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?
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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteDani, I am so sorry to hear she passed away. She left something so so wonderful for all of us to enjoy & remember her by.
ReplyDeleteOnce 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.