Celebrated television, cookbook, and restaurant chef Michael Chiarello
is a master of simple, casually elegant cookingand a fabulous host. In
this cookbookpacked with great recipes, gorgeous photographs, and
inspiring entertaining ideashe shares his secrets for celebrating in
style (and having fun doing it too!). Whether hosting four around the
kitchen counter or a hundred for a cocktail party, readers will find
everything from appetizers and main courses to desserts and drinks (over
130 recipes in all), time-saving tips, an all-important section on
stocking the pantry (great for impromptu gatherings!), whimsical menus,
and creative settings and table arrangements. A holiday cocktail party
throws together quickly with bowls of crunchy Fusilli Snack Mix and
Crispy Sausage-Stuffed Olives, all washed down with citrusy margaritas.
Roll out the red carpet for an at-home movie night featuring Pop Culture
Popcorn, Giant Bean Cassoulet with Fennel-Spiced Chicken, and Chocolate
Mousse Cannolis along with the latest video release. Even a sit-down
dinner can be a relaxing affair with Forever Roasted Lamb with Herbes de
Provence, Lemon-Oil Smashed Potatoes, Garlicky Vegetables Primavera,
and, for dessert, Molton Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes. Uber-casual
Chiarello inspires calm and confidence in even the most jangle-nerved
hosts, inviting everyone to think like an entertainerand relax like a
guest.
