Description

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Small bites and treats to share

The best gatherings are simple, yet somehow special. They might begin with an impromptu picnic after shopping at the farmer’s market or a late lunch with neighbors that stretches into cocktails under the stars. Whatever the occasion, this picture-perfect cookbook shows how to turn any meal into a delectable affair. These effortless recipes for brunch, teatime, happy hours, picnics, potlucks, and dessert all include a whimsical twist: a few slices of French toast doused in lavender syrup, rainbow chard empanadas served with pistachio crema, or a vibrant purple cauliflower hummus. With tips on creating an inviting table, stocking a pantry to make last-minute nibbles, and packing delicious parting gifts for guests, Food with Friends will inspire any get-together, however large or small.

About the Author

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Photographer LEELA CYD is a long-time contributor to TheKitchn.com and shoots for Food & Wine,Sweet Paul, The New York Times, Kinfolk, and more. Leela lives with her husband in Santa Barbara, California, and chronicles her travels and adventures in food on her website, LeelaCyd.com.

Praise For…

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“Leela is a genius at the most essential things: food, fun, and friendship. Her mouthwatering recipes–for both seasoned chefs and novice cooks like myself–will make you want to call up your nearest and dearest. The best kitchen sink cookies? A breakfast board with cheese and hard-boiled eggs? I love it.” –Joanna Goddard, founder of Cup of Jo
 
“Packed with recipes both for giving and fun, this is no ordinary cookbook. Leela covers an eclectic array of recipes adapted from different pockets of the globe while sharing morsels of info on styling and shooting food. The dreamy tome is also peppered with cultural history, which I love. Food with Friends is a book that doesn’t just embody the way I like to cook and eat–but how I like to live.” –Justina Blakeney, author of The New Bohemians
 
“Everything Leela Cyd touches seems to sparkle, and Food with Friends is a prime example. If her aim is to ‘refine the art of simple gatherings,’ she succeeds mightily, with inspired ideas, beautiful photographs, and recipes that crisscross a world’s worth of flavors. From Beets in Coconut with Curry Leaves to Pistachio Rose Clouds and Whiskey-Pepper Magic Shell to drizzle over ice cream, Leela, please, count me in!” –Molly Wizenberg, founder of Orangette
 
“Nothing makes me happier than sitting down to a good meal with friends. Food brings out the best in us all and sharing it is the greatest feeling. Food with Friends is a stunning book with mouthwatering images, creative recipes, and tips. It won’t go onto my bookshelf, but on my kitchen counter, which is where it belongs.” –Paul Lowe, editor in chief and founder of Sweet Paul Magazine
 
“I’ve always been inspired by Leela’s amazingly colorful, personal, and joyful photographic eye, and now she’s gone beyond herself with a cookbook of her own that shares her approach to living. In keeping with her spirit, these small delicious recipes and tips are my new secret weapon for entertaining at home.” –Maxwell Ryan, founder of Apartment Therapy

“Leela Cyd is a bright spark of warmth, style, and friendship, and she brings all of that and more to Food with Friends, which is a treasure trove of sweet and savory recipes laid out like a feast for sharing. From tahini buns to brûléed oranges, these pages offer up treat after treat for special occasions small and large.” —Faith Durand, executive editor of The Kitchn