Special Occasions

The author of the bestselling cookbook The Holidays returns with a winning guide to year-round celebrations, some nationally recognized, others not (there are recipes for ``Oscar'' night mini-galas, ``Super Bowl Sunday'' suppers and ``homecoming'' tailgate picnics). Hadamuscin remains a loyal son of old-fashioned American cooking; he grew up on an Ohio farm and learned from master chefs like Grandma Wynn (coconut custard pie), Great-Aunt Susie (molasses-glazed smokehouse ham) and, of course, Mom (potato and celery chowder). Trendy cooks need not fear, however: there is enough sophistication in Hadamuscin's seasonings and 28 menus to keep them happy. Along with 200 celebratory recipes based on a variety of regional specialties, Hadamuscin makes beverage recommendations, gives invaluable advice on advance preparations and offers just enough anecdotes to keep the reader entertained and salivating. But O'Rourke's full-color photographs lack the honest warmth of Hadamuscin's writing. 25,000 first printing. Better Homes & Gardens Book Club main selection. (Nov.)