Heather Christo's Generous Table: Easy & Elegant Recipes Through the Seasons - Tapa dura

Heather Christo is a fantastic chef . . . but most of all, she has a beautiful soul, which has clearly been poured into every page, every word, every photo of her gorgeous book. Reading it makes me want to cook every recipe, attend every party . . . and, well, I'd pretty much like to live with her! I love every morsel of this book.--Ree Drummond, #1 New York Times Bestselling author of The Pioneer Woman Cooks The book, beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs by Jim Henkens and Christo, is a winner, brimming with lots of ideas for easy entertaining. A definite keeper.--Cheramie Sonnier "The Advocate, 6/26/13 " This book is a genuine representation of the fabulousness that is Heather Christo. Not only does she provide elegant yet simple dishes and stunning photography, she welcomes you into her kitchen and makes you feel right at home. I am blown away at the beauty and creativity--it makes me want to crawl inside each page!--Jessica Merchant, How Sweet It is At the mere mention the word "picnic," my ears perk up. So when I was flipping through Heather Christo's Generous Table and came across a menu plan for a lakeshore picnic, I knew I'd have to make at least one recipe from her spread. Add an early and bountiful cherry season to the mix -- my local farmers market suddenly became overrun with them last week -- and it was settled. Quinoa salad with cherries and feta would make it to my table, and soon. Thankfully, Christo's palate is spot-on. Juicy cherries play off salty feta like old friends. Add grassy parsley, sharp minced shallot, and nutty toasted almonds to the mix, and the result is a hearty grain-based salad perfect for picnics, brown-bag lunches, or just because. As long as cherries keep finding their way into my farmers market tote, this delightful dish will be on my table.--Nicole Perry "YumSugar, 5/17/13 " I'm quite convinced that Heather Christo may very well be Coco Chanel reincarnated.--Aida Mollenkamp, Keys to the Kitchen "6/18/13 " The Perfect Pink Confection for a Summer Afternoon Strawberry buttercream frosting and freshly sliced strawberries sandwiched between two layers of tart lemon cake make for a dessert that tastes remarkably similar to a glass of pink lemonade--and that's just a liiiittle more indulgent. The recipe, from Heather Christo's Generous Table, includes fresh lemon zest, fresh lemon juice and a cup of buttermilk (the acid in the dairy helps tenderize the gluten in the batter, so the cake has a softer texture).--Lynn Andriani "o.com, 7/10/13 "

Heather Christo, the younger generation's entertaining doyenne, relates to the challenges facing her busy readers, women who may juggle marriage, family, careers and budgets, but who still wish to host beautiful, unique get-togethers for the people closest to them. Heather has spent a year chronicling the special occasions that season her family's life--wedding showers, baby showers, holiday celebrations, family birthdays and many wonderful meals shared with people they love--everyday celebrations that many families observe, and which many readers would like to be better prepared for. This is where her experience as a working mom of young children and her expertise as a chef and entertaining expert come together. Generous Table is more than just a cookbook. It is easy to find vast collections of great recipes. But how do you turn them into great meals, great experiences? Especially parties, of any size, where there is always added pressure to be organized, for things to look beautiful, and, of course, for the food to be completely delicious! Generous Table is a kind of "how-to kit" for people who want to be able to throw any type of party in their own home. Containing lists, instructions, menu options, and tons of photographs, it eliminates stress and confusion and removes the intimidation factor of presenting beautiful meals. Heather has taken all of the guesswork out of entertaining by offering ideas for table settings, flowers, and a menu complete with tried-and-loved recipes. Generous Table is split up into four sections corresponding to the seasons. Each section features five sample menus for a variety of f tes from the most casual to the most elaborate, including Early Spring Dinner, Game Night, Southern Housewarming, and Snow Day Lunch, along with special events like showers, anniversaries, and birthdays. Every recipe, from Cheddar and Chive Scones with Red-onion Jam to BBQ Grilled Wild King Salmon with Apricot-mustard Glaze and Grilled Stone Fruit to Rustic Pear and Cranberry Crostata emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients. The book also includes Stylish Sidebars that tastefully correspond with each menu. In total, the book includes 105 recipes and about 20 sidebars with useful information such as "How to Set Up a Tasting Bar," "Glittery Decorations for a Spooky Halloween Supper," "How to Prepare a Brunch Ahead of Time." Heather is most concerned with making food that is not only beautiful to look at but tastes amazing, food that you find yourself thinking about days later that come from recipes that will last a lifetime.