Simple Soirees: Seasonal Menus for Sensational Dinner Parties

Simple Soirees: Seasonal Menus for Sensational Dinner Parties

Peggy Knickerbocker lives in two of the greatest food cities in the world, Paris and San Francisco, and she loves to give dinner parties wherever she is. In Simple Soirées: Seasonal Menus for Sensational Dinner Parties , the food journalist, former caterer, and restaurateur shares her passion, her welcoming spirit, and her secrets for creating a memorable party, whether it's a romantic dinner for two, a birthday party for a special friend, or a cocktail fundraiser. The book includes 100 of the author's favorite recipes, organized into seasonal menus such as Warm Figs Wrapped in Serrano Ham, Roasted Salmon with Peas and Mint, and Heirloom Tomato Salad for summer, or Steak au Poivre, Braised Fennel and Garlic, and Double-Ginger Gingerbread for fall. With an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, the menus are always stylish and often feature an element of surprise. Knickerbocker also offers planning and preparation suggestions, as well as time-saving advice to make entertaining easy and fun. With beautiful photographs that capture the essence of the simple soirée, this delightful book will appeal to food lovers and party lovers alike. Anyone who loves gathering friends around the table would be grateful to receive Peggy Knickerbocker s new book. -- Fine Cooking, Holidays, December 2005 Peggy convinces us that gatherings can be as appealing and effortless for the hosts as they are for the guests. -- Saveur, December 2005 These delicious dinners are inspired by the beauty of real food... -- Alice Waters, Chef & Owner, Chez Panisse Peggy Knickerbocker is a freelance food and travel writer who lives in San Francisco and Paris. She is a longtime contributor to Saveur , and has also written for Gourmet, Food & Wine, House & Garden , the San Francisco Chronicle , and the New York Times. She is the author of Champagne: The Spirit of Celebration, Olive Oil: From Tree to Table (nominated for an IACP Award), and The Rose Pistola Cookbook. Christopher Hirsheimer has photographed many cookbooks, including Rick & Lanie's Excellent Kitchen Adventures (STC), Authentic Vietnamese Cooking, The New Irish Table , and Fried & True . Her work often appears in Saveur, which she co-founded.