Delicious Gatherings

Recipes to Celebrate Together

This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Buy on Amazon Buy on BN.com Buy on Bookshop.org
*This page contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app

1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Sep 06 2022 | Archive Date Sep 20 2022

Talking about this book? Use #DeliciousGatherings #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!


Description

“I am so passionate about the power of food and cooking, and how it can bring people together, allow us to explore our creativity, and nourish our bodies and souls.”—Tara Bench (aka Tara Teaspoon)
Here is your invitation to step into the kitchen and create a meal worth remembering! Tara Teaspoon helps you impress guests and gather friends around your table with recipes for elevated everyday meals and special holidays, plus helpful tips and how-tos. This cookbook aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get-togethers.
From Sunday suppers and weeknight family meals to elaborate buffets for bigger crowds and holiday celebrations, Tara’s recipes include delicious showstoppers and unique takes on comforting classics. You can gather together around savory recipes, including Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pepitas or the Ultimate Chili con Queso. Then bring on dessert with Chocolate Peanut Butter Puddle Cookies or Maple Hazelnut Pie.
Tara brings her comforting-but-elevated approach to recipes that cover “Main Events,” “Serious Sides,” “Breakfast and Brunch,” and “Baking and Sweets.” The book opens with “Gather-Around Dinners,” which takes the stress out of meal planning with full-course menus for memorable gatherings.

“I am so passionate about the power of food and cooking, and how it can bring people together, allow us to explore our creativity, and nourish our bodies and souls.”—Tara Bench (aka Tara Teaspoon)
...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781639930456
PRICE $34.99 (USD)
PAGES 272

Average rating from 80 members


Featured Reviews

Delicious Gatherings by Tara Bench

If you are ready to add some flair in the kitchen and impress guests with new and unique recipes, Tara’s got your back. Back with a new cookbook, Delicious Gatherings is filled with show-stopper recipes just waiting to blow you and your guests away.

I’ve recently developed a cookbook obsession. But not just any cookbooks. They need to have recipes I’ll actually use, bring me excitement in the kitchen, and of course, they need to be beautiful. Delicious Gatherings checks all the boxes. Tara is able to transfer her passion for cooking straight into your home with this beautiful book. The recipes are made to be easily double or cut in half to ensure you have the right amount of food for your gathering.

Included are tips, success secrets, and my personal favorite, menus! You don’t have to try and put meals together, because Tara has done it for you. You can thank her brother for that idea 😉

The only problem I ran into was that a very few of the ingredients couldn’t be found at my local grocery store.

Was this review helpful?

This meals in this book looks absolutely delicious and that is exactly what I’m looking for in any kind of cookbook. They were varied and different enough from what I normally cook that I happened to get quite a lot out of this book. Wonderful read!

Was this review helpful?

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Such a great book for when you have friends and family over! Or just even a movie night in with your dear hubby or wife! Recipes are easy and love the photos.

Was this review helpful?

I love cookbooks. They feed my soul and the need to try different combinations of food to get a new flavor profile or to try a foreign dish. Mostly though I find tips and tricks that I incorporate into my recipes. This book was a great addition to this, making me think of adding foods I never thought about to my staples, turning them into new and exciting flavors for friends and family.

If you’re not a big cook, no worries. The recipes are easy to follow, clear and concise. I always tell my daughter and nieces that you CAN cook. If you can read and follow directions, you can do it. So if you’re a seasoned cook, this is a great book for you. If you’re not a big cook, but want to give it a whirl, this book is for you! Enjoy the time with good friends and good food.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun recipe book!

Some of the recipes are time intensive and I would have liked more photos of the finished foods, but overall it's a helpful recipe book! Designed for hosting there's a variety of foods and recipes to try. The recipes are in both grams and cups to help measure properly. There's some unique recipes to try and information to make sure everything comes out as something you'd like to share.

Overall a nice find!

Was this review helpful?

As usual with me, the best part of this cookbook is the desserts! I have a few more for my to-bake list, but there is also a nice selection of all-American family dinners that are fancy enough for company, but still totally approachable for every day. Some of them are a little fancy, and use some healthier swaps, but look tame enough that even beginner-cook me may try a few. Maybe after I try the cookies...

Was this review helpful?

I am super excited to try some of these delish recipes. Very well organized and love all of the pictures.

Was this review helpful?

In “Delicious Gatherings: Recipes to Celebrate Together,” cookbook author Tara Teaspoon says her goal is to encourage readers to bring their friends and family members together for a creative, nourishing meal. I was certainly inspired by its recipes that go beyond Western classics, use less common ingredients, and borrow from different cuisines; instructions that are clear and not overwhelming; and beautiful, mouthwatering photos.

