Katie Brown Celebrates: Review and Giveaway

Do you love to entertain but need some fresh ideas?  Are you afraid to entertain because you think it’s too difficult?  If you answered yes to either of those questions, Katie Brown Celebrates: Simple and Spectacular Parties All Year Round is for you.

In this book, Katie Brown gives you recipes, and ideas for decorating and favors for a party a month.  She covers everything from a Spicy Graduation Celebration to A Birthday Valentine to Holiday Brunch.  At the back of the book she has included Mix and Match Menus (using the included recipes) to create even more celebrations.  There’s also a great picture index in the back.

One of the things I love about this book is that the dishes and decorations don’t look professionally made – they look like something that can be duplicated easily.  As an example, I’ve included the picture of the Wafer Cake she made for a Kids’ Day party.  The cake is made from a mix and the frosting is from a tub.  All you have to do is create the decorations.

I tried out the recipe for Herbed Feta Puffs (from The Welcome Wagon) and they are simple and delicious.  I have to admit to “sampling” quite a bit of the filling as I made these. (The picture is mine – not the book’s.) Here’s the recipe:

½ (7 ounce) package cream cheese

½ (8 ounce) package feta cheese

3 scallions

¼ cup fresh mint leaves

salt and pepper to taste

1 egg yolk

1 tablespoon heavy cream

2 packages puff pastry

In a food processor, combine cream cheese, feta cheese, scallions, mint, salt and pepper and purée until herbs and cheese are well blended. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.  Preheat oven to 375º.  Make an egg wash by whisking together egg yolk, cream and salt.  Defrost puff pastry.  Using a cookie cutter or cup, cut circles into the puff pastry dough (about the size of the palm of your hand).  Place a dollop of cheese mixture in the center of each circle.  With a brush, paint the outer rim with egg wash.  Fold the circle in half and seal the outside rim by pressing with a fork.  Place puffs on a greased sheet ray and bursh tops with egg wash.  Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Hachette Books is allowing me to give away 5 copies of this book.  To enter, simply leave a comment on this post.  This contest is open to US and Canadian residents only (no PO Boxes, please).  I will use random.org to determine the winners.  Contest ends at midnight EST, Saturday, December 6, 2008.  Winners will be announced on Sunday, December 7.

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