful resource.

From the monumental tips on determing what cigar size and shape for you to how to cut, light, purchase, store, revive and rate cigars, this is just a great and "fun" resource to turn to.

There's also a neat section on matching drinks with cigars and just a wonderful section on Cuban cigars: are they what everyone says they are!

Recommended place to start. ... Read more

Book Description

Hip tips for fabulous fetes on little money and even less time

When the budget is tight and the schedule even tighter, what's a party girl to do? How can she whip up a swanky soiree they'll be dishing about at the watercooler for weeks to come? With The Last-Minute Party Girl, how can she not? A quick dip into this savvy, sassy entertainment guide will inspire any harried, just-got-home-from-the-office hostess to new heights of fabulousness.

Whether an elegant sit-down dinner or a finger food feast, everything required for a party with panache is covered, including innovative invites, cool cocktail creations, and must-have munchies.

This ultimate guide to sensational, spontaneous entertaining includes:

• More than 100 recipes for impressive but easily doable dishes
• Decorating tricks
• Emergency supplies for the party-girl pantry
• Quick refreshers on hostess etiquette
• Industry insiders' favorite cost- and time- cutting tips

Reviews (11)

Smashingly and stylishly helpful!
This book is a must have for everyone! If you've never entertained, here's a book to help you throw a swank party with minimal effort. If you're one of those who entertains frequently, you can still learn smart tips for putting on a fabulous soiree.

Perfect for the Last Minute Party generation
This book is perfect for those of us that love to entertain, never have enough time, but always want the best when our friends do come over. Its funny and very well written. The recipes are awesome! Can't recommend it highly enough.

Last Minute Girl Myself
I love to entertain but I have two year old twins and obviously, not a lot of time. I loved the book because it had some yummy recipes (which I have made several of!) but also GREAT tips for sprucing up the house and decorating ideas to spruce up the house etc! It has inspired me to entertain more which is the thing you miss the most (hello, adult conversation!) after you have kids.

Erika Rocks!
Erika puts the fun back into entertaining! No longer is there a need to stress when hosting one guest or 100 guests!

Quick, easy recipes... fun ideas... great resource section.

And if you EVER get a chance to see her live JUMP on it! She's awesome!

A Must Read Before Your Next Party!!
This book had me captivated (with wine in hand) for nearly 3 hours ... the author gives plenty of tips of how to be creative with what you have (or don't have!) along with easy to follow (yet, yummy crowd-pleasing) recipes. Trust me, you'll be hooked!
Forgo wine and buy this book for your next hostess gift!! It's a winner! ... Read more

Book Description

Bursting with absolutley delicious recipes, as well as Tips for Hosting, Menus for Meals with Friends, and Ideas for Go-Alongs that complement slow cooker dishes. You'll love, cooking, hosting, and eating from this treasure of good food. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

meal ready on time
This book has some great recipes! One of them is 'Beef Burgandy' on page 19. My husband and I really enjoy this one. We don't entertain a lot so I can cut these recipes in half. But the crockpot is the best way for any woman or man to have a hot meal waiting for them when they get home from a long, hard day at work.
This book is truly a gift to share with others. Just like my new beverage of choice that replaced my morning brew. Its called s oyfee and taste so wonderful with no caffeine or acids. Organic and made from soya! Bye bye acid stomach and hello healthy tummy! Google it under "acid free coffee".Anyone who buys it will not be disappointed.

Fix it-----You won't forget it!
I love this book, even more than the origianl Fix It and Forget It.The recipes are very easy to put together, and are family friendly.I can put these meals together in the morning before I leave for work and have a good meal ready when I get home.I have used some of these recipes to take to pot-lucks or when having family over.Although they do not make a grand, 12 course meal, thess recipes are perfectly acceptable for friends and family.As a homeschooling mom with three kids and a 30-hour-a-week job, this book has been a lifesaver!It keeps my husband from making pbj every night that I work!Well worth it!

Pick the best , leave the rest & use good common sense
My husband's aunt "loaned" us this book since we're busy quite a few nights each week and she never used it.We weren't crock-pot cooks ourselves but we're learning - and we love the freedom the crock-pot gives when there's not a lot of time to cook.

In a nutshell, let me say this volume is well worth the price of admission for the gems tucked in the pages!

The praise:
-There are some excellent contributors.We've been particularly fond of the submissions by Naomi Fast.Her "Pot Roast Complete," "Fruited Beef Tagine" and "Bavarian Beef," among others, have received rave reviews from friends and family.
-Some of the odd recipes are actually quite good and have encouraged us to put our prejudices aside and give entries we might otherwise have ignored a try.
-This is a good source of inspiration... it's got us thinking about what can be done in the cooker and not just what's printed on the page.