Many of my loved ones are proud foodies and amazing cooks themselves, so when I’m hosting a celebration or there’s a potluck it can be stressful choosing and putting together something to eat. But “Delicious Gatherings” has so many recipes that I’ve added to my To Cook list! The ones I’m most excited to try are:
* Blackened salmon tacos with mangoes and purple slaw
* Thai coconut chicken and rice noodle soup
* Pasta with brussels sprouts and walnut-sage browned butter
* Churro waffles with whipped ricotta and dulce de leche
* Passionfruit meringue tart with coconut cookie crust

I only wish she had included some punch bowl recipes for non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to perfectly round out the meals.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. My review was posted online on May 5, 2022, to Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60439679.

Was this review helpful?

As the title suggests, Delicious Gatherings is for anyone wanting to make meals for parties, holidays, and get-togethers.

In the beginning of the book, it's organized into planned meals; anything from a holiday meal to Sunday dinner to a variety of ethnic meals. You can either pick and choose the recipes you'd like to make or make everything in the meal. It's a great idea for anyone who wants a cohesive meal plan and doesn't necessarily know what to serve with what.

I love the little twists and variations that elevate the traditional meal like adding miso and honey to brussels sprouts, pepitas to sweet potatoes, and smoked gouda to mashed potatoes in the holiday dinner menu, for example. In addition to fully planned meals, there are also sections for side dishes, entrees, breakfast/brunch, and desserts.

Every recipe has a beautiful photo, and they all look and sound delicious. As someone who considers themselves a decent home cook, nothing seemed too complicated. Each recipe has numbered steps and also has the amount of time it should take, tips and tricks, and helpful notes, so I feel like even a novice cook wouldn't have too much difficulty making these dishes.

In addition to a traditional index, there's also a photo index, which I think is a marvelous touch, especially if you're looking for a recipe and can't remember the name of it.

I love this cookbook! I've already bookmarked a few pages I plan on making very soon. There's a mac and cheese recipe that sounds like something right up my alley.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

5 Stars

Was this review helpful?

A beautifully photographed cook book full of ideas for organized feasts. I like that the recipes are grouped logically and they are clear and accessible.
I want to make the chili cheese fries right now! The chicken banh mi burgers is one of the only banh mi recipes I have see which I think I can make and I know my kids will want the churro waffles and the lemon cake in the near future!
This is a recipe book worthy of anyone’s kitchen shelf collection.

Was this review helpful?

I love a cook book, and the title and front cover of this drew me in from the off - and that doesn’t end once you open the book. The photographs of the food in this book look absolutely divine! The recipes are clear, easy to follow, and sound absolutely delicious. There’s everything from a twist on the classics, to more original recipes - something to every taste. I love ‘Tara’s Tips’ throughout the pages, and the conversational intro to each chapter, and to each individual recipe. The photo index at the back is pure genius.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and Netgalley for an eARC of this book to read and review

Was this review helpful?

This is a great cookbook for people looking for entertaining ideas and party recipes. Everyone will be excited to try the spinach artichoke pastry displayed on the cover.

Was this review helpful?

Delicious Gatherings by Tara Teaspoon is the perfect one stop shop for entertaining. This book is incredibly smart - it is broken out by types of Gatherings that you could have. There are components that you could mix and match but it also gives you the blueprint for a gathering as well as tips for serving / vibe.

The book is broken out into the following sections:
Gather Around Dinners: mezze dinner, holiday dinner, fiesta mexicana, sunday supper, grill party
Serious Sides
Main Events
Breakfast and Brunch
Baking and Sweets

This is a great book for every person in your life who loves to entertain, especially for those who are still figuring it out.

Thank you to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the ARC, Delicious Gatherings is out 9/6/22!

Was this review helpful?

Lovely pictures and delicious recipes. I can’t wait to get started. The ingredients are decent, not an overly abundant amount. With instructions that are easy to understand.

Was this review helpful?

There are some terrific recipes found throughout this cookbook. I was glad to see classic favorites but also new and fresh meal ideas. My only complaint ks that I wish there were more puctures of the delicious dishes.

Was this review helpful?

Tara Bench the author of this books says she is passionate about the power of food and cooking. That passion shows in this book. She created a book of lovely dishes. These meals will make you the talk of the town when you prepare them for your family and friends. There is something for everyone in this book. If you want to make a nice family dinner for a Tuesday there's something for you. If you want to make a special holiday meal you can add some of her updated classics to the menu. She works to take the stress out of making meals. That is something everyone needs these days. I just hope my creations will look as beautiful as the pictures in this cookbook.

Was this review helpful?

There are some seriously fabulous recipes in this book. Beautifully photographed and easy to follow instructions make this book a winner in my library. The book starts with recipes for gatherings, - meals, to share with family and friends. This chapter is followed by side dishes, main courses, breakfast dishes and lastly baking and desserts. All dishes are scrumptious, I especially love the variety in the breakfast meals. The baking includes a recipe for beautiful black and white butter bars, and so much more.
A truly creative and delicious book of food to make for family and friends.

Was this review helpful?

This book has delicious photos and recipes. The first section is titled, "Gather-Around Dinners," featuring such selections as Mezze Dinner and Fiesta Mexicana. I chose to make the recipes from the Sunday Supper. We are a family of three (one teen, two adults).

