An award-winning author who has "made good, better, and best a

career" (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) and a USA Weekend food

columnist known to millions of readers for her "sensible perfection"

(Philadelphia Inquirer), Pam Anderson is also a busy minister"s wife

who entertains often. Having people over, she says, is no big deal, as

long as you have the perfect recipe for the occasion.

In this book, Pam presents two hundred of her favorites—each one

tested and retested to make it foolproof for company—from Creamy

Baked Macaroni and Cheese to Butterflied Glazed Cornish Hens.

Every recipe is as convenient as it is perfect, and many of the dishes

are designed to satisfy everyone on the guest list, from vegetarians to

carnivores and from sophisticated parents to picky kids. Pam provides

more than a hundred accompaniments to mix and match with the main

courses, from appetizers like Lacy Cheddar Crisps, to side dishes

like Orange-Glazed Asparagus, to sensational desserts like Molten

Chocolate Cakes.

Each recipe includes a thumbnail sketch with suggestions on what

to serve with the dish, how to vary it, how to take shortcuts, and how

to make it ahead. Richly illustrated with color photographs, Perfect

Recipes for Having People Over brings both perfection and practicality

to the party.

"Anderson revives the art of entertaining in this unthreatening collection of simple but elegant dishes, following her successful The Perfect Recipe (which won a Julia Child Award), Cooksmart and How to Cook Without a Book. She focuses on moderately easy, stick-to-your-ribs, crowd-pleasing dishes that can be made in bulk (for up to 20 people). Categorizing her recipes by occasion, she offers dishes like Buttermilk-Honey Fried Chicken Fingers, or Sausage and White Bean Soup for an informal 'Kitchen Gathering,' and Easy Baked Risotto, and Butter-Roasted Lobster Tails for ooh-la-la blowouts 'In the Dining Room.' For an 'Outdoor Affair,' Shish Kebabs and Sear-Ahead Steaks or Salmon do nicely, while 'Breakfast for Company' consists of dishes like Orange Cream Cheese Strata with Cranberries and Walnuts. Recipes for appetizers, soups, salads, side dishes, breads, desserts and even drinks fill in the gaps, while Anderson helpfully answers anticipated questions for each recipe: When should I serve it? Any shortcuts? How far ahead can I make it? What should I serve with it? What about leftovers? Throughout, Anderson's easygoing tone and reassuring attitude will relax any nerve-jangled host or hostess. This is not a book for master chefs, certainly, but it delivers solid dishes sure to impress the average dinner party crowd. Photos. (Sept. 14)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

Anderson presents 200 of her favorite dishes for company. Every recipe is as convenient as it is perfect, and the dishes are designed to satisfy everyone on the guest list, from vegetarians to carnivores, and from sophisticated parents to picky kids.

Having your friends over is no big deal when you have the perfect recipe, one that's not only foolproof but simple and that fits into your hectic schedule. In her new cookbook, Pam Anderson shares nearly 200 perfectly convenient dishes, including

* Lacy Cheddar Crisps — An irresistible one-ingredient hors d'oeuvre, ready in 10 minutes.

* Oven-Barbecued Pork — Slow-cooked for 10 to 12 hours. You literally make this one in your sleep.

* Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese — When kids are coming, why not serve the best version of their favorite?

* Shish Kebabs — Satisfy every guest, from vegetarians to carnivores, in the same meal. Six exciting flavoring pastes offer all the variety you need.

* Easy Baked Risotto — Elegant and effortless, with many sumptuous variations, including seafood and vegetarian. You socialize while it cooks.

* Orange-Glazed Asparagus — One of the most versatile side dishes imaginable. Ready in 8 relaxed minutes.

* Molten Chocolate Cakes — 15 minutes to oozy decadence.

Every recipe comes with helpful suggestions on what to serve with the dish, how to vary it, how to take shortcuts, and how to make it ahead.

Pam Anderson is the author of The Perfect Recipe, which won a Julia Child Award, CookSmart, and Perfect Recipes for Having People Over. She is the new monthly food columnist for Better Homes and Gardens and the magazine’s TV spokesperson, a columnist for USA Weekend, and a contributing editor to Fine Cooking.