What does Aureoles award-winning chef whip up for his family and friends when he has to do all the shopping and cooking just like the rest of us? Food thats easy, delicious, and casual.

Charlie Palmer shows how to make comfort foods that are comfortable, but with a new level of taste and sophistication. Sunday supper suddenly becomes sensational. And those quick mid-week meals are still quick to prepare; they just dont taste that way. Corn chowder is heartier, more intense. Traditional tuna melts become untraditional with fresh tuna, tapenade, and Fontina. That childhood favorite, Waldorf salad becomes a modern classic with apple cider, walnut oil, and a pinch of curry powder.

Baked Lemon Chicken with a pile of garlic bread, a bowl of cheesy orzo or rice and a big salad of romaine will become a Saturday night favorite, just as it is in Charlies house. Turn Sundays leftover Perfect Roast Chicken into Mondays Chicken Noodle Soup or Aioli Chicken Salad.

When company comes calling and youre looking for something a bit more sophisticated, try Charlies Whole Roasted Salmon with New Potatoes and Leeks and Baked Wild Mushroom Salad or Lamb Shanks with Tomatoes, Lentils and Olives. Or, if you want to treat company just like family, feed them Charlies Moms Barbecued Chicken, Perfect Pot Roast or a heaping platter of Linguini with Eggplant Ragu.

And what about desserts? Charlie has something to bring out the kid in everyone. Try his Brownie-Ice Cream Sandwiches or Apple Pizza with Cider Sorbet. His Pumpkin Custard is so easy and versatile, it can be baked family-style in one large dish or in individual souffle cups when company is expected. Serve the custard with a plate of Ginger Cookies.

So what does one of New Yorks most celebrated chefs cook for his family and friends? Exactly what you can cook for yours with Charlie Palmers Casual Cooking.

About the Author

Charlie Palmer is the chef-owner of Aureole, Alva, Lenox Room, Metrazur, and Astra in New York City and Aureole Las Vegas (in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino) and Charlie Palmer Steak (in the Four Seasons Hotel) in Las Vegas. He has been awarded the 1998 James Beard Award for the Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America, the 1997 James Beard Best Chef in New York, and the 1996 Restaurants & Institutions Ivy Award. Charlie lives in New York City with his wife, Lisa, and four sons.

Judith Choate is an award-winning writer, chef, and pioneer in the promotion of American food. A member of Women’s Chefs and Restaurateurs, she is the author of sixteen cookbooks and the co-author of a great many more.