Christmas 101 : Celebrate the Holiday Season - From Christmas to New Year's

Rating:
Summary: The ultimate planning guide.
Review: Author Rick Rodgers, already the master of all things associated with Thanksgiving has now given us a terrific Christmas/New Year's guide. His practical suggestions include everything from setting up the perfect holiday cocktail party to getting the cards written (you don't really need to do them ALL at one sitting!), to planning for Christmas & New Year's--both Eve & Day celebrations. The recipes are uncomplicated, and generally use ingredients that are already on-hand. There's lots of nostalgia here & some great suggestions for music (the Ella Fitzgerald CD is the best!). Christmas set-up in our house has already been smoother & more relaxing because of this book.

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Summary: A GOOD CHRISTMAS EDUCATION
Review: Having Rodgers' Thanksgiving 101 book I decided to try his Christmas 101 book, too. This is not, nor is it meant to be the all-encompassing cookbook for Christmas. It is a rather slight book at under 200 pages.

More important than the actual recipes is Rodgers' advice and tips on planning your feast, party, decorating tips for the table, music, along with great ideas for new tradtions and ways to spice up old traditions.

Whether it's your first holiday party or you're an old pro looking for new entertaining ideas, Christmas 101 Offers luscious fare with Rick's easy style, including Focaccia with Smoked Salmon and Marscapone, Seafood Chowder with Fresh Herbs, and Peppermint Profiteroles. Classic holiday recipes for prime rib, goose, gingerbread cookies, wassail, and Hoppin' John are covered as well.

Fun to read!

Rating:
Summary: Too Many Misses
Review: I own two of Rick Rodgers 101 books and have been pleased. I was disappointed in this one however because I am not a cook who uses alcohol in cooking or beverages and that eliminated many of Rick's holiday offerings. It would have been nice to have some non-alcoholic substitutions suggested. I felt that, for me, this book was not worth the price.

Rating:
Summary: Too Many Misses
Review: I own two of Rick Rodgers 101 books and have been pleased. I was disappointed in this one however because I am not a cook who uses alcohol in cooking or beverages and that eliminated many of Rick's holiday offerings. It would have been nice to have some non-alcoholic substitutions suggested. I felt that, for me, this book was not worth the price.

Rating:
Summary: It converted a grinch like me!
Review: Like many people, I often dread the holidays because of the time demands. Not only is this a great cookbook (we've already tried some of the soups on some pretty chilly nights here on the East Coast), but it also gives solid ideas on how to manage your time during this season. I especially liked some of Rodgers' "time-out" suggestions for adults--little hints to make us stop and savor a moment or two. I know that this will get us through Christmas as well as a busy New Year's Eve & Day!