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20 Books for 20Somethings

Peterson's Holiday Helper: Festive Pick-Me-Ups, Calm-Me-Downs, and Handy Hints to Keep You in Good Spirits by Valerie Peterson

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

Fans of nostalgia and vintage holiday celebrations will drink up this clever and humorous guide. This drinks recipe book with photos, trivia and stories, to drinks from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, will offer twists on old favorites. Go from Hot Toddies to Liquid Mistletoe to enliven gatherings. Drinks are often intimidating and can be expensive so some fun sure fire recipes will help new party hosts or bring something new to traditional gatherings.

Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends by Pippa Middleton

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

This will no doubt be a bestseller this season from Royal Kate’s sister. Pippa Middleton is an experienced party planning professional in her family’s famous business. This guide is geared towards her own age, with history, tradition and nostalgia tidbits added to holiday discussions for events throughout the year. The ideas are realistic yet stylish, perfect for professionals new to party planning. Her fun background gives this title extra interest in an already enjoyable beginning guide.

Hungry Girl Happy Hour: 75 Recipes for Amazingly Fantastic Guilt-Free Cocktails and Party Foods by Lisa Lillien

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

When friends like more than wine or champagne, try this calorie conscious guide to fun cocktails and treats for the party. The Hungry Girl guide makes it easy to celebrate holidays and stick to resolutions. The Red Hot Cinnamon Shots (98 calories) or Black Forest Jell-o Shot Desserts (49 calories) will appeal during the holidays along with many of the simple but flavorful appetizers. Smart and stylish, these recipes will take cocktail parties to a new level of enjoyment for guests.

Barefoot Contessa Parties! Ideas and Recipes for Easy Parties That Are Really Fun by Ina Garten

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

This book will help hosts enjoy their own parties. Filled with make ahead recipes and room temperature treats, readers will enjoy their events along with the guests. Four menus for each season are provided here, including the Jewish Holiday Party, along with entertaining advice. The favorite TV cook will help readers wow guests with theme parties and sumptuous food presented in realistic fashion.  Venues and table decorations will fit and appeal in a variety of situations, as will this book.

Tiny Food Party!: Bite-Size Recipes for Miniature Meals by Teri Lyn Fisher

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

More than appetizers, this cookbook provides recipes to meals in a bite. Mini pies, cakes, cake pops and more are popular for a reason now as people enjoy little servings of favorites. Forget fancy, fussy little bites on trays for home parties. Guests will love Mini Homemade Pop Tarts made with Nutella and marshmallow, or the Teeny Tiny cocktails to be served in tea cups or shot glasses. Snacky Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites will appeal to guests of all ages.

Southern Living Christmas in the Kitchen: The Ultimate Guide to Cooking for the Holidays by Southern Living

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

If there is any time of year for decadence and luxury, the holidays are it. Southern Living evokes those sumptuous feelings through the year, and especially in the November and December issues. The big cheesecake on the cover of this one says it all – rich delicious recipes and entertaining tips are inside. Bring the delicious flavors of southern cooking to any kitchen with this Christmas cooking guide.

Thanksgiving 101: Celebrate America's Favorite Holiday with America's Thanksgiving Expert by Rick Rodgers

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

Thanksgiving is arguably the biggest food holiday of the year and no one wants a dry turkey to serve to their gathered thirty family members. Rick Rodgers’ guide takes his popular class to the pages with no nonsense advice on every aspect of the big meal, from the bird to drinks. No aspect is too small for attention here from thawing the turkey to unmolding the cranberry mold. All levels of cooks will find recipes and variations to master here. Rodgers also offers CHRISTMAS 101+: CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON FROM CHRISTMAS TO NEW YEAR’S.

Cooking Light Annual Recipes 2013: Every Recipe...A Year's Worth of Cooking Light Magazine by Editors of Cooking Light Magazine

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2013

Every recipe from 2012 is here from the popular magazine including the Summer and Holiday editions. Make it easy on yourself to start new healthy resolutions with delicious lower fat appetizers, sides, main dishes and even dessert recipes.  Recipes also feature produce and international flavors in addition to streamlined favorites. Rather than hunting through a clipping file or trying to find a past issue, this annual collection is a great gift or perfect for a year-round basic cookbook for a new apartment or home.

Fruits of the Harvest: Recipes to Celebrate Kwanzaa and Other Holidays by Eric V. Copage

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

People of every race will enjoy the delicious recipes from people of African descent throughout the world. Copage weaves in fascinating information on the history of the principles of Kwanzaa and other cultural celebrations amid the international recipes. Recipes from Jamaica, the United States South and other areas will be familiar and new at the same time as favorites are offered in rich, flavorful yet unique combinations. Sweet Potato Tarts in Peanut Butter Crusts and Fried Okra are delicious and memorable examples.

Jewish Holiday Cooking: A Food Lover's Treasury of Classics and Improvisations by Jayne Cohen

Holiday Cookbooks, November 2012

Organized around the major Jewish holidays, this book will offer readers advice on everything from setting the table to serving guests with special diets, while still staying within kosher dietary laws. The author’s family photos and stories will amuse and entertain amidst nearly 300 recipes and menus.   Keeping up with traditions can be daunting and this book will make things easier for those hosting for the first or twentieth time.