Occasions to Celebrate

The renowned chef and master host presents his second Rizzoli cookbook: a collection of more than 100 recipes inspired by traditional Southern fare and French culinary flair, with an emphasis on seasonal fresh-from-the-market ingredients that are perfect for entertaining.

Alex Hitz shares a spectacular array of classic yet contemporary seasonal comfort dishes – from hors d’oeuvres, soups, salads, sauces, main dishes, and sides to desserts. He has a penchant for crowd-pleasers, including spiced pecans, gazpacho, mini crab cakes with mango chutney, cucumber and mint salad, mustard-crusted rack of lamb, tomatoes Provençale, key lime mousse, and lemon pecan shortbread cookies.

Hitz imparts cooking, serving, and entertaining secrets to ensure success for the amateur or experienced home cook alike, champions elegance and simplicity, and boldly encourages all who read and cook to celebrate with delicious food. Hitz’s message is clear: whether it’s a holiday or just another Tuesday, make every day a special occasion. This stylish tome is replete with impeccable dishes, seasoning secrets, and table-setting and seating advice – as well as foolproof menus for creating flawless occasions to share with family and friends.

About the Author

Alex Hitz is an award-winning chef, culinary speaker and columnist, event designer, tastemaker, and master host. His first book, My Beverly Hills Kitchen and first Rizzoli cookbook The Art of the Host are widely popular. He is a contributing editor for Town & Country, and writes regularly for C Magazine, Quest, and Southern Living. Hitz is a former food editor for House Beautiful, a post he assumed from Ina Garten.