Celebrate!

October 13, 2003
Celebrated cookbook writer Lukins (co-author, The Silver Palate
and The New Basics
) delivers a glossy full-color volume encompassing almost all the possible celebrations in life. Following the year from a New Year's Day Breakfast through an Academy Awards Bash to Chanukah and Christmas, she then continues with the myriad of life-affirming occasions—new job, graduation, bridal shower. Each celebration is prefaced with a menu and description of the dishes, often with a suggestion for presentation that is sure to enhance the occasion. The recipes vary in complexity, but the clear instructions and the sprinkling of helpful tips put them within the reach of most cooks. As in her other books, Lukins delivers a wide range of delightful dishes drawing on modern, fashionable, traditional and international inspirations, from the simple yet effective Summer Corn Soup (Midsummer Night's feast), with its unusual use of lemongrass, to the appropriately named Devil's Food Cake for Halloween and a Luscious Leek Frittata that is sure to perk up any Sunday morning. For "The Big Raise," Lukins recommends an appetizer of Blushing Lobster Cocktail and a main course of Rich Man's Burgers with Béarnaise Mayonnaise—served with Champagne Pauillac and the music of Dean Martin. In the end, home cooks won't be surprised to find Lukins high standard of the dishes and a nice variety of recipes. (Nov.)

Forecast:
The Silver Palate Cookbook is a standard on many people's shelves and with Workman's push (150,000 first printing and 25-city tour), this title will definitely make a splash.