Happy Holidays from the Diva of Do-Ahead: A Year of Feasts to Celebrate with Family and Friends

by Diane Phillips

Book Overview

Brings the how-to and do-ahead approach to creating menus for 12 holidays - with emphasis on Thanksgiving and Christmas - as well as tips on recipe variations, decorating, and serving. Featuring a... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 155832321X
• ISBN13: 9781558323216
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Harvard Common Press
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

My Favorite Cookbook

I made the entire Thanksgiving feast in this cookbook ahead. I decided to follow the directions in this book, and a month before Thanksgiving, I spent about 5 nights preparing dishes. It was fun, and let me tell you, it was the best Thanksgiving feast imaginable. No one knew it was all made ahead. Now, mind you, I am noted for my cooking. I was just in a crunch for time this year, and decided to do it this way. Believe me when I say, this is the way it will be done every year from now on. Since Thanksgiving, I have made many of the recipes in this book. I have not been disappointed with one single recipe. I have raved about this book so much to my friends, that I have since begun giving this cookbook as a gift. If you are interested in enjoying your parties, too, then I suggest you get this book and try the tips and the recipes.

No kitchen should be without it!

Diane Phillips' Happy Holidays cookbook has become one of my favorites (and I have a collection of about 200 cookbooks). I love to cook for friends and family, but also like to be able to spend time visiting with them. I've tried three of Diane's complete meals (appetizers through desserts) and have not only found every recipe to be delicious and attractive, but was able to do the majority of preparation well ahead of time. Although I'm retired, it's great for working folks also because you can do a dish every couple of evenings, freeze or refrigerate them, depending on the dish, and just add the last minute touches on the day of your dinner. I've gotten rave reviews on each of her 'feasts' and look forward to cooking more of them.

Everyone Needs This Cookbook!

No matter what the occasion, I am "finally organized" with excellent "Do-Ahead" recipes! At last, I can relax and enjoy my company and family! I plan to give this book as a birthday gift to my three grown children this year before their busy holiday season arrives!

Discerning Foodie

I hope Dianne is enjoying her yacht on the Riveria. This book was so fabulous that I bought it for at least twenty friends and family. The book is extremely reliable, easy and very inspiring. You feel as though you are getting one on one cooking coaching. It makes cooking non intimidating and fun. I used this as my holiday "bible" and sailed through with rave reviews. The book allowed me to pace myself so that I wasn't wiped at the end that being the goal and beauty of this book. I would highly recommend this for an experienced chef as well as a novice. Great job Dianne. Many Thanks!!!! This will be a party classic for years and years.

A unique, 'user friendly', and welcome addition

In "Happy Holidays From The Diva Of Do-Ahead: A Year Of Feasts To Celebrate With Family And Friends", author, chef, and caterer, Diane Phillips draws upon her more than twenty years of professional experience and expertise to compile a compendium of recipes and ideas for twelve full holiday menus for superbly prepared gourmet meals. Each individual meal menu is broken down into step-by-step preparations that can be easily accomplished in manageable stages days, weeks, and even a month or more ahead of time - all without sacrificing quality in appearance, nutrition or taste! For each menu "Happy Holidays From The Diva Of Do-Ahead" provides the kitchen cook with a helpful countdown, a list of items to have on hand, instructions on economically finding what is needed, as well as 'Diva Tips' on substitutions, decorating and presentation. From a New Year's Eve Party and a Morning-After Brunch, to Memorial Day Picnic, to a Halloween party for All Ages, "Happy Holidays From The Diva Of Do-Ahead" is a unique, 'user friendly', and welcome addition to any family or community library cookbook collection!