Editorial Review

"As a chef," says Michael Chiarello in Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Success!
Am an admitted Chiarello fan but also a serious, experienced cook.Found this new book to be as good as his last one.Love the pantry recipes - having these extras onhand make the ordinary extraordinary just like he promised.Best section is the side dishes.If you are looking for new dishes for your vegetables, this is a great source.Most are good enough to stand on their own and do in this carnivore's home frequently.If you like things just a little different - buy this book.The recipes are clear, the writing entertaining and your friends & family will be impressed!

Good recipes, beautiful photography and plenty of unique ideas on serving.
To be honest I don't watch many of Michael's shows but the book is beautiful and perfect for those who are constantly on the lookout for entertaining recipes and ideas.
WHERE does The Food Network get these people???
Michael Chiarello needs to stick with the non-Italian dishes because dude doesn't have a clue how to pronounce Italian nor, to compund the problem, does he know the reason why he cooks the Italian dishes.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    7. Southern style    8. Cooking / General    9. Etiquette & entertaining    10. General cookery   

Reviews (1)

Great source for appetizers and a nice read. Buy It.
`Big Small Plates' by northern California restauranteur / chef / cookbook writer, Cindy Pawlcyn, assisted by her restaurant co-owners and co-chefs, brothers Pablo Jacinto and Erasto Jacinto needs just a little explanation on its title and contents. The contradiction in the `Big Small' is explained by substituting `seriously delicious' for `Big' and `appetizers' or `hors `d'ourves' for `Small'. `Plates' obviously doesn't mean crockery, it meats a dish of food. Read more

Subjects:  1. Appetizers    2. Cookery    3. Cookery, International    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Entertaining - General    7. Methods - Quantity    8. General cookery   

Editorial Review

Warm and calmly authoritative, Lidia Bastianich has won the trust of many cooks, who also devour her TV shows and books including Read more

Reviews (22)

The desserts in particular are unlike anything I have ever tasted.
The desserts in particular are unlike anything I have ever tasted.
Great book and recipes.
I am a big fan of her show on PBS, I watch it every Saturday morning.I love her style of cooking and I love Italian cuisine so I decided to give it a try and purchased the book.I have tried many of her recipes in the book and although some of them are not to my liking others are just great.I do believe it is just a matter of taste.I like the way she has structured the book and the recipes are easy to follow.If you like Italian food this is a great book to have in your collection.

One of my favorites
I love her magazine and her cookbooks and view on life. Lidia rocks. Its like your grandmother telling you all the little things you need to know to be a great cook. Thanks Lidia...you rock!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, Italian    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Italian cooking    7. Regional & Ethnic - Italian    8. Cooking / Italian   

Reviews (7)

Good food!!
Regardless of what you think of the author(s), the true test (or proof) of a good cookbook is "in the pudding," so to speak.I have owned this cookbook since it came out here in the United States, and not only do I find it charming, I have had the opportunity to try many of the recipes.They have been received with rave reviews by friends and family.I find they are easy to read and follow.The ingredients have been readily available, and the taste, in a word "superb!"Buy it, you won't regret it.But you must take the time to use it, and see for yourself!

I want to live in the Lake House
I was so captivated by this house, the farm and the recipes.One can only imagine what it is like to live in such a beautiful place along side a lake, with your own vegetable garden and animal farm.This is my dream life! What a lucky woman.And it doesn't hurt that she's married to a rich sexy rock star that can write songs about their perfect life, play the guitar and sing to her. Ok, I'm officially a wee-bit jealous!

