The Open Hand Celebration Cookbook: Great Chefs Cook for Festive Occasions

I found this book in the mid 90's at The Cliff House Restaurant in SF. It's purpose was to raise funds to provide meals for Aids long term survivors. I sat amazed as I turned each page, at the expense of my diner going cold. Been using it for years for all the festive occasion menu's from many famous chef's i.e Cindy Pawlcyn, Madeleine Kamman, Alice Waters, and the late, great Barbara Tropp. I am especially fond of the "Natchez Christmas" dinner which includes the best roast turkey and creole gravy with andouille corn bread stuffing recipe. This is now a family tradition during the holiday season. The recipes are not easy or inexpensive to prepare, but are well worth the time and money to make a memorable dining experience at home. The collection covers everything from Bastille day to a feast for Ramadan. I have thousands of cook books but this on in my top ten list. Enjoy and also buy to pass on to friends as I do.

"Hundreds of recipes organized by season provide vicarious visits to many lands, and lively introductions from many top-name chefs offer unique glimpses of the customs and traditions behind the menus."--© zebraz

The Open Hand Cookbook is one of the cookbooks that inspires me. It has very cohesive and inventive menus, and is fun to read and cook with!