Okay, this one really is a classic and offers fine cuisine, not unlike the Mary & Vincent Price cookbook here on the site.  James Beard’s Menus for Entertaining, published in 1965. “Over 600 incomparable recipes–for every occasion from a roadside picnic to a formal dinner.”  This book covers it all, from breakfast, lunch, and dinner, to cocktail parties and everything in between.  Early lunch, or late lunch?  You’re covered either way.  Formal or informal? It is all in here.

The idea behind this cookbook is that while many can follow recipes accurately, they may lack the ability to assemble a memorable meal. In this book, Mr. Beard has prepared more than a 100 menus, with complete instructions.

James Beard was a master at entertaining, a notable food authority, and a gourmand. Books like this, as well as A Treasury of Great Recipes by Mary & Vincent Price, stand out from many of the other more basic recipe booklets here on Retro Cookbook just by the fact of their more “gourmet” fare. Something for everyone!