Just like the "Stings" to do something like this
Trudie and Stingy are hardly "self-sufficient" as the book description suggests. It's a euphemism for "wealthy." I wish *I* had a mansion and a bunch of acres to live in and grow organic food on. Then I could be as "self-sufficient" as these famous couple. This book is just an excuse for Sting's rich, bored housewife (or is it "actress" or "philanthropist" this week?) to display one of her ostentatious homes on a bookcover for the envy of all eyes that gaze upon it. I'd assume that the recipes contained within are as bland as Stings last two albums. (And no, this is not Stewart Copeland writing this review.) At least there isn't a picture of the Sting-peddling Jaguars and Microsoft products scattered about the country side. And by the way, aren't gas-guzzling luxury cars like Jaguars somehow contratictory to the ethos behind growing organic potatoes and Rainforest preservation? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Entertaining - General    4. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (112)

Great recipes, plus the science, with excellent organization
This is probably the best cookbook we own (and we own a lot of them).If you have ever read Cook's Illustrated magazine, you will know what to expect.The recipes have been developed painstakingly by the editors through experimentation (and they explain the process they use).It is comprehensive - it has every classic recipe I can think of and quite a few I wouldn't have.The ingredients are typically attainable in normal supermarkets and the techniques are explained along with the recipes, so you don't have to go searching.
Fantastic
Great cookbook, I love the methodology of their recipe testing and what the results of varying or substituting ingredients were.I suppose it's a kind of scientific cookbook for food geeks and I love it.

its pretty good......
this book is a good cook book. it has so many recipes in it... you can find anything. i have made about 10 recipes from this book and they were just okay. i expected them to be WONDERFUl, just because the book says that they have been tested again and again, but they were just so-so. but this book does have a TON of cool and useful information in it, and im in culinary school, and it has helped me to write so many papers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Methods - General    6. Reference    7. General cookery   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Dinners and dining    5. Food    6. Gastronomy    7. General    8. History    9. Cooking / Entertaining   

Editorial Review

The Silver Palate, a small but notable New York eatery, won several national awards and distributed their packaged goods to fine food stores across the country. Owners Julee Rosso & Sheila Lukins wrote Read more

Reviews (36)

Disappointing
Sorry guys, I looked forward to working on recipes from this cookbook due to the very enthusiastic reception it received from the media.The graphics of the book are truly beautiful.The recipes however, hmmm,try again.I followed a simple recipe for Apple Crisp and got a bad result.I now go to respected standard cookbooks for my Apple Crisp recipe and the old family favorite always turns out great.Really people, the recipes are NOT the stuff of greatness.Graphics? Great. Photography? Great?Recipes? You have got to be kidding
This cook book is awesome
I agree, if you own just one cookbook, this is the one. It has the best recipe ever for Potroast and cranberry bread. I'm finally beginning to explore other recipes b/c these two have been so good and I'm not the adventuresome type. I'm dieing to try the gorgonzola cheese tortellini as well as a few others. These women are awesome!

A True Classic
This has been my favorite cookbook for years and years.The recipes are wonderful and the illustrations and quotes are delightful.Forget the new cookbooks and buy this one.It's very charming. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. General    6. Methods - Professional    7. Cooking / General    8. General cookery   

Reviews (18)

Gorgeous coffee table book :)
I love to get this book out to just look at the beautiful pictures. Sometimes I use it for inspiration though. It is not really an instructional book per se. There are "directions" for making the cakes but you really have to be very experienced already.

Good Guide for Experienced Baker
Colette Peters is one of the world's best bakers and cake decorators.I purchased this book with that in mind.The book did not turn out to be what I thought it was going to be.I thought that it was going to teach you generalized ideas on cake decorating and how to create your own designs.This helps you a little, but it really is more about creating the design that is displayed in the book.The designs are open to personalization, which is good.A good thing about this book is that it includes a chart that tells you how manu people a cake will serve depending on the pan size and/or shape. It gives you the basic rules on cake tiering and design which is very helpful.Overall, this is a good book to purchase if you are really into baking and cake decoration.I would recommend it to people who are starting a business or aspire to be master bakers, open a bakery, etc.

