Staff Pick
Actor and Hollywood cook David Burtka invites us into his family and throws a party. Whether it’s a simple game night party or a big sit-down bash, Burtka lends a helping hand in mix-and-match recipes and décor ideas. (The icing on the cake is that we get to eavesdrop on Burtka's famous Hollywood family, husband Neil Patrick Harris and their kids. Their twins were helpful taste testers for the cookbook!) Recommended By Tracey T., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Chef, caterer, and actor David Burtka knows that in a life full of obligations and commitments, choosing to create special gatherings to capture magical moments and bring our loved ones together at the table is more important than ever. Life Is a Party is the intimate and fun look you've been waiting for into the lives of one of Hollywood's most beloved couples. Chef and author David Burtka and husband Neil Patrick Harris share a love of entertaining and have become well-known for David's epic gatherings. And now David wants to share his go-to recipes, party themes, music lists, decor tips, and Pinterest-worthy spreads with all of us.
Whether your budget is minimal or unlimited, you'll be inspired by 100 fail-proof recipes inspired by seasonal ingredients. David also offers 16 party themes--from cozy Game Nights at home to elegant New Year's fetes--complete with endless ways to mix and match dishes, create stunning decor, what to prep ahead, and how to get guests involved, that are sure to make every party a success.
David's recipes are delicious twists on comfort classics like Corn Cakes with Bacon Jam, Red White and Blue Potato Salad, and Grilled Chocolate-Hazelnut Cookies. You'll want to celebrate everyday so you can try recipes like Mint Pesto Pasta and Thyme and Gruyere Popovers. Plus, you'll find recipes for libations like Mojito Slushies and Charred Peach and Plum Sangria.
Speaking with authority and easy charm, David makes planning the perfect party, or just Sunday dinner, a breeze.
Synopsis
106 killer recipes, 16 creative party themes, and 150 gorgeous photos-plus killer playlists and easy planning tips-make LIFE IS A PARTY the indispensable cookbook and guide for home cooks. Chef, actor, and entertaining authority David Burtka knows that every day can be a party. Over a lifetime of throwing epic gatherings, the Cordon Bleu-trained Burtka has perfected the formula for creating easy and perfect get-togethers at home. Now, in the pages of his debut cookbook, he's sharing all of his secrets and an intimate look into the lives of one of Hollywood's favorite families. Everything you need to throw a memorable party, or to make a delicious weeknight meal, can be found right here.
Whether your event and budget are modest or you're going all-out, and whether the guest list is an intimate crew or it's a blowout bash, David's sixteen party themes-from cozy game nights at home to elegant New Year's f tes-are built around doable, show-stopping menus that take the guesswork out of high-impact hosting. Complete with endless and fun ways to mix-and-match dishes, create stunning decor, prep ahead, and get guests involved, David helps you put all the elements in place to make every party a success without ever losing your cool.
At the heart of the book are David's amazing recipes, including delicious twists on comfort classics like Corn Cakes with Bacon Jam, Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, and Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. And you don't need to wait for a party to try recipes like Ham, Egg, and Cheese Calzones; Mint Pesto Pasta; and Thyme and Gruy re Popovers. Never one to miss the opportunity to toast friends and family, David also shows you how to make delicious cocktails for a crowd: think Mojito Slushies, Charred Peach and Plum Sangria, and Cucumber-Lime Spritzers. So raise a glass and get cooking Because there's no better time than now to make your life a party.