Now that you know we like it, here are the criticisms:
- You'll flip through a number of so-so, and some downright awful looking, entries.
- There are a number of similar recipes, which could have been shown as variations on a basic dish.But, in fairness to the fact that they came from different contributors, we suppose they should be listed separately.
- We've noticed a lamentable tendency toward too much liquid, and/or not enough thickening agent, in some of the recipes.It's almost as though they were originally stove top or oven recipes that someone converted to crock pot cookery (Without testing?? Either that or much of America likes much thinner gravies than we do!).After a while, common sense kicked in and we are getting pretty good at anticipating which recipes will need to be adjusted.We've coped with cornstarch slurries during the last half hour and the occasional packet of gravy mix as a quick rescue.

Some trial and error and, finally, common sense will let you adjust for your tastes before you cook.For example, how appetizing will it be to serve skin-on chicken from a crock pot??It's not!So, just ditch the skin!

Many happy meals later, we've still got the book and we're sharing the gems with our aunt as we find them!

Great Book!
This was a definite surprise!I love the recipes because when you are truly not having the time to pull off an extravagant meal, the last thing you want to do is to have to run to 3 different stores to get the ingredients. Most of the recipes contain ingredients I already have at home.I know there was a complaint about the duplication, but I agree with reviewers from the first book that it gives you a choice if you only have certain ingredients.It's not like you don't have enough different types of recipes in there to choose from. The sweet and Saucy Chicken is excellent as well as the Harvest Kielbasa. I also agree that the ingredients might be somewhat processed, but as someone who is cooking for a Celiac allergic to wheat, you can always work around them....and there is plenty there that are not processed foods at all.Great job with this book!

Ok slow cooker recipes- but not for entertaining
The recipes are fine- if as many reviewers note you don't mind using processed ingredients.Those that I have tried lack sufficient seasonings.While I'll serve the recipes to my family (trying to improve their heathiness when possible), Iwould never consider them to be the kind of dishes to serve to guests. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This opulent collection of fine recipes and impressive menu ideas is a collaboration between esteemed food writer Joyce Goldstein and Chuck Williams, the founder of the Williams-Sonoma kitchen stores. Their collective culinary know-how pays off in a big way--not only do their dishes look stunning on paper but they are also recipes that can be prepared with relative ease in the home kitchen.

Twenty-six set menus form the heart of the book, ranging from an Al Fresco Lunch to a Heritage Christmas Dinner. Each menu, whether for an informal soiree or a black-tie cocktail party, is accompanied by beverage ideas and inspiration for decorating the table. Stunning full-color photographs and easy-to-follow, step-by-step cooking instructions take the trepidation out of preparing these scrumptious foods. The closing chapter, "Elements of Entertaining," is particularly useful for new hosts. Here are basic instructions on how to fold fancy napkins, arrange cutlery, and make simple pie crusts.

The Williams-Sonoma Complete Entertaining Cookbook is an essential kitchen companion, a book that will make any dinner party go off with a brilliant bang. --Naomi Gesinger ... Read more

Reviews (5)

beautiful photos, but.....
I bought this book on the strength of the other Amazon.com reviews and looked forward to receiving it. However, when I started reading it, I felt that there was very little in it that I actually wanted to cook. I am an accomplished cook and baker, own over 600 cookbooks, and not afraid to try new recipes. But some of the combinations in here seemed a bit unnatural, and the menus appear to be comprised of items which all require a fair amount of time and preparation. In my experience, the key to successful entertaining is striking a balance between a few showstopping dishes and those items which are of sufficient quality and freshness to be prepared and served simply, with a minimum of unneccessary flourishes. As much as I love to cook, I don't want to spend a week in the kitchen before a dinner party, do you? However, the photography is gorgeous and very inspiring, and there are a lot of tips which are worth reading. Although I will consult this book for certain things, like table decoration and the dessert recipes, I think the recipes out of the Southern Living books on the whole are better.

This is the best reference book ever for entertaining !
This book is the perfect combination of elegant entertaining ideas and "how-to's". I just love the themed menus--there is everything from a formal tea, a holiday (Hannukah) buffet, a Mediterranean Easter feast to a romantic dinner for just two. If you don't want to reproduce the exact menu, you still get some great ideas as starting material for any kind of party you might want to give. The recipes are not overly elaborate. In fact, they are pretty easy yet well-chosen. I particularly like the salads. I also found this book useful for progressive dinner ideas.

Even better is the back section on "how-to." I absolutely LOVE the section on folding napkins, carving roasts, and proper table setting, all in one place.

This is now on the shelf as my chief entertaining reference book. Can't recommend it highly enough, especially at the price.

more than you pay for.
I entertain very often, and that's why I originally purchased this book. As it turns out, I use it several times a week just for the family. It's not only beautiful it's full of information. All of the recipes have color picures and many recipes have alternatives if it's the wrong season for some of the ingredients. I'm very pleased with the book and the price is fantastic for what you get.

Entertaining at its best!
Williams Sonoma has put together another "must own" for anyone who entertains! This book covers not only recipies (broken down into specific menus), but also table setting ideas, floral arranging, wine suggestions (VERY helpful) and napkin folding for the extra special touches sure to make your next get-together a unique and much talked about occasion! Highly recommended!

