The Perfect Party Cookbook

Everyone loves a good party, whether it's a tailgater or an at home Oscar bash.Nothing beats fun appetizers and hors d'ouevres or simply elegant meals. with it comes witty conversation, good drinks and a chance to meet new people or reacquaint with old friends. Luckily there is a new cookbook and guide to help out with everything party from what to make to what to wear.

The book is Confessions Of A Serial Entertainer ( Gibb Smith Publishers)and it's a novel approach to party giving.Written by Steven Stolman who is more known for his interior and women's clothing designs ,it is a witty and fun romp through some of the best party food recipes ever. I absolutely LOVE this book and recommend every home chef go out and buy it.(it would also make a nice housewarming or bridal shower gift)There is some great advice about how to dress when going to and throwing parties. There are also tips about what to bring as well along with when it's appropriate to trot out the family silverware. Mostly this is a party and dinner book and Mr. Stolman's recipes reflect this. He has them grouped according to events, from tail gate party to seders. with easy to make dishes . Mr Stolman is not a chef but he does like to create and cook.The ingredients are easy to get and the dishes, from breakfast rings to cheese puffs are easy to execute.

The recipes are simple and fun .Any home chef can recreate them. I love the easy as pie Mater's Mess spread, a mix of cream cheese and other ingredients. A dap of it on any kind of cracker or Melba toast is a great hors d'ouevre. along with being a great picnic spread. some of the dishes a e old school like Dr Nagy's Pate This is .a homemade  foie gras that would be nice for a fancy at home cocktail party.The dips too belong in a more glamorous era where drinks were mixed in silver shakers and there was a waft of Chanel Number 5 in the air.The book is not all fun snacks. There are dinners for the boss and seders that have traditional dishes such as  rib roast and a choice of kugels. The most interesting are the winter dishes There is a savory bread pudding made with whole wheat bread and tomatoes. Broccoli is pureed into a creamy mash, perfect with any roast. summer is also  included in the Al fresco section with an easy to construct  paella  and a shrimp salad.Mr. Stolman also includes dessert recipes like a flourless chocolate cake along with one bowl gingerbread cake.

If you re a party giver , then COnfessions Of A Serial Entertainer is for you.It is chock full of great recipes guaranteed to make any home gathering a stand out event. It is a worthy addition to any home chef's library.