The popularNew York Timescolumnist and award-winning, bestselling cookbook author Mark Bittman now shares his winning strategies for creating elegant, delicious dinner parties with no fuss. Famous as “the Minimalist” for delicious recipes that can be made in a flash, Bittman’s entertaining cookbook is a must-have for hosts and home cooks of all skill levels. The book features more than 150 recipes in 40 menus organized by season.Bittman’s signature “Keys to Success” offer a wealth of tips, fromchoosing the best ingredients to improving and streamlining your cooking techniques. Invaluable “Timetables” break down the process of preparing the meal step-by-step, including what can be made ahead of time (the day before or even earlier) and—that most daunting of tasks for home cooks—how to make several recipes at once. The menus, which include recipes for starters, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts, as well as wine suggestions, are tailored for all kinds of parties—barbecues,buffets, picnics, sit-down dinners, cocktail fêtes, and even an indooror outdoor clambake.Each menu draws on the peak ingredients of the season as well as foods that are always readily available.[...]Forget hard-to-find ingredients and hours in the kitchen. WithThe Minimalist Entertains, you’ll look like a five-star host but feel like a carefree guest.