For the Hostess: Soiree

If you are looking for a gift for the hostess or for someone on your Christmas list, pick up  a copy of SOIREE by entertaining guru Danielle Rollins. Watch out Martha - I think she has a better eye! 

The book includes ideas for invitations, flowers, table settings, linens, and more than eighty original recipes.

Photos: Soiree

Martha's New Book!

Earlier this week Martha's newest book MARTHA'S ENTERTAINING A YEAR OF CELEBRATIONS debuted and I am eagerly awaiting my copy to arrive in the mail. Say what you will about MS, but she and her team are still the very best in the business. Here are a few photos from the book.

Photo Credit: Martha Moments 

Thursday Obsession: My Last Supper

Ok...not THAT Last Supper, but a book I recently read about what top chefs would eat for their last meal. What a fun concept! Author Melanie Dunea interviewed, and photographed, 50 of the best chefs and asked them what they would want for their last meal. They included some of their recipes too! Find a copy HERE

The author

A few images of some famous chefs

A few of the recipes

Thomas Keller's CHICKEN

Jamie Oliver's SPAGHETTI ALL'AARABITA

Shortbread ICE CREAM SANDWICHES

And the next book The Next Supper will be out in September.

Bottom Image: Southern Living

Under the Tuscan Sun

If I had to pick a favorite spot out of all the places I been around the globe, it would be Italy. And if I had to pick one spot in Italy, it would be Tuscany. If you have never been, you need to go at least once! If you want to experience Tuscany at home, then pick up a copy of a book from Frances Mayes.  

Of course, most people know her famous book, UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN, but two of my other favorites are IN TUSCANY

And BRINGING TUSCANY HOME

Some images of Frances' home - Bramasole

And a few recipes from Frances' blog which you can view HERE

FOCACCIA

CHICKEN UNDER A BRICK

ROASTED VEGGIES

PLUM TART

CHOCOLATE CAKE

Bottom Image: Cook and Click

Incredible Ina + Giveaway

Is there anyone better? Not in my book and I use her recipes almost exclusively when I entertain. Don't you want to hang out at her house in the Hamptons and enjoy a glass of wine with her and Jeffrey? 

A few of my favorites:

Pomegranate Cosmos RECIPE

Butternut Squash Soup (though I make with ginger instead of curry and skip the condiments) RECIPE

Beef Bourguignon RECIPE

Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola Sauce RECIPE

Weeknight Bolognese RECIPE

French Apple Tart RECIPE

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries RECIPE

And now for the giveaway! A copy of Ina's newest cookbook (which is fantastic)

And another favorite of mine

Leave a comment with your favorite Ina recipe below and make sure you are a subscriber to this blog in order to qualify. The winner will be announced on February 12th! (All friends and family are welcome.) Good luck and happy entertaining!