This is a classy large-format volume by Jane Price. It’s one of the Kitchen Classics series from Murdoch Books and if this isn’t a classic yet it soon will be. The photography by Jared Fowler is first-rate and helps to give the book a sumptuous feel.
We all want or need to throw a party from time to time but it’s difficult to be inspired beyond sausage rolls, cold pizza and pasta salad. Nothing wrong with the aforementioned but you don’t want a reputation for tired and uninteresting food. Your guests will appreciate a scrumptious spread that looks like you have taken a bit of trouble… although in truth the preparation would have been easy.
The chapter headings will give you a few ideas before you even look at the recipes. They include Cocktail Hour, Barbecue Buffet, Tapas to Meze, and Desserts. All the recipes can be mixed and matched so you don’t need to stick slavishly to the proposed menus. There are some traditional dishes but also plenty that are new and different.
Let’s take a closer look at just one section. Simply Japanese has 28 delicious recipes that look authentic, exciting, light and fresh. These dishes would be ideal summer party fare if you are looking to impress. The preparation is simple and with very little practice you’ll have a stunning table groaning with exotic delights.
One of the easiest recipes from the Japanese chapter is Tonkatsu. It’s pork in breadcrumbs fried and served with a traditional sauce. The suggested presentation is Zen and unfussy and it’s a dish that takes no time to cook. You’ll love that when you are also trying to prepare numerous other tempting morsels.
Desserts are rather overlooked at parties. It’s often just a rich fruit cake in the guise of a birthday or Christmas cake, or trifle. There are 34 recipes here that will encourage you to have a go at something a bit more adventurous. There is a good selection of sweets that are lovely to look at but also a bit trendy. The Sorbet Balls will be a real winner and have the advantage of being prepared well in advance. They are, as you would expect, balls of sorbet but with a cracking coating of dark chocolate.
Party Time is an impressive book and great value for money. It’s full of ideas for stress-free entertaining that will allow you to enjoy the celebrations as much as your guests. That’s got to be a good thing!
Party Time – The Party Recipes You Must Have
Author: Jane Price
Published by: Murdoch Books
Price: £12.99
ISBN 978-1-92125911-1
Cookbook review by Chrissie Walker © 2018
See more books by Jane Price here