Table for Two: Recipes for the Ones You Love Hardcover – January 24, 2023

This is a delightful little book and is a perfect gift for a newlywed couple (as in this case) or for one who likes to cook intimate meals for other loved ones---fathers, mothers, best friends, etc. Graham establishes in the first sentence: "Sharing food at a table set for two is where some of the most important moments of my life have taken place"(7). Food made with love and shared with love creates a calm place to introspect. Of course, when we generally think of "tables for two" we immediately to go romantic candle-lit dinners. Graham's book is not about romantic love necessarily but encompasses all one's loves.She encourages you to cook with the ones you love, to feel the caring, and to make moments "as celebratory, as decadent, or as dreamy as we desire" (9).Graham also encourages the reader to dog ear every page when a recipe speaks to you and you're reminded about a loved one. She also wants the reader/cook to make the recipes personal and experiment, using them as jumping off places.The cookbook is divided into the following sections: Easy to Impress (including menus for All-Day Breakfast, Summer Sunset Dinner, and A Holiday when the Sky is Grey) and Just to Delight (including menus for Saltwater and Sunshine, Best Shared = Steak, Chips and a Bottle of Wine, and A Soothing Sunday Lunch)There are just these two sections but sprinkled throughout are cocktails in the Aperitivo Hour two-page spread and other tips and essays. "A Single Rose on a Table for Two" (22-25) is a treatise to treat every night as an event. In "The Pleasure of Pre-Made Pizza (an ode to Ina's ethos)" (70-71), she reminisces about busting her ass to cook for "the man she thought she was falling in love with" only to have him cancel at the last minute. She would have been better off to have just ordered pizza. She shares her "Store-bought-is-fine" list of ravioli (because you can take it over the top with your sauce), ready-made lemon tarts (just garnish with fresh berries), roasted chicken, puff pastry, and frozen croissants. "The Romance of Food" (118-119) discusses the romance of fruits and vegetables (yes, imagine) and the thrill of going to farmers markets and buying seasonally. I love the tiny cheeseboard tips on page 140.Comfort food is prevalent (although some might be considered elevated comfort food). There are a lot of pasta recipes. Nothing seems too elaborate or time consuming. Practicality abounds too. Don't have a pasta maker? You can still make pici (just long rolled noodles). How fun would it be to make Pici with Roasted Tomatoes, Olives and Anchovies (72) with a friend?Graham's pairings are impeccable. Braised Beans with Roasted Pumpkin and Sage is best "alongside Italian fennel sausages or roast chicken" (132). Making this soon.The only criticism I have is that most of these recipes are not servings for two. A few of the desserts are and some of the pasta dishes seem to be for a duo, but a lot of the recipes can serve more, like at least four servings. That's fine though. Share the extra leftovers with other loves in your life."Our time together is brief, and real love at times can feel rare.... Fight for delight in all you eat and with everyone you love" (9).

This is a great book with so many recipes and pictures included! I can’t wait to make my first meal using this book

Great recipes. Pictures included with recipes. Very aesthetically pleasing book on a shelf as well!

I have had this cookbook in my cart for so long waiting for a holiday or special occasion to purchase it for my significant other. We love cooking together and have been a fan of using actual cookbooks, rather than looking at a recipe on our phone. The book has so many fun and great recipes and the serving size is perfect for 2 people plus a little leftovers (which is always great). We cooked our first dish the other night & it was so easy to follow & also delicious. Highly recommend this for a cute gift idea or just to have if you live with your partner!

Very cute cookbook. Was printed correctly but arrived with scuffs on the front. I’m going to return it and rebuy it at my local bookstore.

Super cute

They have some great recipes. I now have ideas of what to make for dinner!

Used as a wedding gift. So cute