Desperate Gourmet

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: Lois Schenck combines humor, practicality, and scrumptious recipes in her book, The Desperate Gourmet. Her Authentic Hawaiian Curry recipe left my guests believing I was a gourmet cook! I intend to buy several of these cookbooks to give as gifts.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Recipes for a busy lifestyle
Review: Lois Schenck combines humor, practicality, and scrumptious recipes in her book, The Desperate Gourmet. Her Authentic Hawaiian Curry recipe left my guests believing I was a gourmet cook! I intend to buy several of these cookbooks to give as gifts.

Rating:
Summary: For Those Who Find "The Joy of Cooking" Intimidating
Review: This is the centerpiece of my entertaining portfolio and I am "desperately" glad to have it. <grin> The advice on what and how much to keep stocked in my kitchen and bar has never let me down and I have found all the recipes to be wonderful. As one of those raised with impossibly high standards for entertaining, but who has a modern life full of toddlers and a full-time job, the advice Ms. Schenck provides is what gives me the courage to entertain with more regularity and more pizzazz than I can otherwise imagine.

Rating:
Summary: Inspiring
Review: While on a trip to my parents' house recently with my trusty book as my guide in the kitchen, I misplaced it and am desperately trying to find it. Perhaps my visiting brother borrowed it because he saw the use for it! I may have to purchase a new copy - thank goodness Amazon sells it! The author is inspiring -- she gives you the courage to attempt serving an entire meal to guests -- one endeavor that many people I think are afraid to do. The dessert section in particular has very easy but very gourmet recipes. I highly endorse this book. I was surpised to read the rather negative review provided by the official book reviewer. The premise of the book DOES work in the execution: keep the essentials on hand and use a limited repertoire of quick but classy dishes. I do agree that some of the recipes are not striking as gourmet fare or as time-savers; many others ARE gourmet and time-savers. And surely your friendship with your guests is not jeapordized because you might keep the source of an ingredient or recipe to yourself! Some of the best things in life are best left as a mystery! This book is worth buying AND using!