What makes a recipe a classical recipe? Perhaps it is one that is loved because，<br >though not simple to prepare， it can be counted on to be perfect for sophisticated<br >entertaining， or， though easier to prepare but still extra special， it is just right for<br >compan~ Or maybe it is loved because it is a tried and true family favorite. In any<br >case， a treasured recipe is classical because it is one with which no cook would want<br >to part.<br >That is what makes this book a special cookbook. Although it has the usual sections，<br >it isn t a usual cookbook. The wide variety of dishes， from the delicious and very<br >elegant to the very good but simple， were chosen by the readers of my column<br >through their letters to me. My readers tell me these are their most treasured recipes<br >and they have each survived the test of time and taste. To me that makes them<br >classical recipes.<br >I have observed from the many letters I receive that cooks become more sophisticated<br >each year. Many are willing to spend time experimenting with new and often rather<br >glamorous dishes to please friends and family. So， though there are plenty of dishes<br >for everyday use here， there are also many which take time and patience to prepare<br >but give the kind of stunning results that can make your reputation as a cook.<br >