Kitchen Dream Helper
Finally, fresh ideas for presentation as well as food selections - especially for salads, light and tasty dressings that are easy to make, and vegetables which are delightfully easy to make and lovely to view - be sure to review the spinach with green peas - have you ever? and the alvacado with shrimp and grapefruit with a super dressing ! I gave this book to my daughter and daugher-in-law for Christmas and could not wait to get home to order mine -enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Avowed Martha Stewart fans--and the rest of us, too--have cause to applaud. The Martha Stewart Living Cookbook, which marks the 10th anniversary of the magazine from which the book takes its name and 1,200 recipes, is a winner. A wide-ranging trove, it tackles with equal aplomb the basics--from fried chicken to apple pie--and "newer" dishes such as Roasted Eggplant and Red Pepper Soup, Veal Stew with Shallots and Wild Mushrooms, and Pistachio Gelato. Both daily cookbook and stylish culinary guide, Living should prove useful to cooks facing the what-should-we-have-for-dinner dilemma and those seeking delicious dishes for entertaining.

The book's 19 chapters cover every dish type. Ranging from hors d'oeuvres to desserts (there are three chapters on sweets, plus candy-making formulas), and including sections devoted to vegetarian main courses, salsas, sauces, and dips, Living's world-spanning dishes are imaginatively conceived and meticulously presented. A few standouts among many include Pappardelle with Osso Buco Sauce, Chunky Vegetable Potpie, and Ginger Pecan Cake. Also at hand are comprehensive ingredient and equipment glossaries; cooking tips and techniques; "101" recipes (basic formulas such as Omelet 101); extensive lists of food and equipment sources; and 32 pages of color photos. Like its parent publication, the book strikes just the right chord for those who want to cook along with Martha. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Reviews (33)

This is a nice collection.
I have to disagree with another reviewer here. Every recipe I have tried by M. Stewart and her staff has always turned out well. This book is a nice collection of the recipes from the TV series. I made her mom's meatloaf, it was easy and my family thought it was very good. For Martha skeptics, check this book out of the library first, as I did, then purchase it once you find out what a good cookbook it is!

Impress your dinner guests and family
I purchased this book being a fan of Martha's TV show, but afraid that the recipes may be too complex and time-consuming for me (a 20-year old beginning homemaker). I was also expecting that many dishes would call for extra trips to the grocery store for exotic ingredients I would rarely have on hand. As it turns out, most of the recipes can be prepared with a few staple pantry items and really don't take much time at all. However, for those of you who want a few unique, impressive dishes to add to your dinner party menu, you'll find those in this book as well. The book is also appealing to the eye and looks great on any bookshelf or in the kitchen. For the beginner or the family's favorite cook, this book will be used over and over and it's recipes will become favorites not only of yours but of the others who taste them. By using this cookbook alone, I have improved my cooking and baking skills more than I thought possible in a month. I highly reccomend this cookbook for anyone.

Mixed Results from Recipes
I have had mixed results from this cookbook.

For desserts: The white cake is a disaster-much to dry. The apple pie is okay. The chocolate desserts come out better.

For entrees: The cookbook has greater success when the recipes are basic. The risotto is wonderful, very creamy and cheesy. The meatballs came out okay.

I wouldn't recommend purchasing this cookbook for a novice cook. There are often difficult-to-find ingredients or unusual preparations.

Fruitcake Lovers Unite!
I love fruitcake and I have sampled so many recipes that my friends call me Dr. Fruitcake! Martha Stewart's recipe is the greatest! It's more than just fruit and nuts loaded with rum. It has body, and character. No holiday table should be without this recipe and several others featured in this fine book.

James H. McGavran

This Is Not Very Good Cookbook - Too Hard
I prefer the How to Be a Domestic Goddess: Baking and the Art of Comfort Cooking, Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook, The Low-Carb Comfort Food Cookbook. ... 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

Amazon.com

Like Julia Child, Jacques Pépin offers readers delectable French-based recipes while teaching vital, confidence-building techniques. Jacques Pépin Celebrates is another winning signature venture that offers 200 recipes with terrific color-photo-illustrated techniques. Containing largely updated recipes from Pépin's out-of-print Art of Cooking, and the companion to his eponymous public television series, the book provides formulas for a wide range of celebratory as well as everyday dining occasions. This is not a resource for last-minute cooking, but one that rewards cooks not only with great food, but with the tools they need to expand their repertoires gloriously.

Organized in chapters from soups to sweets, "Celebrations" offers both single-dish recipes, such as Salmon in Sorrel Sauce, and "multi-dish" main-course specialties, including Venison Steaks with Black Current Sauce, Chestnut Purée in Zucchini Boats, and Cranberry Relish. Homey dishes abound, and readers will want to make the likes of Cocotte Veal Shanks, Gratin of Butternut Squash, and Ham Georgia with Peach Garnish. A detailed section on bread making yields such treasures as Black Pepper Bread with Walnuts, while two dessert chapters offer such delights as Chocolate-Orange Tart with Candied Orange Peels, Caramel Snow Eggs, and Mocha Success Cake. With the step-by-step photos, which treat subjects as diverse as pan lining and pepper peeling; useful asides by Pépin's daughter and colleague, Claudine; and instructive commentary throughout, the book is another Pépin hit. --Arthur Boehm ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Excellent book...
Lucky owners of Pepin's "The Art of Cooking, vol. 1, 2", La Technique" and "La Methode" (the latter two now in "Complete Techniques") will recognize many of the recipes and techniqes in "Jacques Pepin Celebrates". This is not a replacement for those (or other) books. It is, however, his most general book to date in terms of mixing techniques and recipes. An avid reader of Pepin will also recognize how some techniques and recipes have evolved and improved since the early 70s.

