For tonight’s Rediscovering My Library segment, I’m going to introduce you to another cookbook I received for my birthday a few weeks ago. I love entertaining, whether it be a small, casual group or an all-out party. I adore everything about it … the menu planning, grocery shopping, and prep, right down to the last crazy minutes before guests arrive. Seems only natural that Jennifer Rubell’s new book, Real-Life Entertaining would end up on my Lusting After List.
Jennifer Rubell is an entertainment columnist for Miami Herald’s Home & Design magazine, and she is also the contributing food editor for Domino magazine (love this one!). In addition to owning several boutiques in Miami and Washington, she has also written for Food & Wine and Vogue. And I thought I was busy!
The biggest draw to this book, for me, was that it’s written with real people in mind … people like you and me. For those last-minute dinner guests, casual brunches and one-pot meals, this is a great resource. It is packed, simply packed, with color photographs on every page, and “party tricks” are included with almost every recipe. And the recipes? Simple, simple, simple. Everything from Beer Cocktails, Tex-Mex Breakfast Mess, Baguette French Toast and Roasted Chicken Legs with Mustard and Thyme to Poached Salmon with Cucucmber Relish Spoons, Spiced Pear Bellinis, Arugula Salad with Balsamic Prune Vinaigrette, and Mashed Potatoes with Figs and Parmesan.
Throughout the book, there are tons of party tricks and “essential” tips. I’ve already flagged the Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Citrus for a BBQ we’re having this weekend. Maybe the Buttered Corn Wheels too … decisions, decisions.
Onto this weeks’s nod for New (to Me) Blogger on the Block nomination. This week, I’d like to introduce you to Passionate Nonchalance. The kitty photos and commentary crack me up, but the food is just as eye catching. Just check out the Gorditas, Artichoke and Manchego Crostini, and Clams and Baby Scallops in Tomato Wine Sauce.
OK folks, that’s a wrap for tonight. Until tomorrow…
A year ago today …delicious Aussie chicken.
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Last minute meals…that is so me!
awww thanks sweetnicks! (thats just so cute btw :) likewise, i *love* your blog and have to admit to a fair amount of lurking. the iceberg wedge is a standard guilty pleasure of mine. and the garlicy stuffed tomato have me mouth awatering in the wee hrs of the morning. thanks for shout out and for *your* blog :)
ps. that cookbook sounds wonderful!