Reviews (4)

A focus on 'milestone' birthdays from one to one hundred
BIG BIRTHDAYS: THE PARTY PLANNER CELEBRATES LIFE'S MILESTONES isn't just another birthday book for parents: it's a focus on 'milestone' birthdays from one to one hundred and provides a party planner's experience gained from planning such for famous stars and personalities. You may recognize him from his TV appearances: a fair for elegance, humor, and design lend to a party planner that pairs delicious food recipes with decorating tips. Color photos throughout capture the finished products and excitement of his approach.
a MUST read
Having a summer birthday has never been much fun, it somehow always goes uncelebrated. This year I was inspired to throw my own festivities. What was supposed to be a quick search for party ideas turned into a total body experience after delving into David Tutera's book Big Birthdays. In his book he executed and fabulously captured five birthday parties exploring the five senses (look, scent, texture, sound and taste) through each event. His tips ('Tutera Tips') were the most helpful; it was almost as if he could hear my questions and answer my thoughts concerning each party scenario. After my celebration they will have to reprint the book, Tutera's ideas were truly an inspiration. This book is a must-have for any status of event planner.

Highly Recommended
This year my grandmother ceebrated her 80th birthday, and with that, I wanted to surprise her with an elgant dinner party for some of her closest family and friends. Having never embarked on such a thing before, I set out to Amazon to find a book that would help me from beginning to end. David Tutera's latest book, Big Birthdays, gave me many great ideas. I immediately fell in love with the sophisticated White-On-White dinner party. The instructions and focus on details allowed me to easily recreate the atmosphere and ultimately throw a spectacular party!! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to host such an event and will definately look to David Tutera in the future for inspiration for another great get together! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Birthday parties    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining - General    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    8. General    9. Handicraft    10. Social Situations And Conditions    11. Etiquette & entertaining    12. House & Home / Decorating   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (5)

Veg-o-rama
A well written, detailed book wherein each chapter brings a new vegetable and great ideas. I was primarily looking to make vegetables play a more central and creative role in my cooking, and this book has been the answer. You'll be carmelizing onions and braising endive in no time.

Good book, but many repeats
I love Cook's Illustrated. I subscribe to their magazine, I subscribe to their website and I own several of their cookbooks. Very rarely have they ever steered me wrong with any of their recipes and tips. This is one book that I was disappointed with, however---not because the recipes aren't great or the layout of the book isn't up to par, but because many of these recipes can be found in their comprehensive cookbook "The New Best Recipe" (a great book, btw. It has just about everything you could ever need). There are only a few different recipes in Perfect Vegetables that cannot be found in the New Best, and the money I spent to get a handful of new veggie recipes was not worth it, in my opinion. If you already own the New Best, than I would be very hesitant to spend any money on this book. I would physically look through the book at a bookstore before buying to see if this is something you would really like to own. If you don't own New Best and are looking for a wonderful veggies cookbook, than this one is for you!

MAKES NON VEGGIE EATERS LIKE VEGETABLES
THIS COOKBOOK IS FANATASTIC!! I don't like cauliflower but I followed a recipe and it turned out fabulous. My husband doesn't like as asparagus and he ate up the roasted asparagus with roasted red pepper vinagerette.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery (Vegetables)    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Holiday - General    5. Reference    6. Specific Ingredients - Vegetables    7. Vegetables    8. Cookery by ingredient   

Reviews (4)

Now that's cooking
No food stylist here, real food cooked and shown by a chef who by the photos and the opening of each chapter loves what he does and cooks from the heart. I have many cook books being a fan of food and chefs and those TV chefs pump them out, doubt if they even write them on thier own.
So much passion!
This chef rocks. I have attended two of his lectures and demos with class mates on cooking and food. He has so much passion and love for what he does. He said to us in his class I cook with water I do walk on water we are here together to share and learn from each other with a simple thing called food. The man is full of talent, love for his craft and this book shows all of his. We love you chef!