The pot roast with pearl onions and carrots was divine. I cooked baby potatoes separately in the beef broth and they were lovely. To go with this I made the creamed spinach and green beans with shallot dressing as additional side dishes. I've never had creamed spinach and this was really good. The green beans I accidently undercooked a bit but the dressing was the real star. For dessert I made the great grains cookies. I was very nervous about using whole wheat for a cookie but wow they were almost all eaten the first day! So tender and moist.

For a movie night I made the ultimate chili con queso and served it with a couple of varieties of tortilla chips. This recipe uses two recipes from the book, blue-ribbon beef and bacon chili and pepper jack nacho cheese sauce. Phenomenal. By far the easiest and tastiest nacho cheese sauce I've made. My teen said she liked it all together but separately prefers my chili recipe. I honestly thought it put mine to shame!

I highly recommend this book for fresh new recipes to delight any palate.

Was this review helpful?

Beautiful cookbook! The photos are mouthwatering and the recipes look amazing! There are lots of recipes that I would try at home. There are some:
Mediterranean Recipes Baba ghanoush, falafel, pita bread;
Holiday Recipes Turkey, dinner rolls, stuffing;
Fiesta Mexicana tacos, salsas, Mexican rice;
Sunday Supper: Pot roast, green beans, Dill bread;
Grill Party: steak, veggie kebabs, chilli cheese dogs;
Serious Sides: bbq baked beans, cornbread, french bread;
Main Dishes: Steak with strawberry chimichurri, gnocchi, brisket at home,
Breakfast and Brunch: churro waffles, lemon loaf cake, oatmeal;
Baking and Sweets: chocolate cookies, passion fruit meringue tart.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Was this review helpful?

Besides the amazing recipes this book is beautiful and well laid out. Will definitely purchase for myself! I hope the spins I’d well done so it looks great on a shef,

Was this review helpful?

This cook book was wonderful! It had pictures that made all the dishes look wonderful. The recipes were easy to follow and made me want to try so many of them. I will definitely be using this cookbook for years to come. I’m gonna have to buy a physical copy for sure!

Was this review helpful?

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book is full of great ideas to make foods fit for any gathering or party. I can't wait to try some of these because the pictures look amazing!

Was this review helpful?

I flove this cover! It looks absolutely delicious! The author does to good of a job making me drool throughout this cookbook. I spent half the cookbook bookmarking what I want to make. Sunday Supper was my favorite! Holiday meals a close second.

What did I like? I know when I pick up a cookbook by this author I’m getting great recipes. The cover alone would of had me reaching for this one. Fabulous job! She doesn’t just stop at gathering meals but adds sides and desserts in the end. Five stars. I can’t wait to try some of these recipes. The dill bread really caught my eye because we actually grew dill in our garden this summer.

Would I recommend or buy? You really can’t go wrong with cookbooks by this author. I have several and I can’t wait to add this one. It is drool worthy. I would definitely recommend this book!

I received a complimentary copy to read and drool over while voluntarily leaving this opinion!

Was this review helpful?

#DeliciousGatherings #NetGalley

This was a beautiful book that felt like a labor of love. While I had hoped for recipes that deviated more than the norm, they were recipes I was familiar with and had twists that I appreciate (never thought to put pomegranate seeds on baba ghanoush or serve carrots with lemon feta dip, etc.). It has a lovely international flair that will impress guests. Some recipes were a bit intense for me and I have a very small family, so while this resource may not be the best fit for myself, it will definitely be a great resource to others with numbered instructions, beautiful photos, and drool worthy recipes. This is the first book I remember to even include a photo index which I greatly appreciate.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't think it was possible for a book to feel like a hug, lol, but this one does. (Maybe whatever science behind that also explains why reading _Lord of the Rings_ feels like seeing old friends. But I digress.)

I also didn't think it was possible to read a cookbook on a full stomach and suddenly feel ready to eat again. Today I learned. :)

This cookbook is fantastic. The narrative, the menus (thank you to the author's brother, who noted he just wanted someone to tell him what to make and he'd make it--enter built-in menu planning!), the photography--all glorious. Plus, it is heavy on two of my favorite ethnic foods--Mediterranean and Mexican! (In addition to plenty of others, have no fear; the holiday-themed foods are equally glorious.)

The idea of a mezze platter on Christmas Eve is a brilliant idea; I may need to take note (says the girl who resists change and can be the ultimate creature of habit). :D But you know, I've got five months until then to get used to the idea!

Excellent collection of recipes, and one cookbook I'm very excited to add to my shelf upon release.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The layout of this is stunning. I loved how meals were grouped together, it really takes the guesswork out of hosting. I loved the photos, they were beautiful. The grocery list was helpful, as were the tips and tricks. This is a great entertaining cookbook and very helpful!

Was this review helpful?

Such a delightful surprise to receive this Advance Reader Copy of DELICIOUS GATHERINGS Recipes to Celebrate Together by Tara Bench (aka TaraTeaspoon).

