Kitchen Revelry A Year of Festive Menus from My Home to Yours

Description

A month-by-month culinary scrapbook that brings out the reveler in every home cook Ali Larter is a busy actress, well known for her roles on the NBC show Heroes and in movies such as Varsity Blues and Legally Blonde. But when not on set, she is usually throwing a dinner party or entertaining at home. In fact, Ali has been cooking and entertaining all her life, and in an instant, she can whip together a wonderful meal, whether it’s for a family Sunday brunch, a spontaneous Super Bowl party, or an elegant (but not stuffy) New Year’s Eve dinner. Her parties seem effortless, but it hasnt always been that easy for her. In fact, at Ali’s first dinner party, she made the common rookie mistake of putting too much pressure on herself to make things perfect. Needless to say, with hungry guests, a burned hand, a broken air conditioner, and a mouse scampering across her fourth-floor New York City walk-up, the night ended in disaster. Through the years of trial and error, Ali has learned that while looking effortless takes some effort, cooking is not about being perfect—its about having a great time! And now she’s eager to share her passion and knowledge for cooking, collecting her favorite go-to menus into this wonderful cookbook: from her jalapeño cheddar cornbread to crab pots with lemon caper dip, lamb chop lollipops, strawberry mint cake, and for thirsty revelers, her eucalyptus gin martinis. Alis mouthwatering recipes and inspiring party ideas are broken down by month so you can take her lead through the seasons with celebrations such as an October Harvest Party, a January Detox, and a July Americana BBQ. Brimming with charm, beautiful and intimate photos, and Alis personal touch as a perfectly disheveled, sassy, effortless host, Kitchen Revelry will enliven and inspire your celebrations for years to come. About the Author About the Author ALI LARTER is an actress and year-round reveler. She lives in Los Angeles, where she hosts her ritual dinner parties and legendary get-togethers. Ali shares her celebrations with her husband, Hayes MacArthur her son, Teddy Jackpot, the shepherd and Ella, the wheaton. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION september- Cooking School, Savoring the Last Bites of Summer october - Harvest Party, Full Moon Party january - Detox, Wanderlust Supper february - Sweethearts Soirée, Super Bowl Party may - Earth Mother’s Brunch, Bar Was a Bust june - Wine Tasting Evening, El Diablo november - Out-of-Town Guests, Friends Thanksgiving december - Tree-Trimming Cocktail Party, New Year’s Eve Dinner march - Movie Night Meals, Slumber Party april - Alfresco Lunch, Spring Clothing Swap july - Americana BBQ, Dinner at Dusk august - Midsummer Night’s Dream, Tuesday Night, No Reason ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INDEX