This collection of recipes and memories is the result of decades of entertaining, raising children, and traveling the world. An asset in any kitchen–or on any coffee table–this beautiful full-color volume covers cooking for and with children, entertaining on both a small and a grand scale, catering for good causes, and traveling at home and abroad with a focus on food.

Everything from basic pasta and piecrust to American comfort food and international cuisines, the recipes are straightforward and written with a teacher’s touch. Illustrated with vibrant photos and original artwork, the book is sensibly organized, with sections on appetizers, soups, breads and baked things, desserts, cookies, celebrations, travel, signature dishes, and home canning.

Based in Sonoma County, California, the author draws on six decades of cooking, entertaining, and traveling with friends, family, and students, presenting a cookbook memoir that is as creative and fascinating as it is useful and informative.