Customer Reviews

At Home with Michael Chiarello: Easy Entertaining

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Michael Chiarello's cooking shows -- and the books that accompany them -- are all about making people comfortable. The food is wonderful, with a strongly Italian influence, but his emphasis is on helping you entertain friends and family without driving yourself crazy.

One way in which this shows, in At Home with Michael Chiarello, is how many of the "big" recipes are spread over several days. A recipe for pea and potato raviolini with sage brown butter -- which certain sounds exhausting -- has you make the dough and prepare the vegetables the day before; roll and fill the ravioli in the morning; and cook them right before serving. It all sounds very do-able. And the recipes make me anxious to do it.

The book is separated into the usual chapters -- appetizers, soups & salads, pasta & rice, meat & poultry, etc. --but you'll find a high percentage of the book is devoted to appetizers, soups, and salads. This book is about entertaining, after all, when you do more than make a one-dish meal for the family. Most recipes serve 6-8.

Some of the recipes are very simple -- a bruschetta tart, or a super-quick minestrone -- while others are definitely complex. It's a good balance. I have my eye on a roasted artichoke pesto, and his roasted tomato soup with sunny-side-up crouton, both of which are likely to appear at my next dinner party.

Which is not to say that the entrees are anything to sneeze at. He has a "cheap and tasty pork and orange stew" that I'll make for just the two of us. His cioppino has a long list of ingredients but the book assures me it's worthwhile ("I know this recipe looks like a killer," Chiarello writes, "but it's really quite simple and the entire thing can be made 4 hours in advance.") His desserts are good, with an emphasis on simplicity (raspberry gratin, for instance), but I expect you'll have a dedicated cookbook for that part of the meal.

There are a few menu suggestions, but not as many as I'd like. Nearly every recipe has a wine suggestion, though.

The writing is friendly, the instructions are clear, and the pictures are gorgeous. This one is a winner. Get it!

Am an admitted Chiarello fan but also a serious, experienced cook. Found this new book to be as good as his last one. Love the pantry recipes - having these extras onhand make the ordinary extraordinary just like he promised. Best section is the side dishes. If you are looking for new dishes for your vegetables, this is a great source. Most are good enough to stand on their own and do in this carnivore's home frequently. If you like things just a little different - buy this book. The recipes are clear, the writing entertaining and your friends & family will be impressed!

To be honest I don't watch many of Michael's shows but the book is beautiful and perfect for those who are constantly on the lookout for entertaining recipes and ideas.

I like how the book is organized: Michael gives you detailed instructions on preparing for a party: all the way from what to do one and two days before to the hour before. This will be helpful for those of us who have their hands full with kids, work and balancing the demands of a household with preparing for a party.

There are imaginative ideas for serving and garnishing: Spoonfuls with Polenta Bites and Caramelized Mushrooms served in individual spoons; Pumpkin Risotto served in a Chinese spoon as an hors d'oeuvre; even the inside a squash for an individual serving and in a serving bowl on a buffet. The picture of a Prime Rib of Swordfish will make your mouth water and the result makes it well worth trying!

-EV/Cruising Cuisine-

I really enjoy watching Michael Chiarello on TV, and this book is a joy to read too. I have tried making a couple recipes in the book and they are wonderful. If you enjoy watching him, you will enjoy this book. Gives helpful hints on cooking and entertaining. I am very glad I bought the book.

I'VE BEEN WAITING AWHILE FOR HIS NEW BOOK TO COME OUT AND IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT. THE BOOK IS NICE AND LARGE THE PICTURES ARE GORGEOUS AND THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING. THERE ARE EVEN COCTAIL RECIPES THAT'S SURE TO BE A PARTY PLEASURE. THE RECEPIES IN THIS BOOK SEEM EASY ENOUGH TO MAKE AND NOT KEEP THE BOOK JUST AS A COFFEE TABLE READ. HOORAY MICHAEL HAD DONE IT AGAIN AND I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK.

I got hooked on Michael Chiarello thru his TV show on the Food Network and just love his laid back style of food presentation and cooking. His recipes do not fail and frequently use very handy restaurant techniques to simplify the delivery of substantial quantities. There is a nice blend of recipes in this book for entertaining large groups or intimate dinners for two. Very clear instructions for what can be made ahead and what needs to be made the day of. Many of the items in the Pantry section have become must have staples in my kitchen. The Whole Citrus Vinaigrette is fabulous.

Some of the recipes are deceptively simple, but a small change of adding red pepper flakes to a pasta sauce of watercres, parsley, garlic, bacon bits and olive oil is a revelation.

At Home is Chiarello's best cookbook. Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking is good, but not quite as comprehensive as this one. If you are torn between the two, At Home is the one to get for most usable recipes. Tra Vigne is a lovely book, but not nearly as user friendly for every day use. I pull out The Tra Vigne Cookbook: Seasons in the California Wine Country for Christmas dinner ideas (the beet salad is exceptional), but At Home for everyday cooking.

Whether standing around the kitchen with another couple or serving cocktails to a hundred, readers will appreciate celebrated television, cookbook and restaurant chef Michael Chiarello's ideas for casually elegant entertaining. Included are 130 simple yet stylish recipes, creative menus and time-saving tips, as well as thoughts about setting and table arrangements and even suggestions on stocking the pantry for impromptu guests.

A beautiful, practical cookbook from a creative, inspirational chef.

GREAT RECIPES AND FAIRLY EASY TO DO HE PUTS HIS LITTLE TWIST ON REGULAR FOODS THAT YOU WILL LOVE,TRY IT OUT NOT BAD..

I love him, his receipes, his TV shows. Easy to make recipes.

Book had many good recipes, however, it was not a simple read when trying to cook. TMI. Good browsing book, but not "an easy to use in the kitchen tool." A little too complicated if you just want quick directions while cooking. Love to watch him on TV, however, recipes seem easier, less complicated.