Beautiful, beautiful book. Another Colette Peters must-have.
She just keeps getting better and better. Beautiful cakes with FRESH ideas that you can easily incorporate into your own creations. Great use of color, and wonderful new ideas for gumpaste, fondant and royal icing. Fabulous inspiration. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Baking - Confectionery    2. Cake decorating    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - Cakes    6. Entertaining - General    7. Methods - General    8. Cooking / Culinary Arts & Techniques    9. Food & Drink / Cookery   

Reviews (12)

Great history with medium depth on the cigar review
I really appreciated this book for the photography and the explanation of the manufacturing process. Del Todesco does a great job of walking the reader through the myriad processes of creating a puro. The only thing about this book that left me a little disappointed was the review of cigars in the back. It seems a little difficult to review a cigar in one sentence, especially cigars that are as complex as a Montecristo #2 or a Hoyo de Monterrey...but time and again, he sums up an otherwise world famous cigar as "suitable for a beginner" or "mild, not much to recommend about this cigar". It just struck me as odd to have a compilation as deep as what is presented in this book and then give the cigars an extremely indifferent and passing glance en masse. The first 130 pages were interesting no matter what level of aficianado you are...the encyclopedia could use a good second edition enhancement.

Great work. One of the "must haves."
I agree with Van55. (What else is new?!) This is a fantastic book. I bought my copy used through Amazon over a year ago, and I am still making reference to it. If you are a fan of quality Cuban cigars, you need this volume along with Min Ron Nee's work.In contrast to Min Ron Nee's book, this one has much more on the history and production of the cigars. The photos, many full page, are colorful and moving.
Excellent historical reference
I found this book at Amazon while searching for the second printing of "An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Post-Revolution Havana Cigars" by Min Ron Nee, that I understand is soon to be released for sale within the United States.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Cigar industry    3. Cigars    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Cuba    6. Entertaining - General    7. Havana    8. History    9. Industries - General    10. Manufacturing Industries (Economic Aspects)    11. Photo Essays    12. Photoessays & Documentaries    13. Sociology    14. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    15. Other manufacturing technologies   

Reviews (1)

Least Favorite of 4 Nell Hill Books
I own all the Nell Hill books and this is by far and away my least favorite. The parties described in the book are not special - and the pictures are less than impressive. There is nothing new in this book - and the information presented is not specific enough. I wish the table settings were described in great detail. There are few fun things - the ideas of having a "sip and see" party to welcome a new infant is fun - but the decorations are not. The Nell Hill family of shops are terrific - but this book is a disappointment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Parties    7. Party decorations    8. Popular Culture    9. Popular Culture - General    10. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (8)

Wow!A book that will give you confidence and make entertaining simple, yet sifisticated.
A great book, I loved how she organized the recipes according to what type of party you will be having. She also has entire party menu suggestions at the back. My party is in exactly one month, so I've already started trying the recipes out on my family. Everything I've tried so far has been wonderful. This book was such a score for me. I highly recommend. 5 BIG STARS!

The complete party planning guide
If what you are looking for is just a cookbook, then Perfect Party Food definitely provides that, with between 5-600 scrumptious recipes from which to choose. However, this is much more than just a cookbook!
ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS IN MY COLLECTION!
Spending my time in the kitchen while entertaining is not my idea of a good time.So when I saw this cookbook, I was anxious to purchase it and try the recipes!I have made several recipes in this book and they have all been excellent. The recipes are easy to follow, delicious and creative, with ingredients that I usually have in my pantry or are easily found at the store. The recipes feature a lot of fresh veggies, herbs and quality ingredients making the recipes fresh and healthy.There are not a lot of high fat, high salt ingredients called for. I love the fact that all of the recipes have steps that can be done in advance that will allow me to have most everything prepped and ready to go before company comes.I find myself referring to it over and over.Great find! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Make-ahead cookery    8. Tablesetting   

Editorial Review

"A good party is not about the food," says Ina Garten, "it's about the people." That may be true, but her Read more

Reviews (73)

The Best Cookbook!
This cookbook is absolutely fantastic.As are all of Ina Garten's books.I have cooked at least half of the recipes and they never fail to get rave reviews.The recipes use common ingredients which are easy to find and no fancy techniques are required.It is also nicely illustrated.Watch out though if you are "fat" conscious!Low-fat is not her style!

