Betty Crocker's Entertaining Basics

Book excerpt: A complete guide to the basics of entertaining at home with confidence and ease -- filled with 100 of the best recipe choices for entertaining and lots of tips to make it all look perfect. The four elements of a great party are the Entertaining Equation: Good Company + Good Food + Good Setting + Good Planning = Great Time! Betty Crocker's Entertaining Basics: Learning to Entertain with Confidence details all the steps to take to guarantee that a party adds up just right. One hundred of the best recipes to prepare for a party are here, from appetizers to desserts (all photographed) in an easy-to-read and easy-to-follow format. Plus, you'll find more than 25 easy Set the Scene" decorating ideas (all photographed) for making festive additions to the table such as: a picture frame serving tray; illustrated menu-, buffet-, or placecards; rustic cast-iron candleholders; iced decorated wine bottle.And, there are more than 80 how-to's (all photographed) explaining basic and slightly more advanced cooking techniques such as: pressing out pizza crust dough; layering lasagna ingredients; cutting and seeding a jalapeno chili."