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for allwing me to review this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion.

Tara really fullfills her promise when she invites you into the kitchen to create a meal worth remembering!

She helps you impress guests with elevated everyday meals as well as special occasions including tips and how-tos.

She covers all kinds of gatherings from weeknight meals to elaborte celebrations.

Some of my favorite recipes include: Passion Fruit Meringue Tart with Coconut Cookie Crust, Maple Hazelnut Pie, New York Chocolate Babka, Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Pepitas and Easy Hash Brown Breakfast Bake.

I’m happy to recommend this cookbook to anyone who needs a little more joy, flair and amazing taste in their kitchen.

Was this review helpful?

Beautiful photos of party platters and shareable recipes! Some recipes are a little too much for the novice cook, but would help anyone stuck in a cooking rut to branch out to new flavors and spices. If you've always been curious about harissa or falafel, this book might have the recipe you need to try something new. Recommended for libraries with popular cookbook sections and people looking for new recipes for parties.

Was this review helpful?

One of my favourite things is to cook for other people, but it is also a bit of a stressful situation. What to cook, what to add as sides, what flavours work, will everyone like it? So books like Tara's 'Delicious Gatherings' definitely help. One major bonus of this book is that it is gathered into "meals". Tara lists out exactly what is needed for each meal, indicating where in the book the specific recipes can be found. So if I wanted to create a mezze dinner, it couldn't be easier with 'Delicious Gatherings'. (The 'Crispy Falafel Chickpeas' are definitely going to become a favourite!)

I loved that there were pictures with every single recipe, that is so important to me when trying out something new in the kitchen. There are a whole bunch of recipes in this book I want to try, including the Cauliflower and Couscous Gratin.

I'd wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone wanting to prepare a delicious meal for a big gathering!

Was this review helpful?

I mean, the author's name is Tara Teaspoon!! With a name like that you MUST know what you're doing in the kitchen and it shows in this gorgeous cookbook. The first few sections have themed menu ideas for crowd-pleasing feasts. The rest of the cookbook is broken out into Serious Sides, Main Events, Breakfast & Brunch, and Baking & Sweets. I'm drooling over the Sweet & Savory Grilled Chicken Sandwiches, Half & Half Granola Pancakes with Ginger Maple Cream Syrup and the Blackberry & Lemon Curd Swirled Ice Cream to name a few.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this cookbook. My review is voluntary, and all opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

The recipes and menus of this cookbook are not attention exceptional.. I like the photography. Not a necessary purchase for libraries. The book is better as house warming gift.

Was this review helpful?

Author Tara Bench has written another outstanding cookbook called Delicious Gatherings. Her cookbook was written to create recipes and meals worth remembering. Throughout her cookbook you'll find plenty of color photos illustrating some of the recipes. Some of the recipes you'll find include:

Jeweled Quinoa Salad
Orange Cumin Carnitas
Chili Cheese Fries
Thai Coconut Chicken and Rice Noodle Soup
Family Breakfast Turnover
Coconut Bundt Cake
Great Grains Chocolate Chip Cookies

Recommend.

Review written after downloading a galley from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

A cookbook written from the perspective of bringing family, friends and your extended circle is already a winner. The recipes include starters and menus for full meal with dishes that complement and bring some interesting ingredients twist. My highlights include Golden Sweet Grape and Feta Cornbread Quinoa and Loaded Guacamole Pepper Jack Nacho Dip Cheese. A breakfast brunch in our house includes Churro Waffles and Bruleed Oatmeal.

Was this review helpful?

This was a pretty textbook example of a cookbook. Lots of recipes for your next low key but memorable dinner party. There are lots of recipes to feed a crowd and it's organized almost thematically for the first good chunk. If you're wanting a Mediterranean-inspired evening, the mezze dinner chapter is your best bet.

That one was actually my favorite. I've been on a kick and am looking forward to testing more from that section.

I tested a couple of things, bookmarked a few others. Mostly I think this wasn't an especially exciting cookbook all around but it did have some nice takes on a few classics. My advice would be to go ahead and punch up all of the spice measurements because the couple I tested--the blackened salmon and the blue ribbon chili--both needed a little more kick for my tastes. But that's a personal preference. I loved the photos and applaud the photographer.

All in all, not a bad cookbook. I'm looking forward to trying more recipes.

Was this review helpful?

It was the title of, DELICIOUS GATHERINGS: Recipes to Celebrate Together that first pulled me in. It brought to me thoughts of past years, decades, when my family would gather for holiday meals.
After an introduction, and some helpful tips, author Tara Bench aka Tara Teaspoon shares dishes homey, yet upscale. At this point I’m no longer reminded of home, as 95% of the dishes included, were nothing we ever had in our family. However, as I looked though the book longer expecting old favorites, I became intrigued with new concepts.

