Caprial Cooks for Friends (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Host of a cooking show and owner of Caprial's restaurant in Portland, Ore., Pence (Caprial's Soups and Sandwiches, etc.) wants readers to get out there and entertain. To help them get started, she offers dozens of beautifully presented (and labor intensive) selections for every occasion. There's Wild Mushroom Tarte Tatinas appetizer for dress-up affairs and John's Famous Barbecued Ribs with Secret Cure and Mango Barbecue Sauce for backyard dinners. How about Corn Dogs and Chocolate Birthday Cake for a child's party or Lobster Salad with Pecan Mustard Dressing for lunch on the terrace? There are plenty of seafood and vegetarian options. Desserts range from rustic (Peach Pie with Oatmeal-Pecan Crust) to suave (Panna Cotta with Blackberry Compote). The dozen sample menus are especially helpful as the book's range of flavors, mostly drawn from Mediterranean, Southwestern and Asian ingredients, can be overwhelming. While Pence offers wine suggestions for each main course, suggestions for accompaniments would have been just as welcome. It helps to come to this book with some kitchen savvy, for there's an impressionistic quality to some of the recipes. White beans, for example, won't cook in 20 minutes no matter how long they've been soaked beforehand. And if readers are tackling a whole menu, they better plan on spending lots of time in the kitchen. Some may come away from this book inspired; others may leave hoping for an invitation from more ambitious friends. 24-page color insert.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The companion volume to her latest PBS series, this is the sixth cookbook from the popular Pence. The chef/owner of Caprial's Bistro in Portland, OR, cooks sophisticated, enticing food, from One-Minute Salmon with Lemongrass-Soy Aioli to Tuscan-Style Roasted Game Hens to Lemon-Mascarpone Tart. With casual entertaining in mind, she includes make-ahead tips for most of the recipes, as well as boxes on such subjects as cocktails, centerpieces, and "When To Call for Help: Times a Caterer Can Lend a Hand." Sure to be popular, this is recommended for most collections.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Ten Speed Press (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580081525
• ISBN-13: 978-1580081528
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,099,888 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Palate pleasing recipes without alot of fuss, April 28, 2000

By A Customer

Caprial has written another inspiring cookbook this time with the addition of wine suggestions and entertaining ideas. Both help to make this latest cookbook one that you will reach for again and again. This book is about using the freshest ingredients and preparing the most delicious food. The recipes will allow you and your guests to enjoy unique dishes but with a minimum of fuss. From appetizers to desserts Caprial has assembeled recipes that let you enjoy the experience of cooking but still leave you with time to enjoy your family and friends. Choose something new like the roasted pork loin with a rosemary balsamic glaze or something fun like corn dogs. It's all in this book from a chef who understands what food is meant to be. Enjoy!