This book is a collection of memories from wonderful times with family and friends. Preparing for a celebration is the anticipation of fond memories, laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Many of the recipes in Parise’s first cookbook are great for casual dinners and informal get-togethers with easy to use ingredients. You will have time to connect with your guests instead of spending all your time in the kitchen. Whether it be the Pumpkin Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Icing, which held the candle for John Born’s 50th birthday surprise, Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Butter enjoyed every New Year’s Eve, or the Butternut Squash with Gorgonzola, a staple at every family Christmas dinner, you will be delighted with the results. Parise has even included a few of her favourite preserves, which her husband Jim professes to be ’the best jams in the world’, and her granddaughter’s summertime dessert, Emma’s Double Decker Ice Cream Cake, demonstrating the passion for food and creativity at a young age. Much thought and love has gone into the recipes created in this book and the beautiful colour pictures capture the essence of an amazing culinary adventure.