Many techniques are illustrated with step-by-step photographs, while recipes are mostly made up of illustrative descriptions accompanied by a photo of the dish. Not only does Pepin tell you what to do and how to do it, he also tells you _why_ to do it from a rational and scientific perspective. This is something that is hard to find in most cookbooks. Some recipes also have different techniques or ingredients listed, or even several versions depending on what you want to do and how much time you have on your hands. For example, there are three different versions of how to make puff-pastry.

Each recipe (appetizers, main courses and deserts) is included in a suggested menu, accompanied by suggested wines. Most of the wines are readily available anywhere in the US. There are also enjoyable tidbits of information and thoughts in between recipes by Jacques and his daughter, Claudine.

"Jacques Pepin Celebrates" is a carefully planned and beautifully designed book. You will greatly enjoy it even if you own most of Pepin's previous books. If you only own one or two of them, this is almost a must!

Jacques Pepin's Greatest Hits. Familiar, but still Great
Jaques Pepin may be unique among American culinary figures, as he is both a widely recognized master chef who is also a leading culinary educator to both professionals at the French Culinary Institute and to laymen through many books and PBS series. He is also closely connected to American culinary aristocracy by association with Julia Child, Craig Claiborne, and Pierre Franey, with whom he worked for many years. One small sign of his renown is that when he happened to appear on the Rocco DiSpirito reality show, 'The Restaurant', both Rocco and the executive chef of the restaurant literally fell over one another to show Jaques their regard for his work.

This volume, 'Jaques Pepin Celebrates' is, in many ways, the album of a live show of his greatest hits, where recipes and techniques from many earlier books are reprised, with new arrangements. This means the value of the book to you will directly depend on how many other of Pepin's books you already have and how much you specifically like his take on cooking. In other words, how big a Jaques Pepin fan are you?

The 26 episodes in the PBS series on which this book is based are based on menus for major holidays and other special occasions. The material in the book, however, is very wisely organized around the traditional French cuisine headings of 'Stocks and Soups', 'Eggs', 'Shellfish and Fish', 'Poultry and Game', 'Meat', 'Appetizers, Salads, Side Dishes', 'Breads', 'Pastries', and 'Cakes and Desserts'.

There are simple recipes in this book, especially some of the famous French egg and salad recipes, but a large number of the recipes here are relatively complicated. That is not the same as being difficult. As Jaques very honestly states, the bread recipes in the book are relatively straightforward, but achieving a superior result is very difficult, because so much depends on subtleties in your flour, environmental conditions, and oven. Jaques is a better than average source of knowledge on bread baking and pastries, but I would suggest you read what he has to say on the matter and get books by baking specialists such as Nick Malgieri, Flo Braker, Sherry Yard, or Rose Levy Beranbaum to guide you through these subtleties.

Unlike books by other major chefs such as Daniel Boulud on cooking for entertaining, Pepin's dishes are almost all standards of the French cuisine. There is very little here which was not cooked in France fifty or more years ago. This is entirely in keeping with this being a 'greatest hits' book. A consequence of this selection is that the book offers superior recipes for dishes such as cassolet, leg of lamb, pastry encrusted baked fish, roasted chicken, blinis with caviar, and galantines, mousses, and pates which are very familiar to a large number of people, especially to the foodies among your friends and acquaintances.

Like other very good culinary writers such as James Beard, Julia Child, Shirley Corriher, and Tom Colicchio, you must weigh every word, as there is no telling when the next sentence will contain an important tip on culinary technique, such as the little device of rolling hard boiled eggs around in the pot after cooking to crack the shells then cover with cool water to improve ease of peeling the eggs when they cool down. This attention to detail that is so thrilling to find is also so disappointing when you find obvious little mistakes in well respected writers work. There are no disappointments here.

With a list price of $40, this is Jaques' coffee table book that you can get to join your other big volumes from Eric Rippert, Thomas Keller, and Jeremiah Tower. In keeping with the celebratory theme, the menus include many wine recommendations, many of which are somewhat fussy, but for all of which Jaques freely allows any reasonable substitution of a wine with similar affinities. Not being a major wine fan, I found the wine suggestions very easy to overlook.

Pepin is the gold standard for active American culinary writers. There is practically no room for arguing with his technique and recipes. So, the issue with this book comes down to how well you like French recipes and how many Pepin books do you already own.

