CookThatBook

by Pam Anderson

The latest release from famed cookbook author Pam Anderson (no, no, no – not that Pam Anderson) is entitled Perfect One-Dish Dinners: all you need for easy get-togethers. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt ($32) the theme of the book can best be described as effortless entertaining guaranteed to satisfy your guests and fill their stomachs with classic style comfort food.

What I love about this book is that almost all of the recipes can be made ahead of time, each one clearly written with helpful footnotes that include alternatives for quick premade options, and even wine pairing suggestions. In fact, the only thing this book doesn’t do is the dishes!

The primary goal of Perfect One-Dish Dinners is to make life in the kitchen easier, whether it is for busy weeknights or special event entertaining. Portion sizes are generous and will feed a large group or provide yummy leftovers for the next day. Judd Pilossof’s beautiful photographs are littered throughout the book, and are guaranteed to whet your appetite and send you straight into the kitchen.

While the jury is still out on whether or not I prefer this book to her previous Perfect Recipes for Having People Over, I would highly recommend it for the busy cook short on time and not wanting to resort to meals in a box. Full of a variety of menus that will not leave you flustered or exhausted before your company arrives, it is also a great option for kitchen newbies looking for easy and inspiring recipes for their table.

Pam Anderson is the former Executive Editor for Cook’s Illustrated Magazine, a contributing editor for Fine Cooking Magazine, USA Today food columnist and author of six cookbooks whose recipes are often described as “foolproof” and “infallible”. As if she were not busy enough, Pam (along with her two daughters) also writes a food blog called Three Many Cooks.

To read the results of my recipe tests for Perfect One-Dish Dinners, please click HERE