Holiday Gift Guide: The Christmas Table by Diane Morgan

Regular January Magazine readers will be familiar with the work of Diane Morgan. Over the years, we’ve reviewed many of her books, including Grill Every Day, Salmon and Delicious Dips. Morgan’s books are of a bankable quality. Gorgeous photos and excellent production, of course. But also a consistently great range of recipes that are clear and easy-to-follow and that run that gamut from incredibly easy and intended for the everyday table, to complicated banquet meals that will challenge the best-equipped and prepared home chef.

The Christmas Table (Chronicle Books) is no exception. As befits both the topic and the season, there’s a rich baroque quality to the book. And, once again, the recipes fit into just about every place you’d expect, and a few besides. From Garlic and Herb-Rubbed Crown Roast of Pork to Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and from Eggnog Cheesecake with Candied Kumquats to Sake Oyster Shooters (and they may sound exotic, but -- truly -- nothing could be more simple) and from Bread Stuffing with Sausage, Apples, and Caramelized Onion to Christmas Kugel (hello!).

For my money, this is the book for the holiday table, 2008. Highly recommended.