Enjoy : Recipes for Memorable Gatherings

Cooking for others is a source of pleasure and joy, especially when bringing a group together for the simple delight of a shared meal.

As soon as you set the table, it''s a party! When the food is delicious and the servings are generous, the company will be joyful--body and spirit in harmony, memories in the making. The inspirational Perla Servan-Schreiber drew from her Mediterranean roots, culinary influences gathered while traveling, and tips gleaned from great chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi and Alain Ducasse to create ninety simple, flexitarian recipes for gatherings big or small. Her seasonal recipes cover every occasion, from causal summer picnics to formal holiday parties, and from tea-time treats to sprawling buffets.

Cooking is a powerful vehicle for celebration and delight, and sometimes the fun starts with guests in the kitchen helping to prepare the meal while nibbling on a light aperitif. For a festive lunch, Perla serves summer salads together, such as Red Onion and Sumac; Mushroom and Herb; and Quinoa, Tomato, and Parsley. In the winter, her comforting Minestrone, Phô, Chestnut Mushroom Soup, or Spinach-Ginger Lentils are followed by a hearty main dish like no-fail Mushroom Risotto, Osso Buco, Egyptian Koshari, or Chinese Duck. No meal is complete without a grand finale, and her desserts are unforgettable--from Raspberry Clafoutis to Honey-Roasted Abricots to Tiramisu.

The best memories come from time spent together over a meal, and these inspired recipes are designed to keep hosts at the table, able to savor and enjoy every moment.