Nov. 26, 2006 - Fast and Fabulous Entertaining Menus

 FAST AND FABULOUS ENTERTAINING MENUS

by Phillis M. Carey

In an era when even discerning cooks are pressed for time, Phillis Carey comes to the rescue with a cookbook that takes the planning out of the entertaining equation.  With 50 full menus including over 250 recipes to choose from you are sure to find just what you want to prepare for your next party, whether that party is dinner tonight for the family, an elaborate buffet or even an elegant feast for the boss. 

Organized in five chapters and featuring cuisines from around the world Carey’s recipes are simple enough for the beginning cook and intriguing enough for those who have spent years in the kitchen.  While reading menu titles like Backyard BBQ Bash, Midnight at the Oasis, You Bring the Wine, California Fiesta and Roman Holiday you’ll find yourself jotting down the guest list for your next get-together.

Some of you may recognize the format of this cookbook. Yes, it was orginially published as The Casual Gourmet.  I have updated the recipes and added several new ones so don't let that stop you from grabbing a new copy!

The cookbook is available now.  Cost--$18.95. You can pick up a copy at The Kitchen Witch in Encinitas, Great News in San Diego, Voila in Del Mar, Sur la Table in Newport Beach or A Store For Cooks in Laguna Niguel.  To order online either contact me using the email link to the right to arrange payment and shipping or you may order direct from https://shopkitchenwitch.com. 

Enjoy Cooking the FAST and FAB way!!

Jun. 18, 2006 - The Casual Gourmet Presents Fast and Fabulous Chicken Breasts

This chicken is the theme for my newest cookbook, FAST AND FABULOUS CHICKEN BREASTS.  As you can see he's dancing and he's got a bit of personality.  You'll find the recipes in my book to be easy and fun and hopefully you'll dance your way through them with a bit of attitude like my chicken.  Oh, and don't forget to read the Introduction.  In this cookbook it's the key to your success when cooking boneless chicken breasts.

The cookbook is divided into five chapters.  Each chapter deals with a different cooking technique.  The first chapter, STOVE TOP SAUTES--SAUCY AND DELICIOUS, is all about cooking chicken in a skillet on top of the stove.  There are a lot of great sauces in this chapter.  The second chapter, STRAIGHT FROM THE OVEN--BAKED OR OVEN-FRIED, includes several ways to cook boneless breasts in the oven only.  They are cooked in sauces, coated in breadcrumbs and even stuffed and rolled.  The third chapter, COMBO COOKING--FROM STOVE-TOP TO OVEN, is just that.  You start the chicken in a skillet on top of the stove and you finish it in the oven.  This is best for nut-crusted chicken or chicken pre-cooked before being wrapped in pastry and baked.  The fourth chapter, SIZZLING CHICKEN--FROM THE GRILL WITH TASTY MARINADES AND SAUCES, holds all the secrets to succesfully preparing grilled chicken breasts.  The chicken travels the world in this chapter, from India to Mexican to Thailand with all the robust flavors those cuisines represent.  Then, last but not least, chapter five, WOK TOSS UPS--NOT JUST ASIAN, includes recipes for chicken breasts cut into small pieces and tossed in a great sauce.  These recipes are also a great way to use up all those chicken tenders you've been saving.

My cookbook is available at any of the stores where I teach and you can even order them online from a couple of the stores by accessing the links to the right.  If you have any questions about the book or it's availability email me and I'll get back to you asap.

Or you can order the book directly from the online mail order sites from two of the stores I teach at:

www.shopkitchenwitch.com  or www.discountcooking.com