Good Cooking
This is a fist class cook book. With so many out there, this book has a nice designe, great pictures that show food you want to eat! It even has breakfast and lunch items, not all meals revolve around dinner.
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Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - General    4. Methods - Professional    5. Cooking / Entertaining    6. General cookery   

Reviews (2)

Beautiful Food For Celebrations!
I bought this book last year and used the Thanksgiving recipes. This was the first Thanksgiving I ever hosted at my house, and thanks to this book, it was a HUGE success.Not only does the book provide the grocery list and recipes, it also provides detailed discussions about various cooking techniques, organizational tips, and timelines to help you get your act together and keep it that way clear through until your event is over.
Leanne and Flylady--a winning team
Leanne (the dinner diva) and the Flylady (Sink Reflections) are a winning combination for anyone that wants to keep their household running smoothly but still feel like a guest in their own home.What an amazing feeling to actually feel pampered in your own home as if someone else is taking care of everything for you but you're really the one doing it for yourself (with their help of course!)I discovered Leanne through Flylady and it has been one of the best things to ever happen to me. I've been on her menu mailer for awhile now which is also wonderful.It is much like the books she has out only delivered weekly to your inbox. I just adore it!This book however offers something really extra and different that can help you build family traditions and make holidays extra special.Instead of dreading planning the holiday meal (or worse going to Denny's!) I am finding myself looking forward to it now.Right now you can actually get the Thanksgiving menu from the book free off her website to try it out.Much of what is in the book is similar to that only with different holidays/occasions.It would never have even occurred to me to plan special meals for some of what she suggests. I am just so thrilled to have this resource.The main thing to know is that Leanne is for *real* people.The recipes are easyfor you to understand and Leanne always explains things in full detail.The author of this book (and the others in the series) is also totally accessible to the public.Not only does she constantly ask for reader's opinions and suggestions but she USES them!!I have actually seen her incorporate new recipes and ideas after people suggested them.She also does a radio show now on World Talk Radio with Flylady (Marla).For the price the entire book series and menu mailer are worth every penny. Think about what you can pass on to your children about cooking and menu planning with this book and the others. For those who never learned to cook/menu plan she is a true friend.She is also a sincere person who shares herself with others.You can read more about her in another book she co wrote called Body Clutter to help people lose weight.I think she's terrific and I'm so excited to finally have this book!As you can tell I'm a big fan of both Leanne Ely (Dinner Diva) and Flylady (Marla Cilley).If you have not yet discovered these two then you are missing out.They have helped me more than prozac and therapy combined for getting my franny in gear!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Dinners and dining    5. General    6. Holiday - General    7. Holiday cookery    8. Cooking / General   

Reviews (13)

Microwave Gourmet
This book is filled with ways to cook in your microwave, things I would not have thought could be done. It is an especially good book for beginning cooks, and I would highly recomend it for a wedding present.

A Good Introduction
This book provides a good introduction to Microwave cooking techniques and it gives several useeful tips on selecting and buying Microwave Cookware.The only drawback are the recipes included.Several of them are too gourmet and they should put more emphasis onn basic and popular dishes.However, I have found about seven dishes which I will prepare.There should also be more emphasis placed on dishes and cooking for the Single person.

A serious cookbook for the microwave, truly excellent!
Don't cook in the microwave without this book.Transversely, if you don't have this cookbook, then you will miss out on many wonderful things you CAN cook in the microwave with superior results.Don't be fooled, the finished product will be truly delicious. I was highly sceptical of many of the recipes in the beginning but they turn out perfectly every time.Have relied on these recipes for many years.You will cook more often, quickly and easily, (saving you money as well) when you use this cookbook. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Methods - Gourmet    4. Methods - Microwave    5. Microwave cookery    6. Microwave cooking    7. Cooking / Microwave    8. Gadget cookery   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Dinners and dining    5. Entertaining - General    6. Menus    7. Tablesetting    8. Cooking / General    9. General cookery   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining    5. Loaves and Fishes (Store : Sag    6. Menus    7. Tablesetting   

Reviews (3)

Great and Useful Purchase
This is a rare book that actually deserves 5 stars.
Who Says Guys Don't Want to Be Good Hosts?
A great, easy read, filled with practical advice.This book takes the "who me??" out of cool entertaining.Highly recommended by the editors of SharpMan.com.

