5 Wine Glass #Review of Life Is a Party: Deliciously Doable Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration by David Burtka

 

Title:  Life is a Party:  Deliciously Doable Recipes to Make Every Day a Celebration
Author: David Burtka
Format: Hardcover/ebook 304 pages
Publication: April 16th 2019 by Grand Central Publishing
ISBN-13: 978-1538729892
Links: Goodreads | Amazon |B&N
Source: Publisher
Reviewer: Kimberly
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

106 killer recipes, 16 creative party themes, and 250 gorgeous photos--plus playlists and easy planning tips--make LIFE IS A PARTY the indispensable cookbook and guide for home cooks.

Chef, actor, and entertaining authority David Burtka knows that every day can be a party. Over a lifetime of throwing epic gatherings, the Cordon Bleu-trained Burtka has perfected the formula for creating easy and perfect get-togethers at home. Now, in the pages of his debut cookbook, he's sharing all of his secrets and an intimate look into the lives of one of Hollywood's favorite families. Everything you need to throw a memorable party, or to make a delicious weeknight meal, can be found right here.

Whether your event and budget are modest or you're going all-out, and whether the guest list is an intimate crew or it's a blowout bash, David's sixteen party themes-from cozy game nights at home to elegant New Year's fêtes-are built around doable, show-stopping menus that take the guesswork out of high-impact hosting. Complete with endless and fun ways to mix-and-match dishes, create stunning decor, prep ahead, and get guests involved, David helps you put all the elements in place to make every party a success without ever losing your cool.

At the heart of the book are David's amazing recipes, including delicious twists on comfort classics like Corn Cakes with Bacon Jam, Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, and Neapolitan Ice Cream Sandwich Cake. And you don't need to wait for a party to try recipes like Ham, Egg, and Cheese Calzones; Mint Pesto Pasta; and Thyme and Gruyère Popovers. Never one to miss the opportunity to toast friends and family, David also shows you how to make delicious cocktails for a crowd: think Mojito Slushies, Charred Peach and Plum Sangria, and Cucumber-Lime Spritzers. So raise a glass and get cooking! Because there's no better time than now to make your life a party.

Kimberly's Thoughts:
I loved this cookbook, one of the best at combining interesting dishes and suggestion/advice on throwing get togethers. If you're fan of David Burtka, you'll greatly enjoy the intimate feel, the big glossy pictures of family and friends as he invites you into his world for a while. If you like being the go-to house for gatherings, you'll love the ideas you'll get from this book.

Burtka organizes the book into seasonal categories and provides different levels, a basic, upgraded, or over-the-top party and dishes, easy, moderate, or involved, to help you create your ideal party. The menu provides for meat eaters and vegetarians and has clear pictures of finished products to help you design the best final product presentation.

The dishes I tried out:
Spring – Dig-in Brunch -  Rhubarb-Ginger Crumb Muffins
These were “Easy” and even though they are from scratch, I agree. Even more importantly, they tasted fresh, light, and delicious.

Summer – Summer SOULstice – Mint Pesto Pasta
This was also labeled as “Easy” and again, I feel newish cooks wouldn't have a problem creating this dish. The taste wowed me and the friends I made this for. It is a seemingly innocuous dish that packs a punch.

Fall – Fright Night – Roasted Squash Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette and Spicy Pepitas
This fell under the “Moderate” label, it was time consuming, 2hrs, and some of the process I could see new to cooking people struggle with. I loved how all the ingredients were truly seasonal but making it for a Halloween Party might be a struggle, I think a simple family night would be a great time to try this. All the flavors combined together beautifully.

Winter – Game Night – Chicken Tot Pie
This was also “Moderate”. What I loved about this one was the warm, textured taste. I also liked how different variation ideas were listed so that you could create a family favorite.

All the recipes were inventive but also not too intimidating to take on. This probably veers more towards moderate to experienced cooks because of the effort you might have to make to find the ingredients and some preparation and actually cooking. The instructions were clear, concise, and easy to follow, so adventurous newbies could try.

The party ideas were brilliant and fun. Along with the menu ideas, Burtka gives ideas to what guests can bring, how to get them involved, and parting gifts. For a party newbie, like me, I loved how he worked to take the anxiety out of planning togethers, he breaks advice for planners down to what to wear, activities, and how to plan ahead. Each party or themed night is also provided with a playlist from Spotify (the songs are listed) to help you set the right vibe.

This is a must have for party planners from basic to over-the-top and cooks who want to make inventive and flavorful dishes. The suggestions, advice, and different variations to try will have your friends and family singing your praises, so much fun to be had from this book.