Just looking at the cover of Jill Donenfeld and Josetth Gordon's new cookbook, makes me smile. It generates happiness. I am excited and inspired to have a dinner party right now! I have a huge number of cookbooks but none quite like this one. This book is an absolute gem.
Party Like A Culinista has an amazing format. Not only are there menu suggestions, each recipe is designated as "easy", "make ahead", "vegan" or "vegan flex", as well as offering the cooking order. The book even suggests when to change into your party clothes! How fun is that? The photos of the prepared recipes in the book are beautiful and make my mouth water because they look so delicious. The chapters in this book offer suggestions for all different kinds of parties from the casual daytime party to a last minute party, an anytime party or even a big "blow out" more formal party.
I have tried quite a few of the recipes in this book and found them all delicious, unique with a nod towards healthy preparation and ingredients. Though everything has been absolutely excellent some of my favorites are: the Chicken and Apricot Falafel, the Seafood Cobb, the Warm Squash Salad with Faro, Hazelnuts, and Currants, the Arugula and Mozzarella Salad with Eggplant Caponate and the Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas. The Chorizo Red Pepper Polenta Squares are fabulous and a snap to make.
As for ease of use, I think the pictures are really helpful, the directions are very clear with tons of information so that even an inexperienced cook can prepare an impressive, flavorful and healthy meal that will be an enormous hit with his or her guests. The authors offer suggestions for the substitution of hard to find or out of season ingredients. Stated prep/cooking times seem right on, and since many of them require less than an hour, it's pretty easy to pull together a meal quickly. I appreciate that the advance preparation and hold times for the refrigerator and freezer (if applicable) that are given for each recipe. I almost feel as if I am in an expensive cooking class. The introduction includes good information about ingredients, preparation and even equipment. Variations to the recipes are also provided to make them vegan. Finally, I think there are numerous recipes that would appeal to people who like lean proteins with healthy, flavorful sauces, too. If you like lots of flavor, you won't go wrong with this book. It is sure to become one of your favorites.