Here are just a handful of the recipes you’ll find in this book . . . Harissa Tomato Confit, Super-Soft Pita Bread, Turkey Stock and Gravy, Smoked Gouda and Scallion Mashed Potatoes, Orange Cumin Carnitas, Pineapple Taco Topper, Sheet Pan Potatoes (I am going to try these for sure!), Green Beans with Shallot Dressing, Jammy Onions, Asparagus and Peas Parmesan Breadcrumbs, Creamy Garlic-and-Herb Mac and Cheese, Italian Gnocchi, Bacon, and Cheese Soup, Spicy Honey-Lime Chicken, New York Chocolate Babka, Perfect Lemon Loaf Cake, Fresh Peach Pie with Sweet Cream Cheese, and, PB and Fudge Stripe Freeze.

The author shares a lot of interesting recipes, using some combinations I have never heard of, and I bet you haven’t either.

There are a lot of pages of color photos to go with the recipes. That’s a make or break for me with purchasing a cookbook. I want to see what the dishes are meant to look like before I get my hand on them.

If you’re looking to upscale family dinner, or to throw a party where the food will be remembered, DELICIOUS GATHERINGS is a book you’re going to want to check out.

Was this review helpful?

This is a great book with a wide variety of recipes that do not seem overly difficult but much more interesting than typical. I love that the first chapter is "Gather Around Dinners," which includes 5 dinners with different themes and a list of recipes for everything to make for each. Other chapters in the book are Serious Sides, Main Events, Breakfast and Brunch, Baking and Sweets. There are lots of beautiful color photos, plus tips throughout (either about the recipe or serving). I just flipped through the whole book, and my mouth is watering.

Was this review helpful?

I love to entertain and often spend hours online trying to put together the perfect menu and find the perfect recipe. Honestly, this book couldn't have come along at a better time. There were so many things that I loved: the perfect meal plan (and the variety presented), pictures with each recipe (something I always appreciate), easy (but not basic) ingredient list, and the most important thing: great results. I've already made a few dishes. Funny enough, not as part of a dinner party or brunch, but simply because the recipes just looked so good. I made the pita bread, a first for me, and I was absolutely thrilled with the results. I also made the smoked gouda and scallion mashed potatoes because I love gouda and I couldn't resist. I can't wait to actually make an entire meal for friends and family. I know that I will revisit this book often.

Was this review helpful?

Nice well written recipe book I loved this book a lot and used the suggestion for two summer party with friend
Two less for netgalley app way of showing pages really annoying I was back and forward pages a lot trying not to open pictures and to turn page !!!!

Was this review helpful?

I love the description that this book aims to bring joy, flair, and amazing taste to all your get togethers. I think that is exactly what will be accomplished when you embrace what is within these pages. There are so many recipe types to choose from, such as mezze, holiday, Mexicana, Sunday meals, and meals for your grill. You can’t miss the sides and sweets that are shared too! This amazing resource is also chock full of extras and tips and tricks. The photos (one for each recipe!) show just how delicious each recipe can be. In fact, what made this cookbook stand out to me were all the great photos and the ease of the instructions. Ingredients are not hard to find and there are more than just traditional meals. I like the creativity expressed and shared. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Was this review helpful?

I really enjoyed Delicious Gatherings and will definitely go back to the recipes I've tried so far. Photos in this book are beautiful. You will get hungry just looking at them. I made the spicy maple sweet potatoes. This one is a true keeper and the cinnamon pepitas on top are to die for. I've made them repeatedly just for snack/dessert! This book has given me fresh desire to entertain a crowd and these recipes provide an excellent starting point to plan it all out. Overall, there are a wide variety of recipes inspired by different cultures in this book, but with an overall American feel. Instructions are clear and ingredients are easy to source. This is a well done book that I would recommend it to home cooks and think it would make a great gift.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

Social gatherings centering around food are multi sensory and all encompassing. Passionate cooks create with love and joy and those served revel in it. Tara Bench (founder of Tara Teaspoon) writes about such gatherings and incorporates insanely beautiful photography, practically lickable. Including a photo index is thoughtful. Hospitality and relaxed long meals where I live part time in Europe are a very big deal and are often mezze style. Food is reflective of culture and traditions and there is no reason it should not be delicious. This book takes all of this into account.

Tara Teaspoon discusses equipment, the unsalted versus salted butter cooking controversy having everything ready and in its place and offers tips throughout. She uses (mostly) easy-to-find ingredients, none of which I do not commonly use. And then there are the swoon worthy recipes...

Recipes have various components but you can use one or all of them as inspiration for your own dishes. For example, Cashew Hummus with Lemon-Marinated Mushrooms together would be awesome but I had mushrooms to use up and no chickpeas on hand. Very nice with grilled steak. Same idea applies for Roast Carrots with Lemon Feta Dip, both brilliant separately but even better together. Marinating mushrooms is underrated, as are many marinated things, so simple and impactful. Sweet and Savory Stuffed Dates are on my list...for some reason I hadn't used harissa in them before.

