Sponsored by: Harvest Books and California Prunes Studies show that routinely eating together as a family promotes physical and mental well-being. Cooking and sharing meals with family and friends is also a way to build connections and contributes to increased happiness. Feeding dinner guests a delicious meal doesn’t have to be difficult. Author Natasha Feldman joins our Laura Cavanaugh to share her secrets to throwing a fun, no-stress gathering. Feldman, who is a La Jolla High School alumnus, wrote The Dinner Party Project, which was named one of the Best Cookbooks of 2023 by the L.A. Times. It is packed with anecdotal stories, icebreakers, recipes, no-nonsense tips to hosting, even encouragement. She recommends to start thinking about the gathering as a means for building community. She also shares her favorite recipes for tasty appetizers and savory dishes, including her great great grandmother’s Jewish brisket, made with prunes and apricots. California prunes are naturally nutritious and surprisingly versatile. They help with a healthier gut, strong bones and reduced inflammation. Prunes have a low glycemic index and serve as a wonderful natural sweetener. The fiber packed in prunes helps maintain good digestive health. Prunes are portable and good as snacks. They are always in season. So they can serve as a year-round pantry staple. You can use California Prunes on salads and in cereals, but also pureed with proteins and grains. California Prunes bring a fresh taste to savory dishes and bring a rich nuance to rich chocolate desserts and baked goods. Nothing brings people together like a good meal. Explore new ideas. For more delicious recipes, visit www.californiaprunes.org You can find The Dinner Party Project anywhere books are sold, including at amazon.com.