From Publishers Weekly
A party menu differs, of course, according to the party-one would hardly serve the same food at a bridal shower as at a Super Bowl gathering. But this volume, part of Scribner's "All About" series, adapted from the Joy of Cooking cookbooks, provides drinks and snacks for just about any occasion. The choices span the map, encompassing Vietnamese Summer Rolls, Buffalo Chicken Wings and Lamb Brochettes with North African Spices. What remain consistent throughout are the lovely photography, the clear, competent directions and the useful sidebars. Becker, the grandson of the founder of the Joy of Cooking enterprise, includes instructive notes along with most recipes, explaining that harissa, for example, is a North African spice paste, and that cheese should always be served at room temperature. Becker concludes the book with a chapter on party drinks, giving the home bartender instructions on everything from a cold-weather eggnog to a fruity, and correct, Sangria. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
This latest batch of spin-off cookbooks from the All New All Purpose Joy of Cooking includes one on a topic that was not covered in that revision. The chapter on canning and preserving, much of which was written by cookbook author Sylvia Thompson, unfortunately didn't make it into the 1997 revision because of space limitations, so it's nice to have it appear as its own book. Like the other "All About" titles, and unlike the big Joy, these all include color photographs, as well as additional material not included in the revision. Canning & Preserving is recommended for all collections on the topic; the other titles are for most libraries. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book Description
A fresh and original way to put the classic advice of Joy of Cooking to work -- illustrated and designed in a beautiful and easy-to-use new book. * All of the best foods for entertaining such as Brie Baked in Pastry, Food Processor Cheese Straws, Tandoori Chicken Fingers, and Seven-Layer Dip along with an all-new, never-published cocktail and pastry drinks section that features classics such as the Martini and the Sidecar * Recipes include party favorites for virtually any celebration, from a business cocktail party to a casual open house * Includes clear, practical advice that makes entertaining a simple, pleasurable affair for hosts and guests alike

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A fresh and original way to put the classic advice of Joy of Cooking to work -- illustrated and designed in a beautiful and easy-to-use new book.

* All of the best foods for entertaining such as Brie Baked in Pastry, Food Processor Cheese Straws, Tandoori Chicken Fingers, and Seven-Layer Dip along with an all-new, never-published cocktail and pastry drinks section that features classics such as the Martini and the Sidecar

* Recipes include party favorites for virtually any celebration, from a business cocktail party to a casual open house

* Includes clear, practical advice that makes entertaining a simple, pleasurable affair for hosts and guests alike

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

A party menu differs, of course, according to the party-one would hardly serve the same food at a bridal shower as at a Super Bowl gathering. But this volume, part of Scribner's "All About" series, adapted from the Joy of Cooking cookbooks, provides drinks and snacks for just about any occasion. The choices span the map, encompassing Vietnamese Summer Rolls, Buffalo Chicken Wings and Lamb Brochettes with North African Spices. What remain consistent throughout are the lovely photography, the clear, competent directions and the useful sidebars. Becker, the grandson of the founder of the Joy of Cooking enterprise, includes instructive notes along with most recipes, explaining that harissa, for example, is a North African spice paste, and that cheese should always be served at room temperature. Becker concludes the book with a chapter on party drinks, giving the home bartender instructions on everything from a cold-weather eggnog to a fruity, and correct, Sangria. (Sept.) Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal