I have a kitchen – check. Pretty and functional, but so new it’s never ever been used. (Note: this kitchen is not it, but nice…)Pots and pans and serving pieces – check.
Pretty dishes and glassware – check.
New dining table – check.
But I have to admit, I’m in party panic about the food. I used to cook, but I haven’t seen my kitchen stuff in over a year, so I’m wayyyy out of practice. In addition, all my cook books are still in storage. Maybe one of my vintage aprons will reinspire my cooking capabilities…
So what is a girl to do besides call Mom or call for delivery? In times like this I default to my gold standard of food - The Silver Palate. Their first ever book is still my favorite.
I started cooking for parties with this cook book and it never fails me. Better yet, I searched for my recipe of choice online and there it was –Tomato Basil Pasta with Brie. That solves my cook book problem.
Once upon a time 25 years ago the real Silver Palate was open on the Upper West Side. I really wish it was still open… By the way, here are some of my other favorites from SP: Pasta Puttanesca, Chicken Mirabella, and their Banana Cake…yum.
My friend Jenn cooks a lot and her safe place is with Ina – anything she makes is always good as well. I love her cookbooks and her show. Another favorite – Nigella. I could watch her for hours, regardless what she makes. I miss tuning into Nigella Bites on the Style Network.
So this got me thinking – if you were in a party panic, what’s your favorite go-to cookbook?
3 comments:
I love your blog and it made me so happy to read this post. My aunt wrote the Silver Palate cookbook (as well as others) and passed away exactly a year ago. It feels good to know her legacy continues with so many people enjoying her delicious recipes. And yes... Chicken Mirabella is out of this world.
I love the kitchen, but I REALLY love that apron. It reminds me of my Grandma. She had so many beautiful aprons. I wish I had been old enough to appreciate them when she passed away. I don't know where any of them wound up, but I still remember Gram wearing them every time we were at her house. Thanks for bringing back such a fond memory.
Dani, I am so sorry to hear she passed away. She left something so so wonderful for all of us to enjoy & remember her by.
Once I brought the SP cookbook to a gift exchange. I bookmarked my favorite recipes and left a note telling why. Everyone was fighting over it. I am so glad you like the blog - thanks for reading...
Lake Oz regarding the aprons - I have been collecting them from antique stores for years - thanks to Grandmas all over. I absolutely love them. My grandma always had one on and Mom too, so aprons remind me of them. Whenever I see a cute one, I pick it up for myself, Mom or my sister.
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