Cookbook review: "Entertaining Simple"

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 10, 2009 | by Lindsay Hunt Jury

The following review is by a reader who was given a cookbook from this newspaper. The included recipes were selected and prepared by the reader.

Watch out Martha Stewart, there is a new lifestyle diva. Actually, it's a lifestyle dude. In his book "Entertaining Simple," Matthew Mead presents helpful tips for decorating, setting up a pantry for parties, recipes, and party themes.

Despite all the helpful party ideas this book holds, I need the recipes for entertaining. Anxious to try them out, I put several to the test. I found nearly all had good flavor, but must say that the most successful recipes in this book are those that are truly simple.

The brioche rounds with goat cheese, honey and figs are rich, decadent,-- and call for a stiff cocktail. The shrimp with fresh tomato salsa is a tasty crowd pleaser. Similarly, the mixed berry and yogurt caramel couldn't be a tastier or easier brunch dish.

However, the more elaborate recipes are not for the novice, or in my case, the gullible. For example, against my better judgment, I carefully followed the recipe for herb roasted chicken. As I could have predicted before starting the recipe, the asparagus were cooked beyond recognition after roasting for well over an hour. Similarly, recommended bake times for the spiced pecans and apple coffee cake didn't happen in my newer oven. I suspect the recipes need more development in home kitchens.

When approaching these recipes I suggest using a discerning eye and recognizing your skill level. Fortunately, there are plenty of shortcuts offered in the book for the frazzled host or hostess.

For example, his suggestions for planning a pantry geared toward entertaining are excellent.

Among his suggestions are buying simple white dinnerware that can dress up or down for any occasion. He even provides ideas on how to store everything. I wish I had read this book when I was starting out after college. It would have saved me a lot money and space.

So, if you are seeking to impress friends with an elegant party, this book offers many useful tips that will give your party that easy sophistication that is so hard to pull off while maintaining your sanity. Watch out Martha!

Want to be a critic? We'll give you a new cookbook to review. Contact jthym@bayareanewsgroup.com.-- BOOK: "Entertaining Simple," (John Wiley and Sons, $24.95), 255 pages-- AUTHOR: Matthew Mead-- REVIEWER: Lindsay Hunt Jury of Benicia, who enjoys cooking food that requires little fuss and has great flavor