"e;This book perfectly describes simple and easy entertaining for each season"e;, from a New York Times-bestselling and James Beard Award-winning food writer (Daniel Boulud). No matter the occasion from cocktail parties to buffets to elegant sit-down dinners Mark Bittman has you covered. Toss out the idea that you have to deliver near-perfect, super expensive food to entertain family and friends. His creative menus are packed with simple, flavorful dishes for starters, main courses, sides, and desserts all made with easily found ingredients and requiring minimal preparation. Organized by menus and seasons, this book serves up recipes along with "e;Keys to Success"e; that focus on stand-out ingredients and offer suggestions for adding a dish or two to make the menu more elaborate; a "e;Timetable"e; section that gives you tips and tricks on organizing the meal prep; and basic wine selections. From a Pan-Asian Dinner in the spring (Risotto with Coconut Milk and Seafood, Broiled Lamb Chops with Mint Chutney, Herbed Green Salad with Soy Vinaigrette, and Pineapple-Ginger Sorbet) to a wintertime Informal Italian Dinner (Pasta with Fast Sausage Ragu, Chicken with Pancetta and Balsamic Vinegar, Porcini-Scented "e;Wild"e; Mushroom Saute, and Ricotta with Walnuts and Honey), The Minimalist Entertains makes it easier than ever to combine food, fun, and friends. "e;Let's face it: entertaining is a slightly scary business for just about everybody. But in this book, Mark Bittman's trademark brand of delicious but easy recipes is joined by a 'let's just have fun' attitude that makes you actually want to have folks over for dinner."e; John Willoughby and Chris Schlesinger, coauthors of The Thrill of the Grill and License to Grill
