I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED COOKING and baking. When I was a young boy, my mother used to include me in the process of what went on in the kitchen. I have always loved being involved in anything creative. Working in the kitchen was one outlet for the creativity that The Big Boss gave me. In high school, I lived with my late grandmother who taught me many of the kitchen secrets, which I have incorporated herein. I have also produced a recipe book specifically for Pesach (Passover), adding many recipes from my mother, grandmother, and myself. In my opinion, these two books go hand in hand and complement one another. I have also published a recipe book with over 450 fantastic and delicious recipes for the kosher home. While on the topic, I have also published a Pesach Haggadah that would be an excellent accompaniment to these books. Working in the kitchen can be quite a challenge for many and I hope this book will help make things easier for you. There are many terms and tips I included for you, especially for the kosher home. Many love and enjoy working in the kitchen and this manual should make it more enjoyable. DID YOU EVER STOP TO think that your family, as well as your friends, are your guests when they sit down at your table? The graciousness with which you have planned and prepared the meal can mean much to them. A pretty table and a pleasant meal make everyone happy and shows how much time you put into planning for the occasion. For many, mealtime is about the only time in the day that the entire family is together. There are many ways to make it a sociable and friendly hour of relaxation after a busy day's activities. This can be made more complicated by the religious family that incorporates Torah learning into their already busy schedules. You will find it easier to train the children in good eating habits and table manners if you make each meal a pleasant occasion. Good manners and social poise come through everyday practice. So, put a bowl of flowers and a pretty tablecloth on your dinner table, or occasionally use your best china - just for the family's enjoyment (not just on Shabbos or Jewish holidays). These little things count at mealtime. And, when special occasions - holidays, company dinners, or parties - come along, every member of your family will be at ease. They will be able to make your guests feel they are part of a friendly family circle. Our most familiar and popular way of table service is none other than the "country" or "family-style" meal. This is the one that you are probably using in your home right now. It is informal, and it is easy to place the food in the serving dishes and pass it at the table. Even for company meals, family-style service may be the one you prefer to use. However, there is much we can do to make our table, and this way of meal service, as colorful, inviting, and appropriate as the lovely pictures sometimes seen in magazines. It is all in knowing how. There is a customary way to set this kind of table, a correct and convenient way to serve your family and guests, and a dozen and one ideas for using your dishes, glassware, and silverware to set a pretty table with an interesting centerpiece. Perhaps you have become so used to using the dishes near at hand, or the regular tablecloths, that you have forgotten about some of the little extras that will brighten up your table. Have you? Now is the time to bring them out. This is also available in a looseleaf binder with page protectors directly from the author.