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Entertaining - General & Miscellaneous, Parties & Party Planning, Cooking - General & Miscellaneous
Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen: The Indispensable Guide for Planning a Party by Nicole Aloni — book cover

Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen: The Indispensable Guide for Planning a Party

by Nicole Aloni
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Overview

During almost two decades of catering everything from the Academy Awards to a fete for Queen Elizabeth to an intimate dinner for Julia Child to a “Roller-Disco” Bat Mitzvah, Nicole Aloni has learned more than a few tricks-of-the-trade. And whether you’re planning your umpteenth dinner for twelve, or you’ve only just figured out that there’s a kitchen in your apartment, Secrets From a Caterer’s Kitchen is the manual on entertaining.

This comprehensive, accessible and easy-to-use book offers insider tips and guidance about:

Menu preparation for both large and small gatherings Finding special locations for events Decorating advice for “theme” festivities Creating invitations Maintaining a budget Over 125 tried-and-true party recipes

Whether it’s a candlelight dinner, a kid’s birthday party, or a holiday extravaganza, you can put on a show like a pro—and keep your guests guessing—with Secrets from a Caterer’s Kitchen!

Synopsis

From the author of Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen, the only 55 recipes you'll ever need to entertain with style and confidence.

Features:
• 55 essential dishes with lots of variations for every occasion
• 38 versatile menus-from casual meals to elegant repasts
• The basics of how to roast, grill, or steam meat, fish, and vegetables
• From napkins to utensils-what every home entertainer needs
• Hints and tips from the professionals to make every gathering as much a pleasure for the host as it is for the guests
• Crowd favorites and exotic cocktails
• Expert wine selections

Decor & Style Magazine

Aloni's book is funny, practical and creative..the bible on entertaining. All 150 recipes sound divine. Includes party themes.

About the Author, Nicole Aloni

Nicole Aloni, author of Secrets from a Caterer's Kitchen, is a 15-year catering pro whose sold-out cooking classes are held throughout the country. She's appeared on local and national television and radio, including the Food Network. She lives, cooks, and entertains in southern California.

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Editorials

From Barnes & Noble

The Barnes & Noble Review
After two decades of catering big events like the Academy Awards and small ones like an intimate dinner for Julia Child, Nicole Aloni knows a lot of short cuts.

Her book is a practical resource guide, packed with entertaining fundamentals like timetables, space planning, table setting, food quantity charts, checklists for outside services, budget-trimming suggestions, and more than 150 party-tested recipes. In addition to the nuts and bolts, Aloni likes to add the "wow" factor to her parties through the food and the decorations. For alternatives to traditional placecards, for example, she likes to use a bright pippin apple with a nametag tied to the stem, or a Chinese fan inscribed with the guest's name.

Time-stressed hosts will appreciate Aloni's suggestions for theme parties, where she recommends dishes to buy from a favorite restaurant, dishes to make, appropriate garnishes, and compatible wines or drinks. For a Mexican party, for example, Aloni suggests ordering a turkey in mole sauce; buying Mexican beer, chips, tortillas, and salsa; and making the Cadillac margaritas, salad, and guacamole. Fresh pineapple tossed with basil, mint, and Triple Sec over store-bought tropical sorbets round off the meal. (Ginger Curwen)

Decor & Style Magazine

Aloni's book is funny, practical and creative..the bible on entertaining. All 150 recipes sound divine. Includes party themes.

Publishers Weekly

lear and spirited guide..with easy, surefire recipes. A lifesaver for the novice...practical for even the most experienced party-giver.

From The Critics

The author's spent over twenty years catering major events: her experience lends to a guide which tells how to plan menus for both large and small gatherings, how to entertain under a variety of conditions, and how to create festive occasions. The party recipes here are packed with ideas and while dishes lack colorful photos, the advice is solid and the relatively simple dishes don't need much embellishment.

Book Details

Published
February 1, 2001
Publisher
Penguin Group (USA)
Pages
352
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9781557883520

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