Thanksgiving Table

Sometimes the only thing Thanksgiving hosts have to be thankful for is putting their feet up at the end of the day. For novices, orchestrating The Feast is no easy task. And even for old pros it's a bit of a challenge. Enter The Thanksgiving Table: the lowdown on the how to. Everything from the foolproof secret to a moist bird and how to truss and carve it to menu suggestions and simple, elegant table settings. Plus, recipes for classics like cranberry relish as well as more innovative dishes--and a whole section devoted to vegetarians. And maybe best of all, do-ahead tips and plenty of food and technique photographs to make planning in advance a breeze. The Thanksgiving Table is a kitchen essential--a book for which every home cook can give thanks.

Cookbooks dedicated to the Thanksgiving meal would fit in the top drawer of a nightstand. Inspiring ones, well, no space required.

Portlander Diane Morgan's "The Thanksgiving Table" fills the void, and does it nicely with its friendly narration and lovingly realistic food photos by fellow Portlander John Rizzo.

Done in quiet autumn tones, "Table" is both mother's shoulder in the kitchen for beginner cooks and oft-needed inspiration for tired VTCs (Veteran Thanksgiving Cooks).

Along with traditional recipes (sausage stuffing), updated classics (Sauteed Green beans with Shallot Crisps) and new twists (Double-Crusted Cranberry-Blueberry Pie), Morgan includes easy instructions for brining, the new classic method for roasting a bird.

Preparation timetables, tips on cooking ahead and ideas on homey table decorations are given their due, as is everybody's favorite subject--stuffing.

You'll be tempted by Italian Sausage, Mushroom and Sage Stuffing, Cheddar and Jalapeno Corn Bread Stuffing, and Bread Stuffing with Apples, Bacon and Caramelized Onions. But be prepared: She gives instructions only for baking them in a pan; you're on your own to figure out what size bird the amounts accommodate.

That aside, "The Thanksgiving Table" is a pleasure to read, easy to use and just the company a cook needs on one of America's favorite holidays. -The Oregonian

Everything from the foolproof secret to a moist bird and how to truss and carve it to menu suggestions and simple, elegant table settings. Plus, recipes for classics as well as more innovative dishes, do-ahead tips and plenty of food and technique photographs to make planning in advance a breeze. 64 photos.

For novices, orchestrating The Feast is no easy task. And even for old pros it's a bit of a challenge. Enter The Thanksgiving Tableoffering you everything you need from foolproof cooking secrets and techniques and classic and innovative recipes, to menu suggestions and simple, elegant table settings.