Not as good as her other books, but a good addition
I wouldn't start with this book -- I actually 'inherited' it from someone who didn't care for it. I like the recipes, but the book is laid out as a series of party menus, rather than desserts in one section, main dish in one section, etc. While I appreciate the menu suggestions (they are a big help, as I am sometimes stymied as to what to serve with what), I would rather see them listed in the back of the book, rather than have the book organized this way. Otherwise, the book is stellar.

Something out of the ordinary
I must disagree with some of the reviews that have placed this book at par or below. Ina hits it out of the park yet again with Barefoot Parties! It is true that you will not find your run of the mill "holiday" parties in here, but who needs more books on those types of parties? We need ideas and recipes for all of the months in between! Parties! delivers just that. First of all, the recipes work; every time. Secondly, Ina chooses menues that one might not associate with that particular get together. It's a refreshing book that you will use over and over again not only for parties but for every night of the week. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Parties    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Cooking / Entertaining    10. Etiquette & entertaining    11. General cookery   

Reviews (8)

The Party Planner
This book is a definite must have! Mr. Tutera covers everthing from invitations, to atmosphere and everything in between. His hints and tips can even make a novice look like an expert. It is easy to see why his parties are so memorable. He gives you everything you need to make your party a smashing sucess!

Can't wait to plan a party
The book's great and the idea's behind each party are wonderful. I love that a scent is included to enhance the atmosphere of the party.
Grain of salt
My questions on reading this book were, "who GOES to these parties?" and "who THROWS these parties?"If you can get your mind around those questions, the book is useful.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Decorating - General    5. Do-It-Yourself    6. Entertaining - General    7. Entertaining - Party Planning    8. General    9. Home Improvement / Construction    10. Home Management    11. Parties    12. Etiquette & entertaining    13. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (6)

I love this book
This book is so warm and inviting to me. I loved it so much that I bought it for my little sister, as well as myself. She loved it too. If you are a lover of the Autumn season, and I am, then you will also love this book, I am sure.

summer girl embraces autumn....with a little help.
I have to admit, I am a big fan of Susan Branch's books. There is something comforting about cracking open one of her new books and delving in. I don't know if it is the colorful, homey drawings, the short little asides about her family or her traditions, or if it is that the recipes are so easily made and delicious. I just love the books and "Autumn" is no exception.
Evocation of the Season in New England. Not just a cookbook
`Autumn' by Susan Branch at first appeared to me in its Amazon listing under newly published cookbooks to be simply a cookbook of dishes appropriate to Autumn produce. As you in the know about Susan Branch's series of `Heart of the Home' books chuckle over my misunderstanding, I have to shift gears and change the criteria by which I judge the book, as it is not intended to be only an Autumn produce cookbook, and at almost $30 list price, it is not worth the money as simply a seasonal cookbook.
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Subjects:  1. American Regional Cookery    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. Seasonal    7. Cooking / General   

Reviews (16)

Indispensable
I'm a private chef who occasionally caters specialty workshops.I appreciated all the information in this book.

Be an Instant Catering Star!
I enjoy cooking for 2 to over 20 people, and there can be so much to remember to have the entertaining/dining event turn out "just right".
This is THE book for party planning!
I am planning on catering my own wedding with the help of a acquintance who does catering on the side.I have been looking for books that could help me plan a meal for 200 people, but without cheesy boring recipes.The reason I'm doing the cooking is we wanted some original and tasty menu items without breaking the bank.I also needed some practical information on how to pull off cooking for a large crowd without going crazy.This book is it, and it's the only catering book I found that fit the bill.Every other book I found had recipes like chicken kiev and casseroles.Snore!Even if you're having 10 people to your home, you can't go wrong with the tips and techniques mentioned in this book.It gives ingredient quantities as well as fabulous recipes and tips.There are even decorating and presentation techniques as well along with ratios for stocking the bar.The writing is crisp and intelligent without being stuffy and dull.All in all, a great book.A must buy for anyone planning a dinner party to hosting a large reception. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Methods - General    7. Fiction / Romance / Historical    8. Methods - Quantity    9. Parties   

Reviews (3)

Charming!
This book is wonderful. I just love Draper's tone and conversational way of writing. She offers ideas for all budgets and lifestyles. Charmingly retro, with plenty of good advice for today's hostesses. I could not put it down.

