Dinner Party Animal is a stylish, fun, and attractive collection of themed recipes collected and curated by Jake Cohen. Released 30th Sept 2025 by HarperCollins on their Wm. Morrow Harvest imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in hardcover, spiral bound, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
Almost everyone missed gathering with friends during (and after) covid, and many of us simply got out of the habit of gathering for food and social interaction. This book provides 16 well rounded versatile party menus including recipes, styling, and even some conversation prompts!
Ingredient measurements are supplied in imperial (American standard) measurements only. Nutritional information is not included. Each recipe has a header with a short description of the recipe, yields, and approximate prep-times. Ingredients are listed bullet style in a sidebar followed by step by step directions. Extra tips or recipe alternatives are listed in text boxes in the recipes. The recipes themselves are fairly straightforward and are made for the most part with easily sourced ingredients. Not many of these are very simple, some of them are quite complex (but worth the effort). The author has also included shopping lists and a timetable of prep tasks to be carried out in the day(s) before an upcoming party.
The author has a fun and upbeat style of writing. He's by turns whimsical and entertaining and his love of entertaining, friendship, and the social aspects of bonding over food, shine through in the text. It's also a beautiful book in its own right: lavishly photographed, the serving suggestions and food styling often include colorful serving accessories and well appointed tables as well as visually appealing well made food.
Five stars. This would make a superlative gift for an enthusiastic cook, as well as a great selection for public or secondary school library acquisition.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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