In "Scratch That: Seasonal Menus & Perfect Pairings", Connie Fairbanks draws upon a lifetime's experience in the kitchen (she began when she was five years old) to compile and wonderfully illustrate truly exquisite dishes suitable for any and all dining occasions. "Scratch That" begins with chapters devoted to 'Kitchen Essentials'; 'Basic Recipes and other Kitchen Know-How'. this is then followed by recipes organized around specific dining occasions in the spring and summer with menus such as the Weekend Brunch; First Barbecue on the Deck; Picnic Anytime; Working Lunch; and more. Dining occasions for the fall and winter are clustered around menus devoted to the Salmon Soiree; Thursday Nights Supper; World Series Party; Romantic Dinner for Two; and more. There are even chapters devoted to wine and beer; and 'When You go Out to Dinner'. Beautifully illustrated throughout with color photography, the recipes range from Banana Tea Bread; French Breakfast Radishes with Butter and Kosher Salt; Sauteed Mushrooms on Toasts; and Fresh Peach Cobbler; to Roasted Salmon and Vegetable Bundles; Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip; Rack of Lamb with Rosemary and Wine Sauce; and Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. "Scratch That" is especially and enthusiastically recommended for the cookbook collection of the novice family chef, and has wonderful culinary ideas for even the more experienced kitchen cook.