I became a fan of Caprial Pence's which watching her cooking show on PBS. I own all of her cookbooks, but because this was the first cookbook that I purchased by Caprial it remains one of my favorites. The Lamb Shanks with Wild Mushroom Sauce, Beef Stew with Polenta, and the Raspberry Lemon Curd Tart are dishes that I regularly prepare when entertaining. Friends still talk about the Roasted Leg of Lamb with Hazelnut and Gorgonzola Cream Sauce that we served for Christmas dinner. A real winner!

I refer to this book over and over again. The Flank Steak with Green Peppercorn Aioli is a favorite! Great on the grill; make lots of the rub and store it so you can make it anytime. The Bread Pudding is another winner. The entire book is fabulous!

I used Caprial's Beef Tenderloin with Mushroom Sauce for an important dinner party. It was the best entre' I've ever had..even at an exclusive restaurant. I thought the sauce would be a lot of trouble, but it wasn't. It was very worth the effort. My dinner party was a great success!!

This is a great cookbook. I have quite a few dessert cookbooks in my collection, but this one is destined to be a favorite. Her instructions are straightforward and easy to follow. I really appreciate that she has a master recipe and then variations so you can 'customize' the desserts. For example, she has a wonderful Banana Creme Pie recipe that received rave reviews from our dinner guests. For my next party I tried the Coconut Creme Pie, again with wonderful results.

My one fault with this book is that the desserts are not for the faint of heart. These desserts are labor intensive and the author does not tell the home cook that although you will need the chocolate sauce and chocolate ganache for the pie, you will need far less than what the recipe calls for. The sauces I needed for the pies was more for decoration rather than as a filling.

The Chocolate Buttermilk Cake was simply divine. I used leftover ganache to fill it and it was heavenly. The desserts taste wonderful and the pictures are exquisite. It was well worth the money.

This is a wonderful dessert cookbook, especially if you are looking for one main book to use. Like Caprial Pence's other cookbooks, recipes are very tasty and the directions are easy to follow. What is particulary nice about this cookbook is the photographs that show the various steps for certain cooking techniques. Whether it is a cake, cookie, muffin, ice cream, or other sweet treat that you want to bake, Caprial Pence and Melissa Carey have the perfect recipe!

The recipes in this book work! and for me that is the most important thing. The chocolate cake recipe is fantastic. I would buy this book for that recipe alone. So far, I've tried 3 recipes from this book and they have all turned out great.

Having decided how I would review this cookbook, I then read the other three reviews already here. Amazing that we all came away with the same impression: marvelous stuff here, not easy but delicious. I first tried the Fall Squash Soup with Chorizo and Spicy Cinammon Croutons, and it was a knockout dish. Everyone just marveled at its layers of flavor, so well blended. This is truly a beautiful book, and the regulars at her restaurant for lunch are blessed.

Thanks to this simple cookbook, my reputation in the kitchen has improved by leaps and bounds. The recipes are time consuming (for a simple sandwich) but wait until you taste them! If I want to knock someones socks off I prepare the Shrimp Sandwich with Mango Relish! The name cannot impart how delicious this dish is! This recipe alone justifies the cost of the book. (I have substituted chicken w/ equally good results.) Buy this cookbook. You won't be disappointed!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. It contains recipes which soothe the soul (soups) and satisfies the palate. The recipes are easy to follow and don't require hours in the kitchen.

Cooking is my hobby and I love to entertain. The first recipe I made from this book was the Pepper- Encrusted Salmon with Green Sauce. You must try it, it's delicious!! Whenever I have to entertain I look at this book but I find that the recipes have either ingredients that I can't find locally or they take too much time. I wish this book had less time consuming recipes like the one mentioned above with more common ingredients and more photographs, they are good guidelines to see if the dish turned out the way it's supposed to. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed this book.

I highly recommend this book for its ease of recipes and use of familiar ingredients. My husband and I are vegetarians, but I much prefer cookbooks that are not vegetarian-exclusive. This volume has a whole section on vegetarian entrees that are just wonderful, as are many of the appetizers and, especially, the desserts. Do add this to your collection; you won't be disappointed.

This cookbook may look intimidating, but it's not! Great flavor and practicality that even the novice could learn. Dive in and your hooked on Caprial's style! I give this book as gifts and put sticky notes w/ my suggestions. I have about 25 cookbooks and this one is a favorite.

I love her show and her recipes always look amazing. I couldn't wait to receive the book, and then the first three recipes I made (with expensive ingredients) all flopped! I'm a bit apprehensive about using it again. I have, however, used it for ideas, and I greatly enjoyed reading it.

When we ordered this book, we had great expectations as we were avid watchers of her show. We were not disappointed. This book was one of the best cookbooks I have used. Our monthly dinner parties shine as a result of the ideas and inspirations I have received as a result from reading this book. My husband has never regretted buying me this book. And our circle of friends always look to us for recipes and guidance. I like the idea of using seasonal motifs. We live in the southwest and hope she focuses on our regional cuisine in the future. Terri and Terry Farmer

Capril the book was great it got me to be a profesinal chef. I cook delicious food know.

Caprial has written another inspiring cookbook this time with the addition of wine suggestions and entertaining ideas. Both help to make this latest cookbook one that you will reach for again and again. This book is about using the freshest ingredients and preparing the most delicious food. The recipes will allow you and your guests to enjoy unique dishes but with a minimum of fuss. From appetizers to desserts Caprial has assembeled recipes that let you enjoy the experience of cooking but still leave you with time to enjoy your family and friends. Choose something new like the roasted pork loin with a rosemary balsamic glaze or something fun like corn dogs. It's all in this book from a chef who understands what food is meant to be. Enjoy!