Customer Reviews

Happy Holidays from the Diva of Do-Ahead: A Year of Feasts to Celebrate With Family And Friends

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I hope Dianne is enjoying her yacht on the Riveria. This book was so fabulous that I bought it for at least twenty friends and family. The book is extremely reliable, easy and very inspiring. You feel as though you are getting one on one cooking coaching. It makes cooking non intimidating and fun. I used this as my holiday "bible" and sailed through with rave reviews. The book allowed me to pace myself so that I wasn't wiped at the end that being the goal and beauty of this book. I would highly recommend this for an experienced chef as well as a novice. Great job Dianne. Many Thanks!!!! This will be a party classic for years and years.

I made the entire Thanksgiving feast in this cookbook ahead. I decided to follow the directions in this book, and a month before Thanksgiving, I spent about 5 nights preparing dishes. It was fun, and let me tell you, it was the best Thanksgiving feast imaginable. No one knew it was all made ahead.

Now, mind you, I am noted for my cooking. I was just in a crunch for time this year, and decided to do it this way. Believe me when I say, this is the way it will be done every year from now on.

Since Thanksgiving, I have made many of the recipes in this book. I have not been disappointed with one single recipe. I have raved about this book so much to my friends, that I have since begun giving this cookbook as a gift.

If you are interested in enjoying your parties, too, then I suggest you get this book and try the tips and the recipes.

In "Happy Holidays From The Diva Of Do-Ahead: A Year Of Feasts To Celebrate With Family And Friends", author, chef, and caterer, Diane Phillips draws upon her more than twenty years of professional experience and expertise to compile a compendium of recipes and ideas for twelve full holiday menus for superbly prepared gourmet meals. Each individual meal menu is broken down into step-by-step preparations that can be easily accomplished in manageable stages days, weeks, and even a month or more ahead of time - all without sacrificing quality in appearance, nutrition or taste! For each menu "Happy Holidays From The Diva Of Do-Ahead" provides the kitchen cook with a helpful countdown, a list of items to have on hand, instructions on economically finding what is needed, as well as 'Diva Tips' on substitutions, decorating and presentation. From a New Year's Eve Party and a Morning-After Brunch, to Memorial Day Picnic, to a Halloween party for All Ages, "Happy Holidays From The Diva Of Do-Ahead" is a unique, 'user friendly', and welcome addition to any family or community library cookbook collection!

As the busy holiday season approaches, so does lots of cooking and baking. This book is full of easy, tasty and impressive dishes that can be made ahead, or mostly ahead. This is a great way to approach Holiday cooking! Whether you're making an entire meal or a pot-luck contribution, you'll find something wonderful here.

Diane Phillips' Happy Holidays cookbook has become one of my favorites (and I have a collection of about 200 cookbooks). I love to cook for friends and family, but also like to be able to spend time visiting with them. I've tried three of Diane's complete meals (appetizers through desserts) and have not only found every recipe to be delicious and attractive, but was able to do the majority of preparation well ahead of time. Although I'm retired, it's great for working folks also because you can do a dish every couple of evenings, freeze or refrigerate them, depending on the dish, and just add the last minute touches on the day of your dinner. I've gotten rave reviews on each of her 'feasts' and look forward to cooking more of them.

No matter what the occasion, I am "finally organized" with excellent "Do-Ahead" recipes! At last, I can relax and enjoy my company and family! I plan to give this book as a birthday gift to my three grown children this year before their busy holiday season arrives!

Happy Holidays from the Diva of Do-Ahead: A Year of Feasts to Celebrate with Family and Friends This book is well worth the investment of your time and money. My family raved over every dish we tried for Thanksgiving and I had a more relaxed holiday. Thanks, Diane Phillips!

I made the entire New Year's Eve buffet, and I was a little disappointed. To me, the flavors weren't zesty enough. The pesto was delicious including the artichoke pesto, but things weren't generally my taste and seemed kind of standard and heavy. And the brie bites didn't freeze or thaw well, and they really stuck to the tin even after spraying it with Pam as instructed.

None of the food was bad, it just wasn't all that special.

I love the idea of do-ahead, so I wish that this was a menu I could use again.

This is the second cookbook I have purchased by the Diva of Do Ahead. She makes me look like the most organized, imaginative cook in the world. Everything I have ever made from her books has been a hit.

I'm an experienced cook but I bought this book for assistance in learning how to do more of my cooking in advance of a party, etc. Philips more than delivers on her promises, offering thoughtful, delicious menus with recipes that don't cut the corners on flavor or excellence. Most of the recipes can be adapted by an experienced cook to your own favorite recipes. I found it invaluable to learn what can and can't be done in advance, definitely making entertaining easier and more enjoyable.