The "menu driven" format of America Celebrates, i.e., each "Holiday Section" contains menu recommendations which include traditional foods or which will accompany a main course well. For example, the New Year's Day menus include Sautéed Red Cabbage and Black Eyed Peas to recognize and honor the tradition that cabbage and black eyed peas on New Year's Day will bring good luck and financial well-being. The format is designed to assist and simplify the decision, purchasing and preparation process. However, all recipes are individually accessible and may be printed and used whenever and of course, with any other foods or dates you choose. Many of the menus are very flexible and usable for a variety of special and/or family events other than holidays. Each recipe has been prepared and many are photographed so that you have a good visual reference and each has been simplified to the extent possible to reduce wasted effort. Being a practicing "maker of market lists" (which are made to be given over to someone else who usually purchases at least 70% of the items on the list - then practices that popular art of "impulse buying" substituting ice cream, magazines and bubble bath), I am acutely aware of the need for the shoppers list. For that reason, the market list for each menu is believed to be "all inclusive", and allows you to edit the printed list as you wish and exclude any "staple items" which may already be in your pantry or substitute ingredients or other supplies to meet your individual choices. And, speaking of substitutions - about the only substitute I have found for "advance preparation" is "more advance preparation". Some recipes or foods just REQUIRE overnight marinating or resting or making/rising. And to get the results you want from your work in the kitchen, it is important to review your menu and your recipes at least one day before you anticipate cooking/preparing each dish. My background includes business ownership and management, political involvement in the design and implementation of legislation and regulations associated with caring for the elderly and nursing home regulations, ownership and operation of a 300 ton recreational vehicle (a riverboat paddle wheeler) serving 200 - 250 guests at weddings, family reunions, college graduation parties, and large law and oil company office parties/functions and willingly preparing foods, decorations and accommodations for family and friends for virtually every event identified in America Celebrates. The book represents the "tip of the iceberg" as I explored the totality of American celebrations and how to bring the most celebrated and popular foods prepared for these celebrations to you in print and reflect my personal experiences I have enjoyed in the process. So, from New Year's Day to Christmas Eve, I hope you use and enjoy this special gift of "America Celebrates" from me to you to Celebrate America. Florence Gray-Suttle, author