THE housewarming gift for gay men
Not as important or famous as Draper's "Decorating is Fun," but her 1941 "Entertaining" book is still amusing, deserving a spot on your coffee table next to an old 1940s Emily Post Etiquette book (when is somone gonna get wise and issue reprints of THOSE?).
A fun & inspirational read
If you're looking for some new ideas, as well as a peek into entertaining during the 1940's, you'll find a lot to enjoy in this reprint of Dorothy Draper's charming guide to entertaining. With an emphasis on simple, unpretentious planning, I think it was quite ahead of its time. This might make a good hostess gift! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Home Improvement / Construction    7. House & Home    8. Interior decoration    9. Menus    10. Architecture / Interior Design    11. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (4)

A great book from ATK 2006!
I have recently become an enthusiast of America's Test Kitchen and watch the show on a regular basis.The material is not 100% brand spanking new but meant to be a companion to what is done on TV, specifically the 2006 series (no not 2003 like one reviewer wrote).
Makes me feel like a chef on TV
I made the "Pan-Seared Oven-Roasted Pork Tenderloin" with the Cherry Port Sauce.I impressed myself with my gourmet results.I even have tried the Cherry Port Sauce on some venison and the results were great.
Repeats
As in most books from Cooksillustrated recipes already appeared in their other publications - nothing new! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Courses & Dishes - General    5. Entertaining - General    6. Holiday - General    7. Methods - General   

Reviews (10)

A culinary wealth of many other delectable delicacies
A winner of the James Beard Foundation KitchenAid Book Awards, Savor The Moment: Entertaining Without Reservations is the collaborative effort by members of The Junior League of Boca Raton and a simply glorious guide to hosting a classy gathering, and featuring amazing, kitchen-tested recipes, advice for creating an enjoyable atmosphere, stunning color photographs, and more. Explicit instructions (with side advice for preparations that can be made in advance), make creating mouth-watering dishes such as Filet Mignon with Shallot Sauce; Tropical Island Shrimp; Caramel Drenched Cheesecake, and a culinary wealth of many other delectable delicacies, kitchen and dining room tasks easily within the means of any dedicated host or hostess.

Savor Your Guests
I love this cookbook. Because not only is it about cooking, but about entertaining as well. There are great menu suggestions and even decorating tips on making the occasion more enjoyable. For what it's worth..
A nice book but I would have liked it alot more if more of theRead more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    7. Cookbooks    8. Cookery   

Reviews (5)

Really Good!
The book is a good book in the sense of what the subject is:drinks for the preps.There was mention of what to "wear" and such, but it didn't get into that, look for other sources like the Preppy Handbook for that.Otherwise, a really good book, fun to read, recipes, and a great sense of humor!You can tell that the authors had fun writing this book.

Preppy memories, anyone?
To really appreciate a book about preppy drinking in the 80s, you had to have been a preppy drinker in the 80s!Reading TIM brought me right back to the days of drinking Tab & rum while pulling all-nighters in prep school and college...This is a PERFECT gift for a fellow preppy friend =D.

Booze for Blueboods
Most of this book is funny and dead-on accurate, however the appendixes on movies, music, and especially books were complete drivel.The excerpts from prep school brochures were a nice touch if somewhat random."Tipsy" is a good intro to drinking even if you're no fan of preppiness.Also, it makes a great companion to Lisa Birnbach's peerless "Official Preppy Handbook", which touched on alcohol but didn't go into the detail of "Tipsy". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages - Bartending    2. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    3. Cocktails    4. Cooking    5. Cooking / Wine    6. Entertaining - General    7. Cooking / General   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - General    4. Methods - General    5. Methods - Quick & Easy    6. Tablesetting    7. Cooking / Quick & Easy