The Basic Gourmet Entertains

available at: Amazon & Powells

Foolproof Recipes and Manageable Menus for the Beginning CookFirst came the Basic Gourmet. As a beginning cook, you tried its recipes, had some success, built some confidence, and bingo! You want to share your exploits with family and friends. Now the challenge begins–it’s called entertaining. The Basic Gourmet Entertains comes to your aid with more than thirty manageable menus-over eighty foolproof recipes in all. Included are a wealth of valuable tips and simple techniques guaranteed to provide a trusted repertoire for the novice host.

Some recipes that can be found within:

Ice Cream with Bananas, Rum, and Cream

Here’s a nifty dessert that you can just about pull off with your eyes closed. You don’t even have to begin to think about it until dinner is done. It takes minutes to put together while your guests are happily chatting. We’ve designed the recipe to serve six, but if any bananas and cream are… Read More

Panko-Coated Chicken Breasts with Tarragon and Lime

This recipe has become a regular in our cooking repertoire. Using three coatings for the chicken is a classic technique. By dipping the chicken breasts first in flour, the egg has something to hold on to. The egg coating provides additional moisture and flavor and holds the bread crumbs, which offer a crusty texture. If… Read More



Sautéed Chicken Breasts with Tarragon and Lime

This recipe has become a regular in our cooking repertoire. Using three coatings for the chicken is a classic technique. By dipping the chicken breasts first in flour, the egg has something to hold on to. The egg coating provides additional moisture and flavor and holds the bread crumbs, which offer a crusty texture. If… Read More



Spinach Salad with Mushrooms and Sweet Red Peppers

This salad partners well with the chicken sauté and can be served before, after, or at the same time as the main course. Many supermarkets sell prewashed and trimmed spinach in plastic bags. The greens usually don’t need washing and stay fresh for several days in the refrigerator. Refer to the dressing as a “Dijon… Read More