Family Style: Shared Plates for Casual Feasts

Karen Tedesco, former food editor for the Village Voice and creator of Family Style Food, presents a collection of recipes designed for communal dining. This volume focuses on casual feasts that allow hosts to prepare meals in advance and serve them family style. The approach emphasizes sharing platters of small bites, vibrant salads, soups, and mains rather than individual plated courses. Tedesco guides readers through creating balanced spreads using simple ingredients that come together quickly. The book includes dishes such as Skillet Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Fall-Apart Balsamic Beef Short Ribs, and Perfect Slow-Roasted Salmon. Accompaniments like Charred Broccoli Salad, Black Bean Tostadas with Avocado Mash, and Smashed Olive Oil Potatoes with Parmesan round out the meals. Other featured recipes include Mom’s Classic Italian Meatballs, Herby Spatchcocked Dijon Chicken, and Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli with Greens and Parmesan Cream Sauce. This book suits home cooks seeking stress-free entertaining methods that accommodate diverse tastes without complex timing. It may not appeal to those who prefer formal dining structures or intricate multi-course service. The content draws on the traditions of rustic, shared meals where guests mix and match items from central trays and bowls.