Building on her popular Kosher by Design
, Fishbein leads readers through an array of extremely doable kosher options, covering finger foods to main dishes to desserts, while giving suggestions for organizing a menu, decorating a table and serving foods. International offerings like Pesce Arrabbiatta, Moroccan Short Ribs, and Caribbean Jerk Chicken appear alongside variations on familiar classics, such as Mexican Gefilte Fish, Strawberry Apple Kugel, and Mexican Brisket. The author is hip to trendy food items such as edamame, olive tapenade, fennel and porcini mushrooms, reinforcing this cookbook's value: yes, every dish is kosher, but far from old-fashioned. Fishbein suggests salmon mousse as an alternative to gefilte fish and uses innovative combinations such as bread pudding with kugel (in Pineapple Challah Kugel). In dishes like Steak and Green Beans with Wasabi Cream Sauce, or Orecchiette with Salmon in Cream Sauce, Fishbein uses nondairy sour cream and cream cheese. She codes each dish parve, meat or dairy, and gives helpful pointers (the Arugula and Pear Salad, for example, "works equally well with Granny Smith apples in place of the pears. Think of the apple option for Rosh Hashana"). Even if readers aren't likely to throw a "Just for Guys" dinner and decorate their table with a "homey, masculine look," or follow Fishbein's other ideas for theme nights, here are plenty of solid recipes perfect for any occasion. Color photos throughout. (Mar.)
