As a serious home cook with a preference for detailed cooking reference works like Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking and the various volumes from Cook’s Illustrated, I was initially skeptical of this glossy coffee-table style cookbook from the president of Sur La Table (whose catalogs I love to peruse but whose merchandise definitely belongs in the “If I won the lottery” category). But once you get past the full-color illustrations and the celebrity endorsements on the back cover, this is a solid, well-developed collection of fresh, seasonal, and often unusual recipes appropriate for occasions from weeknight meals to special parties.

Behnke’s recipes are easy to read and follow, with the ingredients listed in order on the left side of the page and the instructions on the right. The typeface is clear, and the recipe steps are numbered for clarity. The recipes themselves use classic techniques with interesting twists, such as Savory Herbed Choux or White Bean and Watercress Gratin. There is an emphasis on fresh ingredients, and while some ingredients will not be easily obtained in every region of the country, an experienced cook will have no difficulty finding appropriate local substitutions. Each page also contains a highlighted box with “Menu Ideas,” suggesting complementary recipes with page numbers, and “Do-Ahead Tips,” particularly important for party planning. Another feature, the personal comments and reminiscences at the head of each recipe, I found rather annoying. The self-promoting style (Behnke uses “I like” at least once on virtually every page) and the descriptions of cooking classes around the globe and dinners with famous chefs only serve to remind me that Behnke lives a much more glamorous life than I do.

The photographs are beautifully styled and printed on high-quality paper, but are not always accurate depictions of the finished recipes. Given the thoroughness of the recipes, it is disappointing that the garnishes and presentation shown in the photographs are not always referenced in the text, so that the reader is left to squint at the photograph, wondering, “Is that garlic, lemon zest, or parmesan cheese?”

Minor irritations aside, this is a cookbook I will keep to read, use, and inspire me to create fresh and intriguing meals for family and friends. ( )

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This is a lovely cookbook with glossy photos, menu ideas and do-ahead tips for most every recipe. The dishes are definitely an eclectic mix from Benke's travels around the world as President of Sur La Table: Carmaelized Onion Tart with Nicoise Olives, Pakistani Vegetable Samoas, Mushrooms A La Grecque, Kibbe (Middle Eastern Meat and Bulgur Balls), Clam and Mussel Cataplana with Chorizo, and Chiles Rellenos with Potatos and Cheese to name a few. There is also some German dishes as well as a few classics like Cornbread and Popcorn Shrimp. This is definitely the cookbook you would pull out when you have some time to entertain and want to try something a little different. The technique and tools sections in the back are a bit brief but honestly if you cook these kinds of recipes on a regular basis it's information you already know. I will not use this cookbook often being a busy mom who is lucky to have 30 minutes to prepare a meal, but on those special occasions it will be real treat to serve some of these dishes to family and friends. ( )

With a nice balance between special occasion and entertaining recipes and some everyday basics, "Memorable Recipes to Share with Family and Friends" would make a good addition to a cookbook library or a great gift to someone who is just starting to entertain. The recipes range from simple (cheese crackers) to more complicated (clam and mussel cataplana), but the instructions are very clear and easy to follow. Furthermore, the number of simpler recipes geared towards everyday use is substantial, and even those who have limited experience cooking will be able to use this book easily. Another helpful feature is that author Renee Behnke offers a great deal of advice in regards to entertaining, menu ideas, and what parts of the recipe can be done ahead of time, thus making the book a surprisingly practical guide for people who are preparing to throw their first dinner party.

Besides being very helpful, the book is beautiful and well-organized. Most of the recipes are accompanied by full-color photographs which offers cooks the chance to see what the finished product looks like and provides serving and plating suggestions. While "Memorable Recipes" can't replace a good, all-inclusive cookbook (like Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything" or the indispensable "Joy of Cooking," it does make a wonderful supplementary cookbook and a good (and perhaps less-intimidating) starting place for some aspiring cooks. ( )

I enjoy trying new recipes, new flavors and this book have a lot to offer for us as recipes are from many cultures and flavor profiles. There are recipes for appetizers, salad, soup, entree, and dessert. But a good cook books never stop giving- after the basic recipes the final section of the book lays out menu plans. The menus cover recipes from the book, possible substitutions for other food pairings, supplies prep times & cook times, and so on; so you can host your own theme dinner party for family or friends. As some one who enjoys a good meal with family, friends and who enjoys variety in food this book is a precious find.
A good collection and I love them.

Mufid love. ( )