If You Don't Get Another Cookbook in 2009...

I've probably had this cookbook for almost 2 years and I continue to sing its praises. Real Life Entertaining: Easy Recipes and Unconventional Wisdom is a compilation of several budget-friendly recipes, tips and tricks from Jennifer Rubell, a contributor to Domino magazine.

As I pondered my New Year's Eve menu, I whipped it out and had forgotten how much fun and witty it is. The last time I menu that I cooked from it included shrimp, mini-corn on the cobs (both seasoned to perfection) and a papaya salad. I love that it's so easy. You should pick up a copy this year. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Amazon has copies for less than $10.