A few recipes may seem daunting but break them down into components and steps and they really aren't. Smoked Gouda and Scallion Mashed Potatoes are awesome...using cheese in potatoes are not a new idea but smoked gouda is lovely indeed. The Sheet Pan Potatoes are another simple idea to change up a side. I have not yet tried the Green Beans with Shallot Dressing but can tell from the ingredients/ratios they will be pretty amazing. Bean harvest can sometimes be akin to plentiful zucchini season so something a bit different is lovely. Jammy Onions are delectable (I've made similar often...what a fabulous accompaniment in so many situations). The Creamy Pepperoncini Sauce is on my to make list. Amazing how one uses these ingredients so often but doesn't necessarily think of putting them together! Though I have celiac disease, most recipes can be adapted somehow...easy to do in Creamy Garlic-and-Herb Mac and Cheese. It was a wee bit bland so I just added what my family likes. We all have different tastes! I am itching to make Italian Gnocchi, Bacon and Cheese Soup and White Pesto Pasta with Spicy Broccoli. The Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo and Tzatziki looks incredible, too. I love the oatmeal idea. But what I plan to make next is Blackberry and Lemon Curd Swirled Ice cream (using homemade ice cream).

Homey comfort foods are conducive to gathering with loved ones. Tara Teaspoon's cookbook is just that...pure comfort. Not pretentious but approachable. Have to mention how much I love the paperclip tip and will use it from now on. There are not a lot of original ideas here for experienced cooks but there are definitely "aha" moments and old fashioned recipes which many people are besotted with, a lovely mix.

Cooks and bakers of all skill and experience levels ought to experiment with this book. So trite but true...there is inspiration here for everyone.

My sincere thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the privilege of reading and cooking from this mouthwatering book.

Was this review helpful?

I love cookbooks with pictures and the photos in this book are stunning. The books focus is on gatherings and meals to share. Sections also include series sides, main events, breakfast and brunch and my favorite baking and sweets. This isn’t a beginners cookbook, but it gives clear directions with ingredients that are readily available. It enhances traditional foods like mashed potatoes by adding smoked gouda and scallions. I appreciated that tricks and tips as well. This would be a welcome addition to any cooks library. Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the temporary ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This book is broken out by meal types and gives mains, sides, and everything in between. Some highlights are the sweet- and- savory grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and pepper jelly, this was so good and well balanced in flavor. I loved the sweet heat from the pepper jelly. The creamy pepperoncini sauce was delicious and oh so easy to make. We also had the pleasure of making the miso honey brussels sprouts, they are sweet and savory; so good.
I have bookmarked many more recipes to try. This is a great book with lots of pictures to show you what the final product looks like.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to Shadow Mountain and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this great book. Beautiful layout, gorgeous images, and interesting recipes combine into a lovely guide to plan and execute any gathering. One can follow suggested meal plans at the beginning of the book or pick and choose dishes from differ categories to create their own meal plan. Looking forward to trying a few recipes and hearing what my family thinks of them. i would recommend this book for anyone who loves cooking and entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

Food magazine editor, food stylist, television personality, and recipe developer, Tara Teaspoon knows what she’s doing. Having owned and loved her previous cookbook, Live Life Deliciously with Tara Teaspoon: Recipes for Busy Weekdays and Leisurely Weekends , I knew that the recipes in her second cookbook would be fabulous, and I wasn’t wrong. I am very impressed with Delicious Gatherings: Recipes to Celebrate Together

As is her style, the recipes she chooses are for dishes that real people actually want to make. She doesn’t try to make them complicated like some chefs; rather she makes them cook-friendly for both beginning to advanced cooks. Her food stylist background shines in the beautiful photographs that are included in this excellent cookbook, and there are dozens of recipes that are already in my “must make now” queue. Teaspoon has a great imagination when it comes to food and knows how to put menus together that won’t be too hard on the cook but will be amazing. Her recipes are written in traditional form and are easy to follow. Most call for easy-to-find ingredients and her dishes will appeal to both friends and family, even children.

Good entertaining cookbooks are not easy to find, but this one is exceptional. The recipes are unique, yet tempting. Many of her recipes will draw raves from everyone. The cookbook is well-organized and it is nice to have full menus presented along with several other recipes that can be substituted if necessary. This is a great cookbook to add to the kitchen cookbook shelf and would also make a nice gift. Tara Teaspoon has outdone herself.

Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.

Was this review helpful?

BOOK REVIEW: Delicious Gatherings: Recipes To Celebrate Together by Tara Teaspoon
2022 Publication Date: September 6

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | DIY Home
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Read your recipe before you start cooking...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
When I am looking for the best cookbooks, I want to find that perfect sweet spot of a book where the recipes are both simple food familiar, and adventurous... And with Delicious Gatherings by Tara Teaspoon, I found it!

Tara Teaspoon infuses her recipes and her style of cooking with an understanding of "the power of food and cooking, and how it can bring people together, allow us to explore our creativity, and nourish our bodies and souls." Does this sound like the food writer you have been looking for?... Me too!

