Sunday Dinner

Seasonal Menus to Enjoy with Family and Friends
By Barbara Scott-Goodman with Mary Goodbody

Rediscover the pleasure of the weekend table! A long and leisurely Sunday dinner is one special tradition that can still fit into our harried modern lives. In Sunday Dinner: Seasonal Menus to Enjoy with Family and Friends Barbara Scoff-Goodman and Mary Goodbody say that today's Sunday dining and entertaining is a more relaxed, yet still pleasant tradition that celebrates a diverse culinary heritage and the flavors of the four seasons.

"For many of us," say the authors, "the weekend is the only time when we can indulge in the luxury of spending a few hours in the kitchen, which is why Sunday dinner reflects a spirit of generosity not always possible on the more hectic weekdays.

Oranges Sunday Dinner offers a glorious selection of complete menus from appetizers to desserts, arranged by season. A sublime taste sensation is the Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Orange-Chile Glaze. Serve it cold and thinly sliced the next day and you've more than doubled your pleasure! At the peak of the season, don't let the opportunity slip by to make a fabulously tasty Rhubarb Crisp or a Blood Orange Compote. Citrus Grilled Chicken Thighs is a terrific summer dish, especially served along side Black Bean Salad with Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette. The zesty Tomato, Avocado and Corn Salad is a rainbow of color on the plate. Fall brings the wonders of a mouthwatering Red Bartlett Pear Tart or a wholesome Roasted Acorn Squash Soup. The author's make preparing Roasted Duck with Port and Plum Sauce sound downright easy. Serve it with Oven-Braised Leeks and Garlic, and a side of Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, and you've got a feast.

In addition to these delectable recipes, the authors of Sunday Dinner offer tips on timing and presentation. "Pantry Suggestions," which appear as sidebars throughout, highlight those recipes that can be increased, doubled, partially prepared or utilized in making mid-week meals. The suggestions may be for a quick pasta supper, light dishes to be served with broiled fish or chicken, or ideas for an easy dessert, a satisfying bag lunch, or mid-week dinners.

Garlic In the spirit of the traditional Sunday dinner, the authors also encourage the joy of creating a beautiful environment. Serve your dinner on a well-set table. Use the damask tablecloth and candlesticks that haven't been used in ages. Arrange fresh flowers in an array of colorful vases. Pull out the old china or those special flea-market finds. It will add the perfect touch to this new tradition in dining.

Summer through winter, these delicious dinners are an invitation to anyone to bring loved ones together for a delicious meal in good company. The book's simple, yet elegant design, accompanied by beautiful watercolors by Robbin Gourley, make this a splendid volume for easing back into casual Sunday entertaining with recipes that are easy-to-prepare, a joy to serve, and sensational to eat.

Barbara Scott-Goodman's previous books include Spring Evenings, Summer Afternoons and Autumn Nights, Winter Mornings. She lives in New York City. Mary Goodbody is a Connecticut-based food writer and contributing editor to Chocolatier and Pastry Art & Design.

Sunday Dinner
Seasonal Menus to Enjoy with Family and Friends
By Barbara Scott-Goodman with Mary Goodbody
Chronicle Books
Hardback $ 16.95
ISBN: 0-8118-178-3
Information provided by the publisher.