Platters and Boards: Beautiful, Casual Spreads for Every Occasion

Here is a very beautifully produced book on heavy paper stock with high-end photo reproduction and stunning food styling and food photography. Yet Platters and Boards is not for the average home cook unless left on the coffee table for display. Shelly Westerhausen has written this niche cookbook for those home cooks who love to give high-end parties and for caterers. Westerhausen has very specific food presentation in mind: displaying foods on platters, boards, or on both. Needless to say, the food is of highest quality, and if you want to be exact on her food suggestions, your shopping trip will take some serious time in a well-stocked market (and it’s certainly not for those on a budget). Preparation of her recipes will also take time. For example, for preparing a sundae spread she asks for twenty ingredients. Westerhausen’s book is filled with excellent ideas, giving parties for just about any occasion. For a black-tie spread, she only uses black and white-colored foods, for a beach party board, foods that transport well. For each spread she gives a drink pairing. Her vegetarian style is complemented by her partner’s meat suggestions. Recipes for essentials at the end are useful additions.