The $50 Dinner Party : 26 Dinner Parties That Won't Break Your Bank, Your Back or Your Schedule

Are you a victim of fear of entertaining? Do you break into a cold sweat at the thought of planning a menu? Do you think you have to take out a loan when you invite friends to dinner? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need The $50 Dinner Party.

Do your guests have all-American tastes? Satisfy them with Grilled Marinated Flank Steak with Soy, Sherry and Dijon; Potato Cake with Garlic and Olive Oil; a Salad of Arugula, Avocado and Mango and Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce. Feeling in a tropical mood? Try the Caribbean Spiced Chicken, Coconut Black Bean Risotto, Cucumber Salad with Yogurt and Mint and Key Lime Mousse with Toasted Coconut. Looking for something simple and elegant? Then serve Grilled Salmon Steaks with Citrus and Thyme, Pan-Steamed Spinach, Leek Mashed Potatoes and Engagement Brownies. And for a meal with a pan-Asian flavor, treat your guests to Spicy Scallops with Cashews, Steamed Basmati Rice, Watercress Salad with Orange Segments and Vanilla Ice Cream with Roasted Peaches and Gingerroot.

Each of the menus in The $50 Dinner Party will feed six people for fifty dollars, not including beverages. And if you want to treat your guests to a little something extra, try one of the dozen dips with some crackers and crudités, and a plate of "$50 Cookies" with your coffee or tea. Whether you're a new cook trying to coordinate a balanced dinner on an unbalanced budget or an old hand looking for new ideas that don't require spending a fortune at the market or hours in the kitchen, you'll find the perfect dinner in The $50 Dinner Party.