At Home With Michael Chiarello ─ Easy Entertaining, Recipes, Ideas, Inspiration

Celebrated television, cookbook, and restaurant chef Michael Chiarello is a master of simple, casually elegant cooking and a fabulous host. In this cookbook packed with great recipes, gorgeous photographs, and inspiring entertaining ideas he shares his secrets for celebrating in style (and having fun doing it too!). Whether hosting four around the kitchen counter or a hundred for a cocktail party, readers will find everything from appetizers and main courses to desserts and drinks (over 130 recipes in all), time-saving tips, an all-important section on stocking the pantry (great for impromptu gatherings!), whimsical menus, and creative settings and table arrangements. A holiday cocktail party throws together quickly with bowls of crunchy Fusilli Snack Mix and Crispy Sausage-Stuffed Olives, all washed down with citrusy margaritas. Roll out the red carpet for an at-home movie night featuring Pop Culture Popcorn, Giant Bean Cassoulet with Fennel-Spiced Chicken, and Chocolate Mousse Cannolis along with the latest video release. Even a sit-down dinner can be a relaxing affair with Forever Roasted Lamb with Herbes de Provence, Lemon-Oil Smashed Potatoes, Garlicky Vegetables Primavera, and, for dessert, Molton Flourless Chocolate Cupcakes. Uber-casual Chiarello inspires calm and confidence in even the most jangle-nerved hosts, inviting everyone to think like an entertainer and relax like a guest.

Michael Chiarello is the host of NapaStyle on the Fine Living Network and Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello on the Food Network. Founder of the acclaimed TraVigne restaurant in St. Helena, California, he was named Chef of the Year by the Culinary Institute of America and Food & Wine magazine. His previous books include Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking, among others. He lives in the Napa Valley.

Photographer Karl Petzke lives and works in San Francisco and Napa, California. His work has appeared in numerous books, including Espresso.