The Bottom Line
This is the kind of fund raiser cookbook usually created by local communities. However, since the contributing ladies to this book come from New York's upper crust, the book is a beautiful package with recipes suitable for the finest parties.
Pros
- This is a good collection of recipes using accessible ingredients.
- Recipes are well written and easy to execute.
- The photographs are beautiful.
Cons
- Truly a potluck of recipes without a unifying theme to the food.
Description
- Recipes ranging from appetizers to main dishes, sides, soups and desserts.
- Each recipe is preceded by an anecdote from its contributor that tells something about the origins of the dish.
- Beautiful, gilded photos are generously sprinkled throughout the book.
- The introduction includes entertaining tips and pantry suggestions from the contributors.
- Florence Fabricant, editor of the collection, is a contributor to the New York Times dining section.
Guide Review - Park Avenue Potluck, Recipes from New York's Savviest Hostesses
If you've ever desired to entertain like the posh set on the upper east side of New York, this lovely cookbook will set you on the road to success. Many of us have contributed to school or church cookbook fund raisers, but you haven't seen anything until you look at this collection from The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. In a style that fits the addresses of the contributors, this is a delightful cookbook to flip through while choosing dishes to serve when you entertain. From Cheese Grits Souffle, to Scalloped Oysters, or Rainbow Goat Cheese Terrine to Bermuda Banana Pudding, you'll find that the recipes run the gamut from down home to sophisticated, with something to please the tastes of most of your guests. It's easy to assemble menus to suit any party or occasion, and by peeking at the photos, you'll pick up presentation tips as well. As final icing on this luxe cake, a portion of the proceeds form the sale of this book goes to a good cause, so you can do good while eating well.
