Entertaining Simple: Cookbook Review
Recipes, Menus, and Party Ideas For Every Kind of Gathering
by
Matthew Mead
Planning a party can become overwhelmingly daunting without proper preparation. The stress of food, décor, and entertainment applies a mounting pressure on the host, often resulting in an aversion to the entire party planning endeavor. To alleviate the stress of entertaining, Matthew Mead has created a go-to guide with Entertaining Simple.
Mead breaks down the party planning process into a clear, step-by-step handbook, providing an efficient method that covers everything from party themes to cleaning and organizing. He outlines the process in stages, stressing the importance of a well-stocked pantry with items that are multi-purpose and simple, to build and create an understatedly elegant party atmosphere. From beginning to end, this book is filled with vibrant colors and vivid images that complement the informative suggestions offered throughout. Nervous hosts can tempt guests with festive twists on party staples, like Raspberry-Lime Punch, Cheese and Tomato Mini Quiches, and a plethora of other party-friendly food and drink. Mead shows that planning a party can be effortless and fun with his tips and expert knowledge to help readers through the process.
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Petite Shrimp Salad Sandwiches
Serves 6 to 8
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and cooked
¾ cup chopped celery
½ cup minced red onion
¼ cup chopped scallions, green parts only
2 tablespoons chopped green bell pepper
1 ¼ cups mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons yellow mustard
½ teaspoon garlic salt
2 tablespoons mixed snipped fresh lemon thyme, chives, and tarragon
1 loaf whole grain bread, sliced
In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, celery, onion, scallions, and green pepper. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup of the mayonnaise, the soy sauce, mustard, and garlic salt. Stir the mayonnaise mixture into the shrimp mixture. Stir in the thyme, chives, and tarragon. Cover and refrigerate for several hours.
Cut the bread slices into 3-inch squares. Spread the remaining ¼ cup mayonnaise over each of the squares. Top each square with a generous dollop of shrimp salad. Arrange the sandwiches on a platter; cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
Simplify: Start with ready-made shrimp salad from a good deli; all you’ll have to do is follow step 2 to assemble the sandwhiches.
For an alternative, layer slivers of packaged smoked salmon atop the prepared bread for an easy, tasty substitute. |
Reviewed by Sonya Barrett
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