Recently I came across an old but familiar name in publishing, Leisure Arts, a company whose cross-stitch booklets I bought by the dozens in the eighties and nineties. I haven't seen the Leisure Arts logo in years, so when I came across a great buy on some Leisure Arts cookbooks at Tuesday Morning this week, I was hooked. What intrigued me most about "Celebrating Party Foods," curiously enough, is how pretty that simple glass punch cup looks on that yellow ceramic plate on the cover.
I suddenly recalled that a few cookbooks I've received as gifts from friends were from Leisure Arts, and I loved them for the very do-able food and gift ideas. This book definitely made me recall those old favorites, and I got so many great ideas, like serving stuffed mini-tomatoes on a plate with a cup of soup. There's just enough room for the tomatoes and a couple of crackers, but look how this takes the presentation up a notch!
What closed the deal for me, though, was this picture of a festive cheese ball designed to look like a Christmas ornament. Last year I searched in vain for the perfect *easy* appetizer to take to my garden club's annual Christmas party, and if I had seen this, this is what I would have made! The book has recipes for party foods to celebrate the whole year, and I was delighted to find a Sparkling Fruit Tea recipe among the beverage offerings. Among the many sweets, I'm eager to try the Cranberry-Pear Rolls made with apple pie spice and the Cookies 'n Cream Cake featuring a beloved chocolate sandwich cookie. Best of all, the $14.95 book was just $2.50 at Tuesday Morning, so if you have one of the stores nearby you may want to take a look!
I totally agree with you on this awesome book- and what a bargain!
ReplyDeleteI know we have a few TMs in the city - nothing really close, but def worth a look - love that store, always forget about them.
There is something REALLY GREAT about a frothy fluffy light pink punch in a little glass cup.....just makes me want to slurp up! So pretty.
Oh, I meant to go to TM when I was shopping on Monday, it's a bit further down the road from where I was, and I just plain forgot! That is a great book, worth the $2.50 just for the pictures.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Leisure Arts books pertaining to food and have many on my bookshelf. They have great ideas.
ReplyDeleteLooks like I might have to visit the nearest Tuesday Morning store to see if they have any Leisure Arts books at bargain prices. JoAnn Fabrics used to carry their books. Don't know if they still do. Thanks for the heads up!
I love cookbooks with great photos!
ReplyDeleteWonderful find! I was at TM yesterday, do you think I would have looked at the books? Silly me, will have to go back. Thank you, as always.
ReplyDeleteOh, so creative and pretty! I can just "see" those on your tea table in the future.
ReplyDeleteLove the cheese ball idea.
ReplyDeleteHave not heard of Leisure Arts, but
you know I don't shop much. You inspire me to look and off to shopping tomorrow.
Speaking of books, some of my favorite tea-themed books come from Hoffman Media! They've got a fabulous 50% off sale on all their books and DVDs right now, which include 3-4 of their tea books! You probably have all/most of them, but I thought perhaps your readers would enjoy knowing about the sale! (No affiliation -- just sharing the love!) :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun find! That cheese ball 'ornament' is clever!
ReplyDelete