Abigail Kirsch

Grrrr, yet another cookbook with photos in the center, and only EIGHT (8) at that! The book is printed on plain beige paper, with more than one recipe on a page, which makes for a recipe split on to two different pages (Grrrr). This was so difficult for me to read, that I am not including my usual sampling of recipes.

Each menu includes a one page dissertation and a time-table: 2-3 days before; Day before; Day of; 15 minutes before guests; 45 minutes before dinner; Just before dinner; Dinner service; Dessert service; After service. Recipe titles are a large script, ingredients are a small script and instructions are a plain font, which I need to use my tri-focal to read. At the end of each recipe is a "Finishing touches & table presentation".

After the Acknowledgments is the contents which I found very difficult to read, as it was also printed in a plain thin script........ Chapters are broken down into 2-4 menus. Contents are as follows:

PART ONE:
I Love Planning Parties!
Lessons from a lifetime of entertaining
Eight great events
What works?
Game plans for a winning party

PART TWO (sections & menus):
The Simplicity & Intimacy of Casual Dinners: 1. A warming welcome for visiting friends 2. A savory seduction on Sadie Hawkins Day 3. An end of summer seafood spree 4. A taste of Paris w/ Gertrude Stein

The Drama & Celebration of Formal Dinners: 1. A king of roasts for a beef-loving boss 2. Fancy flourishes on your first anniversary 3. A storybook supper w/ a touch of spice 4. a vegetarian celebration for a new generation

The Bounty and Beauty of Buffet Dinners: 1. A fancy Easter w/ a Mediterranean flavor 2. an old fashioned country feast at the family reunion 3. An Italian buffet for the festival of festivals 4. A graduation celebration w/ Asian sizzle

The Spark and Spice of Grilling Parties: 1. Scintillating fare before the fireworks 2. A midsummer night's dream ...of steak 3. southern comfort on an August afternoon

The Warmth and Comfort of Family Dinners: 1. Sunday afternoon at my house 2. Making Mom's day w/ Italian delights 3. Turkey w/ a twist when the crowd comes home

The Bright Feeling and Fresh Flavors of Brunch: 1. A merry buffet for Christmas morning 2. sundays in the kitchen w/ friends 3. Father knows best: a slightly formal brunch

The Energy and Informality of Hors d'Oeuvre Parties: 1. St. Patricks day dinner by the bite 2. Small delicacies for a big business occasion

The Luscious Indulgence of Dessert Parties: 1. Showering the bride-to-be w/ sweet sensation 2. The team takes over the ice cream counter

Basics of Beverage Service (and a Few Delicious Drinks)

Appendix 1: Garnishes; Appendix 2: Kitchen equipment; Appendix 3: Table settings & Index

This is another book (29.95) that is not worth the price, and is for larger collections......

Now I know why this was in the FOL Booksale!… (mehr)