The Hostess Handbook

May 15, 2024
This could also be called The Hostess Cookbook, as among pages of tips, sidebars, how-tos, and other good advice, Zizka (The Newlywed Table, 2019) piles high 200 recipes. Intended for the novice entertainer (with hostess standing in for any sponsor), the book is loaded with basics: checklists, do-aheads, variations, playlists, table settings, and more. Zizka's hints and dishes run the gamut from beginner level to sophisticated. For example, some of the more complicated recipes include saffron arancini, garlic knot waffles, homemade tortillas and mango salsa, and blistered padron peppers con avocado crema. In contrast are some light-lift ideas that rely on rummaging the fridge and grocery store shelves to pull together simple menus, like a pizza night (she includes 13 sample menus overall). With standout helpful tips for making edible flower ice cubes, stocking the home bar, estimating quantities, and making an easy and inexpensive faux linen tablecloth, Zizka's handbook and perky, can-do attitude will convince almost anyone to home-entertain.

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July 15, 2024
Zizka (Cook Color) serves up an exciting array of recipes and party-planning tips in this inspiring guide to hosting. The meals draw from a variety of cuisines, and many have components that can be prepared ahead of time: both the pork-cabbage filling and the dough for the tie-dye dumplings can be made up to three days in advance, as can the risotto for the saffron arancini. Quicker crowd-pleasing fare includes fish kebabs, salt-and-vinegar potato peel chips with chive dip, and the Lebanese-influenced frittata with labne sauce. To round out any event, Zizka includes enticing dessert options such as ube amaretti cookies and drinks of both the boozy (sour cherry-tinis) and nonalcoholic (mock tiki punch) varieties. She also provides a dozen party menus to help readers plan for various occasions, ranging from holiday dinners and after-parties to Galentine’s Day brunch and springtime luncheons. Throughout, Zizka shares plenty of tips, noting, for example, that serving drinks to guests as soon as they arrive is a great way to break the ice. This go-to volume is sure to help readers prepare memorable and tasty festivities. Agent: Katherine Cowles, Cowles Agency.

July 12, 2024

Zizka (Cook Color) has authored a lovely, all-encompassing volume on how to be a great host while still enjoying the party. In each chapter, Zizka supplies anywhere from eight to 18 recipes for inspiration, from party snacks to desserts. Among the offerings are crispy scallion pancakes with a dipping sauce trio, toothpick gnocchi with oregano breadcrumbs, vegetarian nachos, brisket and harissa-buttered carrots, and marbled matcha snickerdoodles. There are both meat and vegetarian selections, and cocktail recipes include instructions for nonalcoholic versions. Most of the recipes are accompanied by color photographs. Additional features of the book include lists of party supplies, a hosting checklist, and a guide to cleaning up after the party. Readers will appreciate Zizka's practical approach to hosting; for instance, she advises to use a tablecloth if available--but no big deal if the tabletop goes naked. This relaxed ethos also extends to things like table-setting, seating charts, and lighting. VERDICT A great choice for both new and experienced party hosts.--Jacqueline Parascandola

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