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Summary: "Do-it-yourself" culinary elegance and memorable dining
Review: Cooking Class: A Chef's Step-By-Step Guide To Stress-Free Dinner Parties That Are Simply Elegant! by Carol Dearth (a chef formally trained in a Master Chef program at Le Cordon Bleu in London), is a superbly illustrated guide to creating masterpieces with professional techniques, not only for bringing out flavor, but also for garnishing and presentation. The full-color photographs, the extensive instructions, and the unique extra touches highlighting culinary creations, make for an excellent and confident introduction to expanding any kitchen chef's cooking skills into the realm of high society quality cuisine. From Lemon Linguini with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Grilled Chicken; Eggplant Fans with Onion Marmalade; and Basil and Ricotta Tart; to Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Crostini; Black Bean Salsa; and Truly Decadent Chocolate Sauce, Cooking Class truly lives up to the promise of "do-it-yourself" culinary elegance and memorable dining!
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Summary: Where was this book when I needed it?
Review: For years, I was involved with a lot entertaining; preparing for dinner parties, luncheons, and other events. If I would have had Carol's book then, well..my life would have been so much easier! This is the book for all who may be in the same situation. Or, who just love to cook and entertain. Or, who may be nervous about trying. There's nothing more you need to put together a wonderful dinner party than Carol's "Cooking Class". Just buy the ingredients and you are ready to go. This book will be the most perfect gift for all those on my Christmas list who love to cook, and even those who don't! After reading it, they will change their minds and be ready to tackle any recipe with confidence! It's a cooking class in print!
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Summary: Entertaining has just gotten easier!
Review: I bought this book after seeing the author on a local cooking show. I am so impressed with the layout, pictures and plans...it's just what I've been waiting for as a cook. She lays out in detail a menu and what you are doing with the food 3 days ahead of the party, 2 days, etc up until the day of the dinner party. It really takes the stress out of having people over for a fine meal.
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Summary: Delicious recipes and great explanations
Review: I have made several of Carol's recipes and they were easy to make and oh so delicious--especially the Molten Chocolate Cakes! Yum!!Carol's sidebars are very imformative. Her explanations make so much sense and are therefore easy to remember. This book makes entertaining easy and less stressful because Carol takes you by the hand and guides you all the way through. I would recommend Cooking Class to anyone who enjoys cooking.
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Summary: The only one you need
Review: I loved the book. If you are interested in entertaining at home, this is all you need. Carol's book can escort you through an evening dinner affair with ease. She could have titled the book 'Dinner parties for dummies', but that may have been taken already... I love the desserts!
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Summary: Make Room For This Book
Review: I'm always looking for a great cookbook to add to my 350+ collection. This book is good enough for me to give up one to find a place for it on my shelf. This hard cover book (180 pages, gorgeous color photographs) is more than just glossy pictures and scrumptious recipes. The beginning of the book is a planning section, including a section on "Master Dinner Party Plan" which outlines in chronological order the art of putting together a successful dinner party. The rest of the book is divided into the four seasons, with four menus per season, enough to host a dinner party every week of the year. In addition to the menus, the author provides a "Cook's Master Work Plan" for each menu, guiding you through how and when to execute each recipe. Sprinkled among the recipes, which by the way, are clear and concise, are technique descriptions, mini-cooking class lessons (like trussing a chicken), timesaver tips, ingredient definitions and garnishing tips. The book is filled with all the information you need to create beautiful dinner parties home (with no stress, and time for you to be with your guests). The last chapter is called Show-offs!! and is filled with everything from how to garnish and present food, to adding special touches like compound butters, to dessert sauces and fruit purees, adding flair to your meals. The author even shows how to fold napkins, create a perfect flowing buffet table and a bit about pairing food and wine. This is a one-stop book for your next dinner party. It's like having an experienced teacher in the kitchen with you as you prepare for your party -- no wonder she named the book Cooking Class.
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Summary: Elegance With Ease!!
Review: Let me start by saying that I had the good fortune to take "hands on" cooking classes from Carol when we were both living in London! I am delighted that her marvelous "culinary arts tips" are now in print and with fabulous accompanying photos of the end result! Her book is so easy to read and is full of "tricks of the trade" tips for preparing "elegant dishes" that will make guests think there is a "master chef" in your kitchen! I have given several of her books as gifts and the response has been positive on all counts, but especially with regards to the "planning aspect"! Carol makes it all "so easy"! Her book makes a great gift!!
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Summary: Entertaining has just gotten easier!
Review: My family has been fortunate enough to be guests at the Dearth table on more than one occasion. Carol is a terrific cook and teacher. Her book is the result of many years of studying, experimenting and teaching. She has designed her book to be used year round, and has made planning a dinner party easy from start to finish. All you have to do is invite your guests, pick a menu, follow her Master Work Plan and relax. You almost feel like she has done the bulk of the work for you!! P.S. The food presentation in the photos is beautiful and makes you hungry just to look at it.
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Summary: Elegant but easy!
Review: My family has been fortunate enough to be guests at the Dearth table on more than one occasion. Carol is a terrific cook and teacher. Her book is the result of many years of studying, experimenting and teaching. She has designed her book to be used year round, and has made planning a dinner party easy from start to finish. All you have to do is invite your guests, pick a menu, follow her Master Work Plan and relax. You almost feel like she has done the bulk of the work for you!! P.S. The food presentation in the photos is beautiful and makes you hungry just to look at it.
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