cover image Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers

Perfect One-Dish Dinners: All You Need for Easy Get-Togethers

Pam Anderson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $32 (280p) ISBN 9780547195957

Bestselling author and USA Weekend food columnist Pam Anderson (The Perfect Recipe) continues her quest for perfection in this accessible, engaging collection of meals based around a singular dish. Grouped into four sections – summer salads and grilled platters; casseroles; the roasting pan; and stews – Anderson smartly mixes classics like Osso Bucco, Paella, and Lasagna with riffs on standards like Coq Au Vin (here with white wine and spring vegetables) and a Spanish beef stew (with bell peppers, chickpeas, saffron, paprika, and orange). Complementary appetizers, sides, desserts, and wine pairings are thoughtfully included for every dish, enabling cooks to expand their menus and palates even further; virtually all sides and accompaniments are within the capabilities of most home cooks, but those pressed for time or patience will appreciate Anderson's suggestions for easy off-the-shelf substitutes. Whether readers are new to cooking or simply looking for new ideas for meals, Anderson's winning collection is sure to encourage and inspire. (Sept.)