Product Description

Having your friends over is no big deal when you have the perfect recipe, one that's not only foolproof but simple and that fits into your hectic schedule. In her new cookbook, Pam Anderson shares nearly 200 perfectly convenient dishes, including

* Lacy Cheddar Crisps -- An irresistible one-ingredient hors d'oeuvre, ready in 10 minutes.

* Oven-Barbecued Pork -- Slow-cooked for 10 to 12 hours. You literally make this one in your sleep.

* Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese -- When kids are coming, why not serve the best version of their favorite?

* Shish Kebabs -- Satisfy every guest, from vegetarians to carnivores, in the same meal. Six exciting flavoring pastes offer all the variety you need.

* Easy Baked Risotto -- Elegant and effortless, with many sumptuous variations, including seafood and vegetarian. You socialize while it cooks.

* Orange-Glazed Asparagus -- One of the most versatile side dishes imaginable. Ready in 8 relaxed minutes.

* Molten Chocolate Cakes -- 15 minutes to oozy decadence.

Every recipe comes with helpful suggestions on what to serve with the dish, how to vary it, how to take shortcuts, and how to make it ahead.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #13535 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-14
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Anderson revives the art of entertaining in this unthreatening collection of simple but elegant dishes, following her successful The Perfect Recipe (which won a Julia Child Award), Cooksmart and How to Cook Without a Book. She focuses on moderately easy, stick-to-your-ribs, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be made in bulk (for up to 20 people). Categorizing her recipes by occasion, she offers dishes like Buttermilk-Honey Fried Chicken Fingers, or Sausage and White Bean Soup for an informal "Kitchen Gathering," and Easy Baked Risotto, and Butter-Roasted Lobster Tails for ooh-la-la blowouts "In the Dining Room." For an "Outdoor Affair," Shish Kebabs and Sear-Ahead Steaks or Salmon do nicely, while "Breakfast for Company" consists of dishes like Orange Cream Cheese Strata with Cranberries and Walnuts. Recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, breads, desserts and even drinks fill in the gaps, while Anderson helpfully answers anticipated questions for each recipe: When should I serve it? Any shortcuts? How far ahead can I make it? What should I serve with it? What about leftovers? Throughout, Anderson's easygoing tone and reassuring attitude will relax any nerve-jangled host or hostess. This is not a book for master chefs, certainly, but it delivers solid dishes sure to impress the average dinner party crowd. Photos. (Sept. 14)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review
Publishers Weekly : Anderson revives the art of entertaining in this unthreatening collection of simple but elegant dishes. Her reassuring attitude will relax any nerve-jangled host.

People Magazine : "In her fourth cookbook Pam Anderson...offers foolproof recipes for festive dishes...With her advice, even an incorrigible worrier could feed a crowd without fear."

About the Author
Pam Anderson is the food columnist of USA Weekend magazine and the author of The Perfect Recipe and How to Cook Without a Book. She is the former executive editor of Cook's Illustrated.

Customer Reviews

Makes entertaining less stressful
This book is a good tool for entertaining. You can make the meals as fun or fancy as you like. The author helps you put meals together, gives timing ideas and the recipes are very good. The Sloppy Joes are just delicious, everyone at our gathering LOVED them. I used many recipes for our Easter Brunch,and all were very tasty and completed mostly in advance. I have given this book to my daughter-in-laws and they have all used it and enjoyed it.

Clever book
This is a clever cookbook because it's written with lots of helpful hints and suggestions.
However, I did try the molten chocolate cakes and while the recipe is good, I would really like to know
how to use the paper muffin cups and remove them easily after the cakes are cooked. It doesn't work
and I'd love to know an alternative and/or a way to make them work.

LOVE THIS COOKBOOK!
This is one of my favorite cookbooks I own. I have had success with every recipe I have tried so far. The menu suggestions are great. She even gives suggestions for leftovers! LOVE IT!