This week for Weekend Cooking I thought I would do something a little different – review one of my historical cookbooks! Mostly, I didn’t have any time this week to do any historical cooking. Several of the recipes that I have made for this feature have come from Entertaining Newport Style and I have made many others from it over the years, so I feel most qualified to review this one.
Entertaining Newport Style
The Preservation Society of Newport County
Favorite Recipes Press
2005
142 pages
93 recipes
This is so much more than just a cookbook.
The pictures included inside of the Newport mansions are absolutely stunning. A visual experience as well as a tasting experience.
The recipes are broken down by mansions and theme. So for example there is a tea party menu at Marble House. The themed menus include: Lunch Inside the Great Hall; Cocktails and Canapés on the Loggia; French-Inspired Formal Dinner Party; Tea Party; Wicker Basket Picnic on a Boat; Holiday Open House; Wine Tasting in the Garden; White Ball: Dinner and Dancing; Garden Party Under the Tent; Casual Outdoor Barbecue; Housewarming; Weekend Brunch Breakfast; and Children’s Birthday Party. As you can see, this book includes recipes you could pretty much use for all occasions you will encounter. You have the option of making an entire menu with all of the planning work done for you or just selecting the items you want to make. The recipes also cover appetizers, drinks, main dishes, side dishes, and deserts.
This book would be for your average experienced cook. Some of the recipes can be quite complex, such as Pan-Seared Georges Bank Sea Scallops with White Truffle Aioli, or quite easy, such as Cherry Tomatoes Stuffed with Egg Salad (one of my favorites!). But there is a nice mix and more fall toward the easy to average side.
Aside from the recipes, themed menus, and gorgeous pictures, this book provides sidebars with tidbits of information. As you encounter each of the mansions (and gardens) you are provided with historical information about the mansions and usually information related to that mansion and the themed menu or event included in that section. There are also other helpful sidebars such as: Fleur de Lis napkin folding instructions; How to make easy holiday potpourri; Choosing stemware; International rules of croquet; and Buffet fold napkin folding instructions.
As you can see, this cookbook provides an incredible experience of food, travel, and tips of all kinds. I would highly recommend this cookbook, almost everything I have made from it has been exquisite (I would however not recommend the Smoked Salmon Mousse on Toast Points! See my Weekend Cooking post for that experience.)
You can purchase the book at the Newport Mansions website.
Weekend Cooking is hosted by Beth Fish Reads. Any post remotely related to cooking can participate.
Copyright © 2012 by The Maiden’s Court
This is so my kind of cookbook. Not just for the photos and great recipes but because it provides a little history and helps transport the reader to the local and the life of those who have "cottages" in Newport.
ReplyDeleteI love how it is an all around experience. I use it for so many things. I have used the potpourri and the napkin folding. Funny story is that for Thanksgiving last year I held a napkin folding lesson/party with my mom and boyfriend so we could set a nice table!
DeleteThe combination of historical, local, and recipes sounds wonderful! This cookbook is clearly one you treasure - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI certainly go back to this book everytime I need to bring a dish to a get together!
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