cover image Entertaining with Love: Inspired Recipes for Everyday Entertaining

Entertaining with Love: Inspired Recipes for Everyday Entertaining

Mark J. Sievers. Mark-Ryan Group, $30 hardcover (240p) ISBN 978-0-615-86783-0

A mix of straightforward, traditional recipes, such as Hello Neighbor Blueberry Muffins and Brown Butter Cake, and creative twists on classics, like Apples & Sage Creamy Lasagna, make food blogger Sievers%E2%80%99s cookbook perfect for anyone preparing to host a dinner party. The recipes presented are neither overly indulgent nor lightened for everyday eating. A few of the starters would make good cocktail party fare (a small section of cocktails is also included), but most dishes are designed for traditional sit-down meals. Entries are divided into basic categories%E2%80%94main courses, desserts, etc.%E2%80%94but the book is otherwise themeless. Recipes themselves are sufficiently detailed and easy to use, and scattered personal stories depicting Sievers (host of the Web series %E2%80%9CFrom My Kitchen to Yours%E2%80%9D) and his husband, Ryan, as a cozy, everyday couple add warmth. Food photographs are adequately composed%E2%80%94though some are blurry or overexposed, and none are printed on glossy pages. Readers will find this a useful, if somewhat disjointed volume, full of solid favorites and useful tips and tricks for entertaining.