What to Have for Dinner

This is one of my favorite cookbooks. I've used it so much it's worn out. The Roasted Barley Pilaf and the Carrot and Parsnip Puree (both very easy) has become a staple in our home for Christmas dinner (along with Rosemary Lamb Chops from a Bon Appetit cookbook). Citrus Marinated Pork Chops and Sauteed Green Apples and Leeks are both, also really yummy. Cornish Hens with Kasha Pilaf recipe was to die for! These recipes are relatively simple, considering the flavors and "special meal" feeling at the table. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in cooking, and wants something not-too-complex. True, some recipes are more complex than others, but I would save those for another day. This book is one I will always have on my shelf. Thanks, Martha & Co.!

I adore Martha, her style, her books, and her website... but I have to be honest about this one. I throw dinner parties up at school all the time and so I was thrilled to have a dinner party with these recipies. True- you can use one or two recipies for a quick easy side (think desserts here) but I made the delicious asian noodle meal and not only did it take an hour of prep time for julienning veg and other things, but when my guests arrived, not only was I not finished preparing, but I wasnt even close. It ended up taking my guests pitching in... fun but not what I had planned. It took four of us almost 2 hours to make it . It was so delicious, and also so impossible to make unless you have TONS of spare time and are planning on taking at least 2 hours to make . Just so I am clear- DELICIOUS FOOD THAT TAKES TONS OF TIME (at least that is if you arent a professional chef)

These are the cards from the back of the magazine for a few years, all gathered as menus designed to make dinner for four in about an hour. The turkey and green chile burritos are good, and the coffee custard is outstanding; they are from Menu 7, andthe whole thing is great. The citrus marinated pork chops are also delicious. If you like cookies, the Oatmeal Lace cookies are fabulously rich and sweet. My favorite is the Mocha Shortbread Wedges recipe--has to be the easiest dessert ever, not too sweet, and really quick and easy.

I first stumbled across this little cookbook in a used book store in the middle of nowhere. Everyone in the family had $5. to spend and boy did I get my money's worth...and so did my family for that matter because every recipe is a gem. It is now my standard gift to newer cooks who are setting up house and entertaining - the listing of what to do in which order is great for the less experienced and some of the combinations of foods are unusual but always work - I tried another Martha book and was disappointed - this one is a keeper!

This book has a ton of great recipes. Some are different, but they are easy. They are all quick to make, it is just a matter of finding the ingredients. The book is divided into seasons of the year so cooks can prepare meals that fit the weather. I would recommend this book to anyone who leads a busy lifestyle and loves to cook elegant dinners