A Gentleman Entertains by John Bridges
"A Gentleman Entertains" takes a surprisingly unpretentious look at men entertaining, though the book is by no means without merit for women readers. The practical advice and simple, elegant recipes cover a broadrange of entertaining scenarios, from casual cocktail parties at home todining out, to family reunions. The South is perhaps the only place leftwhere it is still fashionable to be genteel, and Bridges lives up to hisSouthern upbringing without coming across stuffy. Leaving no stoneunturned, the book touches on everything from tipping to starting acharcoal grill to choosing the wine. Though the title suggests a certainlevel of sophistication, the author is just as quick to advise readers touse paper plates when the situation dictates as he is to recommend theproper way to garnish a cocktail. Bridges writing style is crisp and on thewry side, though he had more room to shine in "Keeping Up," adelightful series of essays on his upbringing in Slapout, Al., as well aswitty observations on life and martinis. I would have liked to have seenhim cut loose in this book a little more stylistically, but being theproper gentleman that he is, he wrote a respectable book suitable for anycoffee table. It is a fine follow up to his previous outing, "How tobe a Gentleman." I recommend it to anyone who is looking for the kindof practical advice on entertaining that bears repeating and never goes outof style. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Entertaining    2. Etiquette    3. General    4. Personal Growth - Happiness    5. Reference    6. Self-Help    7. Tablesetting    8. Trivia    9. Etiquette & entertaining    10. Reference / Etiquette    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests    12. Trivia & quiz question books   

Reviews (2)

DELICIOUS RECIPES - GORGEOUS PRESENTATIONS

Susan Mason's Silver Service
The food is incredible and elegant yet surpisingly simple to do.One of the best occasion cookbooks out there. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Tablesetting   

Subjects:  1. Arts And Crafts    2. Christmas    3. Christmas cookery    4. Christmas decorations    5. Cookery    6. Cooking / Wine    7. Crafts & Hobbies    8. Entertaining - Party Planning    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Holiday - Christmas/Hanukkah    11. Seasonal    12. Crafts & Hobbies / Seasonal   

Reviews (2)

Bon Appetit does it again--a great resource for entertaining
With my busy schedule, I dont have the luxury to test new dishes before I entertain. I know I can always count on recipes from Bon Appetit cookbooks and this one is no exception. This book is not only a cookbook but a menu planner and resource guide. Last weekend I had 10 people over and served the following from the book:spicy shrimp in snow peas, deviled eggs with smoked salmon and green onions, spinach bacon spirals, and layered enchilada casserole.All got rave reviews. In the fall I used dishes from the barbecue menu.This book gives menus and planning tips for a number of entertaining ideas--from Saturday potluck to help yourself brunch to drinks and eats. Entertaining can be easy!
This cookbook really does make entertaining easy. Not only does it offer delicious recipes that we've come to expect from Bon Appetit but it organizes them in such a way that your menu and time easilymanaged.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining    4. Entertaining - General    5. Entertaining - Party Planning    6. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    7. Tablesetting    8. Cooking / American / General   

Reviews (6)

Bible of Modern French Cuisine, at a budget price! Buy It.
`The Escoffier Cookbook' is an English translation of the `Guide Culinaire' by the renowned French chef, Auguste Escoffier, the most important figure in modern professional French culinary practice. One may argue that Antonin Careme is more important simply because Careme influenced Escoffier and write many books on culinary technique, but I suspect every culinary professional reads Escoffier today and few outside academic circles read Careme's original works.
Fascinating to read, but not a "cookbook" in the modern sense
"The Escoffier Cookbook" is a heavily abridged American version of Auguste Escoffier's 1903 book "Guide Culinaire". It is a fascinating look at the art of professional European cookery at the beginning of the 20th century.
A Beginner/Intermediate Cook
Things that I cannot finds in this book (for whatever reasons) which Ihoped would be included: 1.recipe for coq au vin 2. recipe for onion soup3. recipe for lobster thermidor. Things that are in here that I can livewithout : 1. how to lard a joint of meat which a. I don't understand interms of doing this b.under no circumstances do I need this in terms of thefat 2. a recipe for boeuf bourguignone which is so old ( it could also betraditional) that it uses a piece of rump roast or top round roast that isnot cut into pieces ( it was originally for a tough piece of meat--so saidJulia and Jacques the other day on PBS--and his boeuf bourguignon also wasa "pot roast" --and I am prejudiced against pot roasts and willnever make it that way). However, therre is another reviewer who isabsolutely right, there is an excellent presentation and overview of thesauces. Also of cooking methods. I just got it--and it's not the onlyone--I do expect to be at least referring to it, and probably using it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, French    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Methods - General    5. Methods - Gourmet    6. Reference    7. Regional & Ethnic - French    8. Cooking / French    9. General cookery    10. National & regional cuisine   

Reviews (3)

The best of the best!
This is the best entertaining book I have ever seen.Not to mention the gorgeous photography.Each section goes thru the most important aspects of having a party and the things that must go into it.You will love this book!