My personal opinion is that this is not his most valuable volume. For pure technique, I think the 'Complete Techniques' volume offers a lot more culinary wisdom for the money. And, I think the 'Julia and Jaques Cook at Home' volume offers much more entertainment for the money. So, I would rate this third after these volumes. This is no reflection on the PBS TV series, it is only an evaluation of the book. If you loved the series and wish to preserve these memories, get the book. It will not disappoint you. The book is certainly a lot better than his quick cooking, economic cooking, and healthy cooking titles, as these smack of being titles prepared to ride current trends in cookbooks. Although, Pepin does have special credentials for fast cooking recipes, as his partner, Pierre Franey was a long time expert on the subject.

Highly recommended if you are a big Pepin fan, like to cook to entertain, or have no other books by Pepin.

Freedom
As a budding foodie, I have watched this excellent PBS series many times. This last run through I noticed something that completely freed my perfectionist cooking tendencies. It's just amazing watching Pepin at work. He's excellent but certainly not always precise or perfectionist. A little of this, a bit of that, or a pan a little too hot has all shown me that good cooking is like what a great artist told me once. "Being a good artist has nothing to do with perfection. It's just a long series of covering up your mistakes." Having the companion book to the series has helped me tremendously to lighten up and have fun. This book is filled with great recipes, many of which can be customized to your personal tastes. The photos are an excellent teaching tool and reference. Start with good quality ingredients, have everything prepared and ready to go, follow along in the book and have great time. This book has been worth every penny.

Wonderful bread recipes
After living overseas and in SanFranciso, I moved to the Southwest and was unable to buy the European breads I was used to eating; then I discovered this book. The bread recipes are very simple to prepare, and my family and friends just love them. If you love wonderful bread and don't have alot of time to bake, these are the recipes for you!

Chef in training
My uncle sent me this book out of the blue and when I received it I was thrilled. I have been cooking most of my life and over the last several years have become more adventurous. This book has many wonderful recipes of which there are ingredients I can't get at the local grocery store. It gives me a reason to shop gourmet. I have made it my goal to make every recipe in this book. I am especially looking forward to making the Stuffed Salmon in Flaky Dough. It looks quite impressive. ... Read more

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 (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

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

Get the advice you'll need to plan a memorable graduation party. Written by parents who have recently survived a senior's year this 94-page "how to" guide will help you create a party without all the stress. It includes ideas that will save you money when it comes to menu planning, decorating, personalizing invitations, buying gifts and much more. Helpful schedules, budgets, to-do lists, must do ideas and lots of other tips are included. This second edition includes advice on prom activities and school sponsored all-night lock in parties. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Sound, Sensible, Straightforward Advice
The book is a WINNER and a welcome relief to a Neanderthal party giver such as myself. When I think what I put my son through two years ago for his high school graduation, I cringe inwardly and ask the heavens for forgiveness. But life is made for second chances and my daughter is graduating from high school in a couple of months (June 2001).

My communications with my strong-willed seventeen-year-old daughter can become, even with the best of intentions, an unfortunate "tug of war." By following the authors' advice in the section titled "Don't Forget the Guest of Honor," this book has already paid great dividends. Within fifteen minutes of asking my daughter the questions suggested by Ginger and Mary in this section, I had a clear and concise idea of the type and size of celebration she would enjoy and, miraculously, not a single frustrated word was said between us. My daughter seemed genuinely pleased with the thoughtfulness of my questions as well as some of my ideas. The fact that the questions and ideas came from "Graduation: Celebrate with Style!" shall remain my secret - I plan to take full credit for everything and bask in my daughter's good feelings. Using the SOUND, SENSIBLE, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE given by Ginger and Mary in "Graduation: Celebrate with Style!" I am confident that my daughter's graduation celebration will be memorable and appreciated by the guest of honor

One warning to readers - do not read the book before going to bed. I got so excited thinking of ideas for my daughter's graduation celebration that I had a hard time falling asleep.

Graduation: Celebrate with Style!
This book gave me lots of great ideas! I'm actually excited about planning my party now, instead of being anxious. It answered lots of questions in an easy-to-read format. Thanks, Mary & Ginger!

Great Guide for ANY kind of Party!
I found this book very helpful for many special event parties! The ideas, tips and guidelines are useful for all social gatherings. I am using it now for a wedding celebration. The book is also a GREAT gift to give other parents.

An "easy to read" little book
A wonderful guide for throwing "just the right" graduation party. A book full of ideas that will make that special day "shine"!

successful graduation party planner
This book will help you customize your party to your graduates and yuor specific needs, lots of good ideas,quick and easy to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Introducing a brand new and truly exciting healthy cookbook to the promotional market-at a great price! This beautiful hardcover, written by the dynamic author of the very successfully Trim & Terrific(tm) cookbook series, is a complete guide to cooking for company and planning a party-while eating on the light side. Expert at creating user-friendly recipes tailored to the busy, health conscious consumer, Holly Clegg provides simple and stylish decorating suggestions and tips for advance preparation. From a sumptuous but streamlined spring brunch buffet with Shrimp and Cheese Grits Casserole and Baked Praline Orange French Toast to a barbecue bash with Glazed Chicken, Roasted Potato Salad, and Pasta Coleslaw, these are recipes that make special occasion cooking seem simple and health-wise, as well as delicious. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fantatistic party planning--the easy way!!
This is a great book. I have it on my coffee table because the photographs are so beautiful but it holds the secret to making yourself look like a party planner and a cook without difficulty. The menu suggestions make entertaining a pleasant experience and the Mexican Fiesta is my favorite. However, I am going to use Holly Clegg's ideas for my Superbowl Party in January to impress my guests and family. This is really a "MUST" for every kitchen. You will make a lasting impression! ... Read more

Book Description

Tired of tofu?Sick of salad?REVOLT! Eat What You Want and Die Like a Man will put you back in touch with your Inner Hog.

