Pamela Sheldon Johns knows that everytime we have guests coming over we ask one thing: What should I serve?

Pamela makes this easy with her new cookbook, 50 Great Appetizers, offering 50 tasty recipes guaranteed to wow your guests. Pamela will be hosting two book signings and hosting a class featuring recipes from her new book. In addition to some great recipes that she will be showcasing, Pamela will also give tips on entertaining, preparation, decoration and food safety.

Many of the recipes in her book can be made ahead of time so you can spend time with your guests instead of in the kitchen. Pamela likes to use as many fresh ingredients as possible with easy to follow instructions. Hosting a theme party? Pamela has you covered there as well with ideas like a 50′s cocktail party, an Island themed party or Vegetarian. Great tasting recipes that are simple, yet sophisticated.

She will be at Sur La Table at The Grove in Los Angeles and in Newport Beach. The Los Angeles class is being held on Thursday, February 26 at 12:00pm. The cost is $69.00 and includes a sampling of her dishes. Menu: White Bean-Rosemary Crostini; Crispy Parmigiano Shells with Mixed Greens; Baby Artichokes; Bite-Size Polenta Squares with Goat Cheese and Sun-Dried Tomatoes; Potato-Red Onion Flatbread; Marinated Mussels and Clams; Roasted Garlic and Leek Soufflé. You can sign up for this class at surlatable.com.

The Newport Beach Sur La Table is being held on Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30pm. Same menu as above. Signup for this class here.

When she is not cooking, Pamela investigates the exquisite details of Italian food culture. She is an international juror and lifetime member of Slow Food, a former national board member of the American Institute of Wine & Food, and a professional member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. She has written a baker’s dozen of cookbooks.

Pamela and her family make their home in Tuscany, where she owns an olive farm. She also hosts food and wine workshops. She is a former resident of Santa Barbara, CA. In September 2007, Food & Wine magazine included Pamela’s Italian Food Artisans in a list of Italy’s top cooking schools. You can find more information about Pamela Sheldon Johns on her website at www.foodartisans.com.