October 20, 2009

Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS: A Virtual Celebration

I am not a Park Avenue hostess, but now I know how to entertain like one with Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS (Rizzoli). Written by The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and edited by award-winning food writer and New York Times contributing columnist, Florence Fabricant, this book is a compilation of sensational recipes, entertaining ideas, seasonal menus, party-planning tips, and personal anecdotes from New York’s most celebrated hostesses. Best of all, proceeds from the sale of each book will provide funding for The Society’s patient care, research and education programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Today it is my pleasure to play the role of “virtual” Park Avenue hostess and celebrate the publication of this book with a Naptime Chef dinner party. Talented food writers and bloggers from around the world have joined me to provide a glimpse into it’s pages by cooking and photographing a variety of recipes. I encourage you to visit their sites directly (names below are hyperlinked) to read and comment on their wonderful work in support of this important cause.

While I’m always up for hosting a dinner party, there are two special reasons why I am excited to host this particular event. First, in 2007 I was the Project Manager and recipe contributor to the original best-selling cookbook, Park Avenue Potluck (CELEBRATIONS is the sequel) and, secondly, cancer has affected family and friends in my life so I believe strongly in supporting any cause aimed at fighting the disease. Available on Amazon today, I encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and a friend. Heck, buy a whole bunch to give away as holiday gifts! Either way, each purchase will support the fight against cancer, and give you fantastic recipes and entertaining ideas for the holiday season. Now, time for a wonderful glimpse into the world of Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS!

Beverages

Pomegranate Mimosas by Melissa Morris of Melissa C. Morris:

“These delightful Pomegranate Mimosas give champagne a fun, fruity kick. I love the cocktail’s ruby color; this festive red makes them the perfect drink to serve at a holiday party. The recipe is simple and easy to make and absolutely delicious to drink – cheers!”

Ebba’s Swedish Apple Cider (non-alcoholic) by Stacie of ChowMama

“Whether your holiday parties are late-night, debaucherous affairs or kid- and preggy- friendly gatherings, one big batch of Ebba’s Swedish Apple Cider Punch can be served with our without alcohol. Either way, this sophisticated, cozy, and tasty drink gives a warm holiday “buzz” that makes you want to CELEBRATE! And, of course, goes beautifully with cocktail party apps. What more can a hostess wants?!”

30 Responses to “Park Avenue Potluck CELEBRATIONS: A Virtual Celebration”

  1. pve design says:

    Now I know why we get along, we were project managers and those skills are of a rare breed, and we both love food!Wonderful post and I was honored to be a part of this!pve

  2. pve design says:

    Now I know why we get along, we were project managers and those skills are of a rare breed, and we both love food!
    Wonderful post and I was honored to be a part of this!
    pve

  3. dorie says:

    Thank you so much for inviting me to this wonderful party — I loved being part of it and I certainly loved Mary's House Oatmeal Cookies.You did a spectacular job of putting this event together — brava!

  4. dorie says:

    Thank you so much for inviting me to this wonderful party — I loved being part of it and I certainly loved Mary's House Oatmeal Cookies.

    You did a spectacular job of putting this event together — brava!

  5. Mel says:

    a huge thank you to our gracious hostess!

  6. Mel says:

    a huge thank you to our gracious hostess!

  7. National Cookie Network says:

    Hi Kelsey,Thanks so much for including me in this fun event! It was a pleasure to contribute to such a worthy cause. (And the cookies were sooooo yummy!) Count me in if you do this again!Take care,Tiffany

  8. National Cookie Network says:

    Hi Kelsey,

    Thanks so much for including me in this fun event! It was a pleasure to contribute to such a worthy cause. (And the cookies were sooooo yummy!) Count me in if you do this again!

    Take care,
    Tiffany

  9. Deeba @Passionate About Baking says:

    Thank you for being such a wonderful hostess Kelsey. This was a great event, and for such a beautiful cause. Love all the contibutions that have come in. It's made the meal so warm & meaningful! Big hug, Deeba

  10. Deeba @Passionate About Baking says:

    Thank you for being such a wonderful hostess Kelsey. This was a great event, and for such a beautiful cause. Love all the contibutions that have come in. It's made the meal so warm & meaningful! Big hug, Deeba

  11. Fresh Local and Best says:

    What a great idea! It's so wonderful to learn creative ways to support such worthy causes as fighting cancer. Bravo!

  12. Fresh Local and Best says:

    What a great idea! It's so wonderful to learn creative ways to support such worthy causes as fighting cancer. Bravo!

  13. Cathy/ShowFoodChef says:

    Thank you for inviting me to this Potluck, Kelsey. It was fun with meaning, and you are the perfect and talented hostess.

  14. Cathy/ShowFoodChef says:

    Thank you for inviting me to this Potluck, Kelsey. It was fun with meaning, and you are the perfect and talented hostess.

  15. 5 Star Foodie says:

    I'm honored to be part of this event! Everyone's dishes look excellent!

  16. 5 Star Foodie says:

    I'm honored to be part of this event! Everyone's dishes look excellent!

  17. doggybloggy says:

    what a delightful assortment well done by each and every participant – now how do I get more than a virtual taste? this is BEYOND teasing!

  18. doggybloggy says:

    what a delightful assortment well done by each and every participant – now how do I get more than a virtual taste? this is BEYOND teasing!

  19. AmyRuth says:

    What a great effort and yet so much fun! Lovely food, lovely people. Best of luck and sweet dreams. AmyRuth

  20. AmyRuth says:

    What a great effort and yet so much fun! Lovely food, lovely people. Best of luck and sweet dreams.
    AmyRuth

  21. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says:

    Thanks again for inviting me to the party! I loved my recipe and I look forward to making many more of the recipes from the cookbook. I think my family/friends will enjoy the cookbook, too, and I'm thinking of using them as Christmas gifts this year!

  22. Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction says:

    Thanks again for inviting me to the party! I loved my recipe and I look forward to making many more of the recipes from the cookbook. I think my family/friends will enjoy the cookbook, too, and I'm thinking of using them as Christmas gifts this year!

  23. the epicurean's market says:

    This recipes look spectacular! A job well done to all.

  24. the epicurean's market says:

    This recipes look spectacular! A job well done to all.

  25. blissmamaof3 says:

    I'm going to need more bookshelves. Just weeded out some cookbooks, here come two new ones! Thanks?!PS-The tomato, cheese and basil frittata featured on the Cookie mag food blog was a huge hit around here!!

  26. blissmamaof3 says:

    I'm going to need more bookshelves. Just weeded out some cookbooks, here come two new ones! Thanks?!

    PS-The tomato, cheese and basil frittata featured on the Cookie mag food blog was a huge hit around here!!

  27. Foodie with Little Thyme! says:

    Everything looks wonderful.

  28. Foodie with Little Thyme! says:

    Everything looks wonderful.

  29. cookingschoolconfidential.com says:

    Look at all that gorgeous food! Even on a good day, I can't put out that much at culinary school.And now I want that pumpkin pie (a weakness of mine – thank heavens Thanksgiving is coming soon).Cheers!

  30. cookingschoolconfidential.com says:

    Look at all that gorgeous food! Even on a good day, I can't put out that much at culinary school.

    And now I want that pumpkin pie (a weakness of mine – thank heavens Thanksgiving is coming soon).

    Cheers!