Here are a few of my favorites:
• Silky Soft Dinner Rolls
• Miso Honey Brussel Sprouts
• Sheet Pan Potatoes
• Dill Bread
• Grape and Feta Quinoa
• Spinach and Artichoke Tarte Soleil (see the gorgeous cover photo!)
• Pepper Jack Nacho Cheese
• Italian Gnocchi, Bacon and Cheese Soup
• Half and Half Granola Pancakes With Ginger Maple Cream Syrup
• Perfect Lemon Loaf Cake
• Fresh Peach Pie With Sweet Cream Cheese
• Browned-Butter Toffee Blondies

BONUS: The index for this cookbook includes a brilliant photo index... Such a fabulous idea!

One of her good cooking techniques (borrowed from French cooking) is mise en place... which translates to "have everything in place." She is a big believer in encouraging home cooks to have their own kitchens running like a chef's kitchen: clean, inviting, and ready to cook... And prepare your ingredients in advance so they are ready to add as you need them. Especially so helpful when you are using new ingredients or seasonal ingredients.

Think if you were a guest chef on the Today Show... Your kitchen station would be prepped with everything you need and your ingredients would be pre-measured and in beautiful little glass bowls ready to add.

Ever wonder why? Not only do they do this to get thru the recipe quickly... But because it also gives the viewer confidence in how easy this recipe is to put together.

You can experience that same confidence in your home cooking kitchen as well! Take a few moments before you start cooking to set up your kitchen station, prepare your ingredients... and then start cooking your favorite recipes with a new flair. I bet you will feel so much happier as you slide that pan into the oven.

Perfect for home cook readers who are looking for a new cookbook that will put a new spin on your family's favorite classic recipes and encourage you to become a more confident cook with simple living cooking tips too!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 272
Genre: DIY Home
Sub-Genre: Food & Drink

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Savory Dinner Pies by Ken Haedrich
Movie: No Reservations

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Delicious Gatherings by Tara Teaspoon will help make those moments extra delicious, and stress-free (hint: these are easy-to-follow recipes!), and leaves behind an amazing memory as well! From main dishes to sides or desserts; there really isn't anything that you can't find here...especially when it comes time to mix in all your guests' favorite foods too!

Delicious Gatherings by Tara Teaspoon is the "just what you are looking for" from popular cookbooks that provide everyday recipes for elevated everyday meals — as well as special holidays — providing helpful tips and how-tos to make your gatherings not only delicious but also stress-free.

Whether you're looking to impress guests or gather friends around your table, this cookbook has you covered.

With great recipes for main events, serious sides, breakfast and brunch, and baking and sweets, this cookbook is sure to have something for everyone.

Delicious Gatherings will help make your meal moments extra delicious, and stress-free (hint: these simple recipes are easy!), and leaves behind an amazing memory as well! Meet your new addition to your favorite cookbooks shelf...

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• Take the time to set up your cooking station for efficiency and ease-of-use.
• Familiarize yourself with the ingredients, equipment needed, and workflow in each recipe before you start cooking.
• Elevate familiar recipes with a new perspective.

BOOK QUOTE:
"My memories are made up of the smells, tastes, and meal moments of childhood." — Delicious Gatherings | Tara Teaspoon

--------------------

All my reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at www.thisismyeverybody.com

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Cooking can be relaxing and fun! Tara Teaspoon enjoys cooking and wants to make it fun for everyone. She includes complete menus for those who don’t want to figure out what to make and recipes that are easy to double or cut in half. She also includes tips such as reading a recipe through completely and setting out all the supplies and ingredients you’ll need before starting to make it. I like her idea of having a mezze dinner for Christmas Eve since it brings “some flavors from Bethlehem to the table.” I will have to try her method of roasting a turkey in half the time.

This is a beautiful cookbook with full-page pictures opposite the recipes. Some of them look overwhelming but are actually very doable. The most unique thing about this cookbook is the photo index at the end. It shows all the pictures in the book along with the recipe name and page number. I read an advance digital copy but I've been looking forward to the release date so I could buy a paper copy.

There are too many delicious recipes to list, but these are some that I think are keepers:
Silky-soft dinner rolls,
Bbq baked beans,
Chicken bahn mi burgers,
Quick marinara,
Sweet-and-savory grilled chicken sandwich with bacon and pepper jelly,
“Creamy” tomato and white bean soup,
Thai coconut chicken and rice noodle soup,
New York chocolate babka,
Diner breakfast potatoes,
Coconut cream sweet rolls,
Perfect lemon loaf cake,
Secret chocolate cake,
Chocolate peanut butter puddle cookies.

Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for a temporary digital copy to use for my review.

Was this review helpful?

My love language is feeding people, so a cookbook called “Delicious Gatherings” is right up my alley. This cookbook is perfect for people who love to impress a bit when they entertain or who want to add a little flair to their weeknight meals. Jam-packed with recipes to please any foodie; some simple, some more time and ingredient intensive, but all looking absolutely delicious!

