Personal Chefs Aren't Just For Other People

It may have sounded like a good idea when you sent out the invitations (on paper, natch), but now that dinner party is keeping you up at night. The menu! The wine! The centerpieces! Before you panic—or order pizza—pick up local chef and caterer Molly Hermann’s new CD: Tastebud Dinner Party for 12: Everything You Need to Know to Throw a Dinner Party. The virtual party-planner includes easy recipes, practical shopping lists, and creative tips for hosting the perfect sit-down soiree. It’s availble for $12 exclusively at Redstamp.com.

We profiled Molly (aka the Tastebud Tart) last fall, when she launched her first e-book, Tastebud Classic Cocktail Party. I love her simple, no-nonsense approach to entertaining—very Barefoot Contessa. She has a way of turning simple, seasonal ingredients into such flavorful dishes. I recently splurged on Molly’s personal chef services and ordered from her weekly menu—which anyone can do and everyone should, at least once. I mean, she delivers the meals to your door. It’s the ultimate take-out. I felt giddy on my way home, knowing that there’d be a lovely package of delicous food, tucked into cute brown boxes, waiting for me. I highly recommend the sweet/savory veggie wrap (with bacon, which might explain my obsession), which is accompanied by a mixed-green salad and fresh-baked treat—all for $10, including delivery.