This collection of humor essays by Miami-area writer Steve H. Graham contains about two dozen recipes that are as deadly as they are delicious.

Learn to make treats such as yeast-raised doughnuts deep-fried in lard, chicken-fried ribeye on a giant bacon-grease biscuit, coconut flan with seven egg yolks, five-hundred-calorie brownies, and hash-brown Yukon Gold casserole with cheese and over a pint of sour cream.

This book should come with a Biohazard decal!

Reviews (11)

Genius
I was one of those privileged to proofread this book before it went to print and my wife has not yet forgiven me for the night of sleep I deprived her while I convulsed and cackled with laughter, unable to put this down.

Remember the classic "The Joy of Cooking"? Well, the diet police have sucked the life and joy out of food and "joy" is not the first word that comes to mind anymore. We don't eat just for nutrition or else we'd reduce the process to eating bland squares of "processed food". No, as a species, we have the of a working tongue with which to savor really great food. Steve gives easy-to-read and easy-to-make recipes and infuses his recipes with an unapologetic male attitude.

More than a cookbook, but more practical than just humor, you'll probably need to replace your grease-stained copy annually. Eat What You Want and Die Like A Man will be re-read, quoted and used regularly.

Buy it, read it, and after you catch your breath and wake up from a delicious food coma, you will be buying copies for friends and family.

Delicious Food & Harsh Non-PC Humor
I wrote this horrible book. Amazon took down the reviews my readers were kind enough to post, so I'm starting over.

This is a collection of humor essays, but each one features a really fantastic and unhealthy recipe, like chicken-fried ribeye on a Frisbee-sized biscuit with cream gravy. It also contains the world's most decadent brownie recipe (540 calories each).

It also has recipes for things like coconut flan, chocolate flan, and yeast-raised doughnuts fried in lard.

I hope you enjoy it.

Oh--the brownie recipe is missing the words "1 cup all-purpose flour." So that explains why you keep getting fudge.

Funniest book in years!
Steve Graham has outdone himself with this book. It is definitely the funniest book I've read in years; it had me laughing out loud, in public. Definitely don't ruin it by reading while eating... spraying food is really not pleasant.

Graham takes off anything approaching a PC-glove and just rips lose. When he comes across a sacred cow, he simply grills it.

The recipies are terrific. There are plenty of them--even more on his weblog "Hog on Ice"--and they all pretty much work as advertised. Your cardiologist won't love them, but your organ bank just might.

Warning, you can also die laughing!
"WARNING!!! THIS BOOK IS A CHOKING HAZARD!! DO NOT READ WHILE EATING. It is hilarious. And the recipes, should I ever get around to trying them, look like the greatest thing since Mom's. (or mine)".

Get it!
Great recipes, and some seriously funny writing.

Fattening food and annoying social commentary, with a ticked-off-looking pig on the cover; what more can you ask for? ... 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

Amazon.com

This is the book that launched an empire. Martha Stewart's Entertaining was the world's first exposure to the doyenne of domestication. Entertaining offers recipes and menus for a number of different parties, including wedding receptions, afternoon teas, and a sumptuous Christmas dessert buffet. The book is lavishly illustrated, and much attention is paid to the dishes' presentation as well as their preparation. Even if you use it only as a springboard for your own party planning, Martha Stewart's Entertaining will provide fodder for many a celebration. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

This book is a staple in my kitchen.
I bought my first copy of Entertaining in 1984 when I still lived in a house large enough to give big parties. It worked for me then, and it still works for me years later now that I've downsized my life.

I guess I'd have to call this book "art" if one relies on words such as inspiring and beautiful to define art. For instance, one of my favorite recipes is the Iced Lemon Souffle. It is a light, tart, refreshing end to a heavy meal and there are rave reviews each time I serve it. I've served it in a clear bowl like a trifle with raspberry puree and I've used it as an emergency pie filling in a frozen, store-bought pie shell (forgive me, Martha). Either way, I was inspired to try new things by this very useful book.

Inspiration for bored homemakers
This book is a staple in my kitchen. Do I cook all the upscale, gourmet recipes? I'd love to say yes, but in all honesty I haven't the time! I *have* tried the sugar cookies, and they went over well with my three little boys! The reason I love this book is that I can read a bit, look at the lovely pictures, and gain fresh inspiration to make my little home a lovelier place. Also, for any Martha-phile, this book is a good place to peek inside Martha's life and hear her thoughts for more than just a five minute segment on her show.

A Classic, Martha at her best.
This book was published over 20 years ago. It is the foundation of Martha Stewart's reputation, the starting point of her magazine, TV shows, and Kmart product line. The book is worthy of that reputation, as I am hard pressed to think of how any book could do a better job at its chosen task.

I chose to review this old, now classic volume because I recently reviewed two new books on entertaining menus and I felt I could not do the subject justice without consulting the established authority on the subject. I also felt compelled to visit this book because in spite of Martha's well-publicized problems, I have believed she is very good at what she does. Her success is not built on hype, marketing, or fluff. This book demonstrates that fact.

As pointed out by a recent biographer, Christopher Byron, in the book 'Martha, Inc.', Stewart has largely invented her persona of talented amateur who happens to be very good at classic 'homemaking' tasks. This 'handmade' aspect of her character comes through in all her works, and it is not seen as phoniness or pretend knowledge. I believe it is seen as an attitude of 'Look, even I, an untrained (fill in what you will) can do this. You can too.' In fact, on one of her TV shows, Martha says her job is really 'learning fast' from experts. She constantly praises and quotes from genuine experts such as Julia Child without assuming any credit for having the smarts to have borrowed from such a well-recognized source. In decorating, a constant theme is doing clever things with inexpensive materials to achieve a 'Wow' effect. Many of her recommendations can lead one to a fairly hefty price tag, but then, you are foolish if you plan a party for 12 or 24 or 48 or 100 and wish to have it come off well, and not expect a pretty sizable cost. Stewart's first priority is for you to succeed. And, for her, success, is that you please your guests and have fun yourself. She succeeds in providing ample materials for doing that. Her second priority is to be smart in finding economical solutions, such as in hiring help for both wait staff and musical entertainment.

The talented amateur persona is entirely genuine. The best thing about her Food Network show is not what she does, but the quality of her guests and what they can do. That did not stop her from assembling a first rate book with professional grade instruction in some very important cooking and baking skills. There are, for example, exceptionally well done full page illustrated tutorials on making pie crusts, making French bread, creating wedding bouquets, building a gingerbread mansion, and creating a crudite platter. The general quality of these instructions surpasses most features in her magazine and rival step by step instructions by Jacques Pepin.

One may think that if Martha is copying recipes from Julia Child, why not simply get 'Mastering the Art of French Cooking' and be done with it. This would work if you had the time, as Martha did, to work your way through this book and pick out those recipes which fit various occasions. I may also note that while they are true classics of cookbook writing craft, Julia Child's recipes are not for the novice. Martha succeeds in making the recipes she has chosen much more accessible to the inexperienced cook. This is not to say Martha Stewart expects a homemaker with average kitchen skills will actually prepare meals for 12, let alone 100. Her recommendations are as much a means of preventing caterers from pulling the wool over the client's eyes as they are recipes for the solo chef. Realistically, for the self-catered party, the recipes are source materials with the bonus that it gives recipes, which work well together by look and by taste.

One important aspect of this work which the prospective reader cannot forget is that this is NOT 'Entertaining Lite'. This is how to go the full nine yards without breaking the bank. If there is a trade off between quality and economy, quality wins. The heart of the tutorial on how to entertain is a detailed lesson on how to plan and check preparations.

I am certain wrote much of the material in the book, but I am also sure that she had a lot of professional help from Clarkson Potter layout artists and her credited photographers in the design of the book. Whatever the source, the outcome is worthy of the classic mantle which has been given to the book. It is a worthy standard by which to judge other books on similar subjects. While over a dozen different photographers contributed pictures and most are simply good, the overall effect is excellent. The layout staff really earned their money.

In spite of the battalion of assists Martha must have had in putting this book together, she constantly maintains the illusion that she is personally guiding you through the details by having many scenes photographed at her house and her events with her family members and heirlooms on center stage most of the time. This point of view is familiar to anyone who has read her magazine with its schedule of things Martha will be doing this month.

Be sure to buy the paperback edition of the book published in 1998 as the original hard cover edition published in 1982 would not have the Internet web sites for the Sources.

Regardless of Martha's reported corrosive persona 'off camera' and her allegedly illegal dealings, she knows how to throw a good party and she succeeds at passing that information on to you.

Highly recommended.

Martha Stewart's first and best
As a neighbor of Martha Stewart's in the charming town of Westport, Connecticut, I have had the pleasure of being invited into her home several times. Granted, that ended around the time she became so well-known, but Martha is a truly wonderful woman who is an encyclopedia of entertainment know-how. Fortunately for the rest of the world, this book is *the* next best thing to having Martha in the kitchen and at the party with you. Creative recipies, table settings, and other ideas which help to enhance the environment of any party- large or small.

I feel that this book should be a part anyone's home library who can appreciate the fine art of entertaining and wishes to take their gatherings and functions to the next level.

A dreadful book by a dreadful woman
I used this book for a lavish party at my home and the results were terrible. Save your money! ... Read more

Amazon.com

With more than 1,600 recipes,there's something for every palate in this handsomely-designed and sturdy cookbook by the author of 11 best-selling books on cooking, entertaining, gardening and home improvement. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Martha Stewart's Cook Book is a "Good Thing"
This Marth Stewart's best book to date. I found the cookbook to be not only interesting but very useful as well. Since it contains all of the recipes found in her other cooking and entertaning books, it helps to save your money. In the book Martha teches you to make a variety of different meals which can be served at various events: from your daily breakfast and lunch to your wedding feast and cake. The book also introduces you to quite a few marvolous tasting dishes, which you may or may not have tried before

Bland yet delicious
This book is a compilation of several of Martha Stewart's popular cookbooks. Apart from a few illustrations such as rolling puff pastry and splitting pea pods, The Martha Stewart Cookbook is devoid of visual stimulation and, therefore, perhaps not suited to the inexperienced cook. But once you delve into the book and try some recipes, you realize what value for money you have in this 600 page tome with literally a hundred recipes to choose from for each course, all concise yet clearly explained. This book is a wonderful resource for traditional North American cooking. ranging from chowder to glazed ham to devil's food cake.

Awesome!!!!!!!
I use this book almost exclusively....despite Martha's latest shinanagins. I call it the "Bible". I rely on this cookbook! Please do not buy anything else. She makes every recipe simple and small, easy to follow. This cookbook makes the amateur into a pro!!!!!!!!

The Martha Stewart Cookbook: Collected Recipes for Every Day
This is best cookbook!!! The recipes are easy and taste great. I love that most of the ingredients needed, I ususally have in my pantry.

A Staple for Every Kitchen
I cook many times a week, sometimes everyday. Whenever I need a solid, tested and correct recipe, I definitely turn to this cookbook. I am also a collector of cookbooks and believe me this is one you need on your shelf. I have tried basic and complicated items and all have been wonderful. If you need pictures this is not the cookbook for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With a client list that ranges from corporate heavyweights MorganStanley and Marriott Hotels to style-setters Tommy Hilfiger and Kenneth Cole toElton John and the Prince of Wales, David Tutera's party-planning prowess isindisputable. A Passion for Parties, his first book, reveals the secretsof the Tutera touch, so now partiers of all stripes can benefit from hisdecadent aesthetic. In 10 chapters that cover everything from choosing the dateand the invitation to design concepts and the icing on the cake, Tutera distillshis years of creating gloriously unrestrained events into practical advice forartful entertaining.

Whether planning an intimate dinner for four, a formal wedding, a New Year's Evegala, or a Memorial Day clambake, the key to a successful party is, of course,passion. Tutera addresses the basics of organizing and hosting various types ofparties, and throughout shares colorful anecdotes and "Tutera Tips" that varyfrom the obvious ("If you use open flame candles, make sure you keep the flameaway from flowers, tablecloths, and other flammable materials") to theconscientious ("Leftover food from your event can be donated to a local homelessshelter soup kitchen"). Menu ideas, flower arrangements, table settings, andmore are discussed in detail, and photographs from Tutera's occasionsdemonstrate his special flair and provide plenty of inspiration. If Martha's tooNew England and Colin Cowie too L.A., Tutera's touch could be just right foryou. --Rebecca Wright ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Glamour and Fun
This book can be used for any type of entertaining from the most glamourous to outrageous fun! You really get the feeling that anything is possible when it comes to planning a party and that the more unique it is, the better you feel as a host and the more your guests are likely to come back for the next one. David Tutera's creativity is inspiring. I love the Tutera Tips. Decorating for the holidays and planning my next party have a whole new meaning!

Fantastic Book
I usually do not review items, but this book, A Passion for Parties, I felt I had to. I saw David on "The View" several times and decided to order his book. I am sure glad I did.

This is one book I have absolutely enjoyed from page 1. David gives great advice for planning an event. He covers all the finest details on throwing a party from invites right down to how much liquor to order according to your guest count.

He also adds humorous stories from his experiences in the industry and very informative tips throughout the length of the book.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who throws a party. I can only hope that Mr. Tutera is working on another book to keep me updated on the latest trends.

Designer's book is a flop
Being heavily involved in producing large events, I would have expected a much better book. The ideas offered were mediocre at best. Better you focus on decor ideas by companies such as Avi Adler or Preston Bailey (their work is of better quality) and consult real caterers for food. Both Avi & Preston are much more creative and versatile than anything offered in this book. I can tell you this from first hand experience.

All About Working With Party Planners
I expected a book on how to plan your own parties, nice doable tips - not at all what this book is about. If you want tips on hiring a party planner or other party services, this is for you. If you like to do things yourself, ie. cook, plan, decorate, look elsewhere.

Fabulous!
This book is great!

It offers many helpfull suggestions for anyone who isnt sure how to throw their next party.

The tutera tips are great, they are straight to the point, and even have some humor.

The photography is spectacular, I wish I could do what he does...I look forward to another great book by David Tutera! ... 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