The Art of the Party; Design Ideas for Successful Entertaini
Great Book with lots of great ideas. Also gives insight to the core principles of event planning.

The Bible for creative party/event planning and entertaining
This book not only is stuffed full of breathtaking pictures of unusual and creative parties of all kinds but it actually gives the reader instruction in creating concepts on ones own by following very simple formulas.Rennyis a genius at what he does and a generous spirit to teach others whatcomes naturally for him.If you have a wedding or ever are in charge ofany kind of event, this book is a worthy investment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Entertaining    3. Entertaining - Party Planning    4. General    5. Home Improvement / Construction    6. Methods - General    7. Tablesetting    8. Cooking / General    9. General cookery   

Reviews (8)

Great Book
This book was great for helping plan my son's kindergarten valentine party.The snack ideas were super and pretty easy to assemble.The highlight of the book is the valentine bingo game where everyone wins at the same time.The children just loved the game as they all shouted "bingo" at the same time.We also did the ice cube game and the cupid game.Both were also big hits with the children!I would highly recommend this book for any class parent needing some creative ideas for kids from 5+.

Valentine's Daywill never be the same.
With all the crafts, snacks, and games, you will have everyone entertained for years to come. This book is great for classrooms, parents, day cares, work, & more. Perfect paired with Valentine Boxes.

Valentine School Parties: What Do I Do?
Wonderful Book - Pleae make more like this!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activities    2. Arts And Crafts    3. Children's parties    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts for Children    6. Entertaining - Party Planning    7. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    8. General    9. Hobbies/Crafts    10. Seasonal    11. Valentine's Day    12. Handicrafts    13. Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Festivals / Valentine's Day    14. Vocational Subjects & Skills   

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining    4. Entertaining - General    5. Parties    6. Party decorations    7. Planning    8. Tablesetting    9. Cooking / Entertaining    10. Etiquette & entertaining   

Reviews (2)

Once again, not impressed...
This book had many of the same recipes as the first Betty Crocker Slow Cooker cookbook--even the same pictures! The recipes are OK, but many are dull and made with prepackaged items. I'd rather know what's in my food, thank you. Not impressed. The new Southern Living Slow Cooker cookbook was a million times better.

Fantasic Crockery Cooking
I have to admit that my crock pot is a lifesaver, when you can start dinner in the morning and have it done with no problem by 6:30 p.m., how can you go wrong? But I had a problem finding new recipies that are family friendly. I have no problem making beef stew, chili, corned beef, you know the usual slow cooker fare. But that gets old.
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Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Electric cookery, Slow    5. Methods - Gourmet    6. Methods - Special Appliances    7. Cooking / Gourmet    8. Gadget cookery   

Reviews (4)

The Po' Man's Martha Stewart
This is a hilarious!Not only does Ruby Ann tell us of the gossipy goings on of her trailer park, but makes it sweet and endearing rather than trashy and sordid.It's a good book to read on an airplane or on a car trip, you can pick it up at any point and read something funny to pick you up.
WARNING, THIS IS NOT A CHRISTMAS BOOK
I won this book last week during a Dirty Santa game at a Christmas party.Truth be told, I had to steal it away since it was the gift everyone kept taking from each other during the game, but luckily I had the last number.I just assumed it was a Christmas book that I could put on my coffee table during the holiday season for visiting friends and family to enjoy, but boy was I wrong.This book covers all the holidays from the first of the year to the last of the year with food menue ideas and even activities.It is also sure to add a laugh to that special celebration regardless if it's VALENTINE'S DAY, PASSOVER, LABOR DAY, MOTHER IN-LAWS DAY/HALLOWEEN (they're fall so close together in October that Ruby Ann suggest you celebrate them on the same day), TAX DAY, and too many more to mention.Sure she takes her humor to CHRISTMAS and HANUKKAH, but she also covers MARDI GRAS and SUPER BOWL SUNDAY as well.And even though I'm only half way through the book, I've decided that this will make the perfect gift.I can give this to all my friends who like country western since Ruby Ann shows us how to throw a party on Reba and Loretta Lynn's birthdays.And all my race car buddies will love the section on the DAYTONA 500 with recipes like Bobby Allison Artichoke Dip and Tony Stewart Cookies (with orange and white frosting).And what kind of a trailer park cookbook would it be without an entire section dedicated to ELVIS'S BIRTHDAY!Everybody loves Elvis, and everybody will love me after they open their gifts and find this wonderful read filled with tasty dishes under the wrapping.This book is 5 full stars for sure.

Laugh at ALL THE HOLIDAYS YEAR ROUND
This was my favorite birthday present.Not only did I laugh till I almost wet myself, but the food is wonderful.And the good thing about the book is that regardless of how the title makes it sound, this is not just a Christmas book, but rather a book that covers all the holidays.Even if you don't cook, you will still fall in love with Ruby Ann and all her friends at the High Chaparral Trailer Park.She really has a way of making you forget your troubles.I went out and bought her first book so now I am ready both at the same time, and I'm falling in love with all the people in her books.Where shes comes up with these stories, I'll never know.I hope that she continues to write, because with all the talk of war and such, this is what we need to escape the world we live in.Keep up the great work Ruby Ann Boxcar! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Courses & Dishes - General    4. General    5. Holiday - General    6. Holiday cookery    7. Holiday cooking    8. General cookery    9. Humour    10. National & regional cuisine    11. USA   

Reviews (20)

BEAUTIFUL BOOK
I GAVE THIS BOOK AS A GIFT, BEFORE I WRAPPED IT I LOOKED THROUGH IT.THE PICTURES OF THE FOOD ARE BEAUTIFUL.THE RECIPES SOUND GREAT, MOST OF THEM NOT TOO DIFFICULT.

VERY GOOD PICTURES -P E R I O D .
I JUST WROTE ON THE TITLE WHAT I THINK ABOUT THIS BOOK. MORE THAN THAT: DON'T waste YOUR MONEY AND THE CALORIES ON THIS BOOK\RECIPES.FULL OF FAT RECIPES AND MOST OF THEM- VERY NOT HEALTHY.
Beautiful Cookbook
This book would make a great gift for the kosher cook. Lovely pictures and recipes. More work-intensive recipes than I would hope for, but nice. GREAT, GREAT price! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cookery, American    2. Cookery, Jewish    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Regional & Ethnic - Jewish & Kosher   

Subjects:  1. Cooking / Wine    2. Decorating    3. Decorating - General    4. Home Furnishing    5. House & Home    6. Napkin folding    7. Tablesetting    8. Etiquette & entertaining    9. Home furnishing & decoration    10. House & Home / Decorating   

Reviews (4)

"Why" as well as "how" is important
While one can not truly barbeque on a grill, this guide gets you as close as possible.Good grilling is not rocket science but this book explains what many have learned only through trial-and-error.When trying a new receipe, I always compare it with this guide.While I may prefer sauces and rubs found in my other six grilling books, this is my Bible on how to apply them. Buy this book first and use it as your standard when reviewing others. Of course, like all receipe books, you must use your own good judgement. For example, one receipe says start your salmon fillets skin side down while another says skin side up. (I think skin side up is the right way to go to get better marking and to make it easier to see how cooking is progressing.) I use this book and I give it to my friends.Enjoy!
I'm getting another one for myself
I gave this book to my brother for his birthday.He is a BBQ addict - once flew to Memphis for a week, just to do BBQ research.He rarely finds anything of interest in most books or magazines.He loves this book and within the first 20 minutes of reading it (while we finished assembling his birthday cake) he announced, twice, that he had "found something".Having found the perfect gift, I couldn't be more pleased.

A "Must Have" Grilling and Barbeque Book!
"The Cook's Illustrated Guide to Grilling and Barbeque" is in my opinion a "must have" book for anyone wanting to learn or improve his/her outdoor cooking skills. This book, copyrighted in 2005, appears to me to be an updated and revised version of the similar "The Best Recipe Grilling & Barbeque" book copyrighted in 2001 (which I bought at the same time). After reading through both books, I do not see any reason for purchasing the 2001 book.
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Subjects:  1. Barbecue cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Methods - Barbecue & Grilling    6. Methods - Outdoor    7. Gadget cookery    8. Main courses