The Bride & Groom's Menu Cookbook

Caterer Abigail Kirsch (The Bride & Groom's First Cookbook) brings slightly more experienced newlyweds another bright, cheerful volume in The Bride & Groom's Menu Cookbook. While Kirsch's first book focused on helping a new couple adapt to cooking together, her second aims to assist couples who know their way around the kitchen (and each other) entertain friends and colleagues and create new family traditions. Recipes employ easy-to-find ingredients and are organized by season and into menu suggestions. Kirsch, with the help of freelance writer Susan M. Greenberg, even includes in some of her menus ""Serious Leftovers"" recipes, so a couple that wants to prepare the Apricot-Mustard Glazed Smoked Ham for their new neighbors on Saturday can expect to enjoy the Ham and Barley Soup in front of their TV on a quiet Sunday. (2 Jan. 2)