Fast & Fabulous Parties

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Cookbook not just for Entertaining
Review: Grouped around the seasons, with varying levels of formality, these recipes are delicious & quite nearly fool-proof if you follow all directions.

The dishes are not cheap, not all that fast (!), but most definitely fabulous. Most of the ingredients are readily available in developed nations, but even in the States, fresh herbs and other nice ingredients called for can be rather expensive.

The "fast" part comes from Braden's very well-organized suggestions for advance prep work and even freezing of components. There are no shortcuts, as this really is cooking from scratch, so don't expect to whip up any of her menus in an hour before sitting down to eat. You really do have to love the act of cooking to love this book, but you sure don't have to be a pro to do the recipes well.

These menus are thoughtfully composed, delicious, and very impressive to your guests. I use some recipes over and over again, and have adapted a couple for everyday meals.

The food really is fabulous, and she has many, many suggestions for how to vary the recipes, deal creatively with the leftovers, and make presentation beautiful. Worthwhile investment.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Cookbook not just for Entertaining
Review: Grouped around the seasons, with varying levels of formality, these recipes are delicious & quite nearly fool-proof if you follow all directions.

The dishes are not cheap, not all that fast (!), but most definitely fabulous. Most of the ingredients are readily available in developed nations, but even in the States, fresh herbs and other nice ingredients called for can be rather expensive.

The "fast" part comes from Braden's very well-organized suggestions for advance prep work and even freezing of components. There are no shortcuts, as this really is cooking from scratch, so don't expect to whip up any of her menus in an hour before sitting down to eat. You really do have to love the act of cooking to love this book, but you sure don't have to be a pro to do the recipes well.

These menus are thoughtfully composed, delicious, and very impressive to your guests. I use some recipes over and over again, and have adapted a couple for everyday meals.

The food really is fabulous, and she has many, many suggestions for how to vary the recipes, deal creatively with the leftovers, and make presentation beautiful. Worthwhile investment.