This cookbook is cleverly organized, with the first section containing complete menu plans for a variety of meals: Mediterranean, Mexican, BBQ, Sunday roast dinner, and a holiday dinner that’s sure to be a hit at Thanksgiving. Obviously you don’t have to follow the entire menu, but it’s great for cooks like me who struggle to put together complementary main courses and sides. After that come sections for Serious Sides, Main Events, Breakfast & Brunch, and Baking & Sweets.

Nearly every single recipe is accompanied by a scrumptious-looking full-page photo. The further I paged through, the more recipes I found that piqued my interest. Many of the recipes elevate or add a new flavor twist to well-loved favorites – creamy tomato soup that incorporates white beans, white pesto that uses ricotta instead of a basil-based sauce, Fontina and Gruyere cheeses in a breakfast hash brown bake. This is the kind of cookbook you’ll reach for over and over again when you’re entertaining or looking for something a cut above the ordinary.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for providing me an advance copy of this cookbook.

Was this review helpful?

Reasons you should buy this cookbook:
- Global cuisine, mixed and matched
- Dinner parties planned for you
- classics with modern twists
- a BABKA recipe that isn't complicated
- tips to achieve the expected outcome

Delicious Gatherings is giving me first date butterflies and hopes of more to come. This is good food, organized and approachable. You can bring it home to mama and show it off to your friends. This is the one you put a ring on - it is pretty, useful, talented - a total keeper.

Was this review helpful?

If you can get fatter just by drooling over recipes and pictures then I just did. Easily gained 30lbs. 😆

This is a great cookbook. Laid out really well and super easy to follow recipes and instructions. The pictures were beautiful and mouth watering to look at. I've bookmarked about half this book because I want to try them all.

This will be a great addition to any kitchen lover's recipes shelf.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this ARC. I love cookbooks and clearly, love to cook!

I was really excited to receive this cookbook. I really appreciated the manner in how this book was organized, found the photos to be excellent...nothing worse than a cookbook with unappealing looking dishes! I am an experienced cook but found helpful tips and believe this book would be great for those wanting to bring their coming up another notch!

I've found quite a few recipes I want to use for upcoming get togethers...looking forward to introducing some new dishes for my friends and family! I don't think you'll be disappointed in this wonderful cookbook!

Was this review helpful?

Delicious Gatherings: Recipes to Celebrate Together was a treat for the eyes and pallet. This book will be a big hit for those that love to host gatherings and make food a huge part of the party. For those that aren’t as experienced in hosting get-togethers, this is your resource to successfully learn how. This book will also make a superb wedding or birthday gift. Anyone who loves food, cooking, and baking, will keep this book front and center in their kitchen.

Honestly, the beauty of the pictures and the yummy recipes included make this cookbook a hit. I know that I’ll be trying out even more of these in the upcoming months of holiday celebrations.

Was this review helpful?

This is a beautiful cookbook. The cover is lovely. I love that every recipe has a gorgeous photo to accompany it. The layout of this book is so helpful. There are 5 specific sections for dinner gatherings. I love that one is specifically for holiday dinners. `Your whole thanksgiving dinner is planned for you! The other dinner plans are Mezze, Fiesta Mexicana, Sunday supper, and Grilling. After the gatherings section, there are additional recipes for main dishes, side dishes, breakfast/brunch, and baking/sweets. Each recipe has a little note at the beginning giving a tidbit of info about the background/inspiration of the recipe. I can tell so much love and time went into this beautiful collection of recipes.

Was this review helpful?

As we get closer to the holidays I’ve been looking for cookbooks to see what I can cook this year that is something new and this cookbook did not let me down. I found new recipes for holiday cooking and so much more . I made a few different dishes and they were delicious. I highly recommend this cookbook you will have fun picking and choosing what meal it pick. Enjoy and have Fun Cooking

Was this review helpful?

This is a really great collection of recipes. They are modern and range from simple to complex. I like how Tara has planned entire menus and the range and variation of recipes. The sides are stand outs as are the deserts - the blondies and bar cookies look easy and delicious. I’d be happy to have a copy in my personal cookbook collection.

Was this review helpful?

This is one of those cookbooks you keep on your shelves. There are so many delicious recipes, full of flavor, yet not overly complicated. The full color photos are so inviting and not pretentious. There seems to be many different foods inspired from many cultures.

Was this review helpful?

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I liked this cookbook so much that I ordered a copy for my personal collection. It has excellent recipes, great pictures, and an all-around great cookbook.

Was this review helpful?

Everything in here I wish I could have for dinner right now. Truly just full of amazing recipes anyone would want.

Was this review helpful?

Food is best enjoyed gathered around a table with those you love. The recipes here are filled with flavors from around the world and the instructions are easy to follow. The tips throughout are especially helpful. While baked goods are always a favorite (Chocolate Peanut Butter Puddle Cookies, anyone?), I am most interested in trying the recipes in the section Breakfast and Brunch. They all look delicious!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Everything in this cookbook looks incredible! Tara Teaspoon has been a longtime favorite of mine and I can't wait to dive into these recipes.

Was this review helpful?

Readers who liked this book also liked: