Friday, December 12, 2008

Perfect Recipes for Having People Over or 500 All Time Great Recipes

Perfect Recipes for Having People Over

Author: Pamela Anderson

Having your friends over is no big deal when you have the perfect recipe, one that's not only foolproof but simple and that fits into your hectic schedule. In her new cookbook, Pam Anderson shares nearly 200 perfectly convenient dishes, including

* Lacy Cheddar Crisps -- An irresistible one-ingredient hors d'oeuvre, ready in 10 minutes.

* Oven-Barbecued Pork -- Slow-cooked for 10 to 12 hours. You literally make this one in your sleep.

* Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese -- When kids are coming, why not serve the best version of their favorite?

* Shish Kebabs -- Satisfy every guest, from vegetarians to carnivores, in the same meal. Six exciting flavoring pastes offer all the variety you need.

* Easy Baked Risotto -- Elegant and effortless, with many sumptuous variations, including seafood and vegetarian. You socialize while it cooks.

* Orange-Glazed Asparagus -- One of the most versatile side dishes imaginable. Ready in 8 relaxed minutes.

* Molten Chocolate Cakes -- 15 minutes to oozy decadence.

Every recipe comes with helpful suggestions on what to serve with the dish, how to vary it, how to take shortcuts, and how to make it ahead.

Publishers Weekly

Anderson revives the art of entertaining in this unthreatening collection of simple but elegant dishes, following her successful The Perfect Recipe (which won a Julia Child Award), Cooksmart and How to Cook Without a Book. She focuses on moderately easy, stick-to-your-ribs, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be made in bulk (for up to 20 people). Categorizing her recipes by occasion, she offers dishes like Buttermilk-Honey Fried Chicken Fingers, or Sausage and White Bean Soup for an informal "Kitchen Gathering," and Easy Baked Risotto, and Butter-Roasted Lobster Tails for ooh-la-la blowouts "In the Dining Room." For an "Outdoor Affair," Shish Kebabs and Sear-Ahead Steaks or Salmon do nicely, while "Breakfast for Company" consists of dishes like Orange Cream Cheese Strata with Cranberries and Walnuts. Recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, breads, desserts and even drinks fill in the gaps, while Anderson helpfully answers anticipated questions for each recipe: When should I serve it? Any shortcuts? How far ahead can I make it? What should I serve with it? What about leftovers? Throughout, Anderson's easygoing tone and reassuring attitude will relax any nerve-jangled host or hostess. This is not a book for master chefs, certainly, but it delivers solid dishes sure to impress the average dinner party crowd. Photos. (Sept. 14) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

The art of formal entertaining has gone the way of the typewriter, and Anderson has capitalized on the idea of entertaining without the white tablecloth and best china. In her latest book-not to be confused with her previous Perfect Recipe: Getting It Right Every Time-she offers 200 recipes from entr es to desserts. Most are easy to make; some require guest participation, such as shish kebabs, with a variety of ingredients for all tastes. The book begins with main courses since they will dictate the accompaniments. Each recipe has a question section-e.g., "Any Shortcuts?" "What Should I Serve with It?" "How Far Ahead Can I Make It?" There are many familiar dishes like macaroni and cheese and deviled eggs, but readers will also encounter innovative recipes, e.g., Couscous with Chick Peas and Carrots and Tortilla Sundaes with Minted Mango Salsa. It is evident that Anderson, a former executive editor of Cook's Illustrated and a columnist for USA Weekend, has adjusted recipes to make things as simple as possible. Recommended for libraries serving patrons who like to cook and "entertain."-Christine Bulson, SUNY at Oneonta Lib. Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.



See also: Joy of Cooking or Hungry Scientist Handbook

500 All-Time Great Recipes

Author: Anness Publishing Ltd

500 photographs--every recipe beautifully pictured in its finished form to guarantee best results every time

Delicious recipes for soups; first courses; fish and seafood; poultry and game; meat; vegetarian dishes ; pasta, pizzas and grains; vegetables and salads; hot dessert; and cold desserts

Traditional favorites, innovative new ideas, and classic dishes from around the world

All recipes are tested simple to follow and easy to use--results are guaranteed first time, every time



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