Description:
In Stylish One-Dish Dinners, the mother-and-daughter team who wrote Entertaining 101 gives us more creative ways to please company. This time, they focus on homecooked dishes you can turn into complete meals by adding storebought side dishes and dessert. (In their usual thoroughly organized way, they suggest what these could be, along with the ideal wine to serve.) Ever practical, Eckhardt and DeFoyd include abundant tips, such as using a large skillet for stir-frys in place of a wok. At times the authors also let the cook figure out a detail or two. In their Thai Curried Salmon and Spinach Stir-Fry with Basil, it's up to you whether the frozen spinach should be defrosted and the salmon skinned (probably yes to both). Mostly, they wow you with 101 dishes that have unexpected twists. For a formal party, try gin-marinated Martini Scallops served on a bed of spinach zested with orange. Steak lovers will delight in the hearty Roasted Vegetables with Sirloin of Beef, where the vegetables and meat are made in the same pan and then the meat is sliced and served with the vegetables. For a sauté with a twist, try the Turkey and Cranberry Couscous, using cooked turkey meat you purchase beforehand. Having Stylish One-Dish Dinners in your kitchen makes it easy to produce complete brunches and dinners with minimal effort that will also be enjoyable and entertaining for your guests. --Dana Jacobi
| 
