Bestselling TV cook Rachel Allen shares her down-to-earth style and easy-to-follow recipes for entertaining friends and family in your own home.

Friends, family, good food, good times – this is what entertaining is all about. It can be as relaxed as flopping down on the sofa with a few friends to share nibbles and drinks or a great big curry, or as formal as getting out your best china and ironing your tablecloth for a three-course meal. How you choose to share your time and your cooking creations with your loved ones is entirely up to you. What each kind of gathering has in common, however, is a happy, welcoming atmosphere, and the main ingredient for that is you.

In this beautiful, fully illustrated cookbook, Rachel shows you how easy and stress-free entertaining can, and should be. With her doable, delicious recipes there's no need to worry! Rachel is there with the helpful suggestions and mouth-watering recipes for which she is loved. She gives great advice about preparation, cooking and even gives an idea or two for pretty table decorations.

Her wise words, clever hints and tips and, above all, irresistible recipes will inspire readers to cancel their dinner reservations and entertain at home – no matter what the occasion, even if there’s no occasion at all!

Chapters include:

• Daytime entertaining• Casual meals• Outdoor dining and barbeques• Small bites and canapes• Small celebrations• Dinner parties• Larger gatherings• The buffet party

Recipes include:

Middle Eastern chilled cucumber soupFennel, orange & hazelnut saladWinter leaf salad with pomegranate, apple & walnutsSoutheast Asian grilled fishHoney Ginger PorkSummer pea & mint ravioliRoast duck breasts with white bean puréeRoast pork belly with a fennel & garlic rubBeef & wild mushroom lasagneWhite chocolate & ginger parfait with chocolate sauceMini coffee cupcakesAmaretti with brandy & ice creamBlueberry & custard tartTiramisu

Reviews

‘Fancy a casual supper with your family or a big feast to mark a special occasion? TV cook Rachel Allen has a recipe to suit. She takes you from preparation to table with minimum fuss, plenty of tips and menu ideas for dinners, brunches and lunches, cocktails and desserts.’ – Waitrose Kitchen

Reviews for Previous Title

‘A natural TV chef: relaxed, articulate and knowledgeable’ – Sunday Times

‘With her finely-etched patrician features and delicious recipes, Rachel manages to do what the buxom Nigella Lawson never could. She makes us believe we can do what she does…’ – Irish Post

‘We’re big fans of Rachel Allen here at Delicious.’ – Delicious Magazine

‘Food for real people’ – Irish Examiner

‘The book I've taken to most this season is by the Irish Nigella (except prettier, blonde and a better cook),Rachel Allen. Her BAKE is simply and engagingly written: one irresistible thing after another’ – Melanie McDonagh, Evening Standard

‘As wholesome and attractive as its charming author, (…) it is well thought out and accessibly written, with the emphasis on relaxed family meals. (…) Ideal for anyone who needs to cook on a regular basis but hasn’t much experience.’ – Sunday Telegraph on Homecooking