Seriously Simple Parties

June 18, 2012
Worthington, author of Seriously Simple and Seriously Simple Holidays, shifts her focus to entertaining in this versatile collection. The key is to reduce party anxiety by planning and organizing. Know ahead of time what kind of party (buffet, brunch, sitdown), choose a menu, and make lists and a schedule. Worthington offer numerous seasonal menus appropriate for everything from Valentine’s Day or Super Bowl Sunday to a backyard barbecue. Throughout are sidebars with advice on crudités, doubling recipes, and cheese. The bulk of the book comprises appealing recipes divided into the standard categories of appetizers, soups/salads, meat, desserts and more. While her dishes are suitable for entertaining, many are the kind of meals readers will want to serve regularly such as braised chicken thighs, steamed mussels, pulled pork, and baked Greek pasta. Throughout she offers truly useful tips on how to butterfly a turkey, adapt an entrée into an appetizer, make lighter versions of selected dishes, and much more. Glorious color photos showcase the visual appeal of these mouth-watering recipes. Worthington’s desserts are also impressive, from limoncello zabaglione with fresh berries and caramel coconut ice-cream terrine to summer stone fruit cobbler and shortbread with chocolate and candied walnuts. This attractive and refreshing collection holds something for every palate, making it an ideal guide for party hosts as well as those who want something tasty to put on the dinner table on a weeknight.

Starred review from November 15, 2012

Writer and James Beard Award-winning radio show host Worthington has authored more than 20 cookbooks. In her third "Seriously Simple" title, she offers party-planning tips (e.g., how to stock a bar and arrange a cheese plate), as well as seasonal menus and recipes for a year's worth of formal and informal occasions (e.g., Holiday Cocktail Party, Mexican Fiesta, Easy Family Dinner). Many recipes, like Butterflied Dry-Brined Roast Turkey, Meatball Sliders, and Mocha Celebration Cake, can be made in advance, allowing readers to maximize time spent with guests. VERDICT This is an inclusive and efficiently organized collection that's great for everyday cooking, not just parties.

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