The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook is our sixth book with Rodale, and there are many people to credit for helping us in our continuing mission to change the way America eats. In particular I would like to thank Liz Perl, Margot Schupf, and Cindy Ratzlaff for their enthusiasm and support, and my editor, Marya Dalrymple, for her “party-on” spirit and advice.
I would also like to especially thank Rodale’s art director Carol Angstadt, whose vision and hard work have made this book so beautiful. In addition Nancy N. Bailey, JoAnn Brader, Mitch Mandel, and Diane Vezza all contributed many hours of their time to the project.
Special credit goes to Mindy Fox, who developed the delicious and healthy party and holiday menus and recipes, and to Marie Almon, my nutrition director, who helped to set the high standards for the book.
I am also grateful to Margo Lowry of the South Beach Diet partnership for her continual wisdom and support and to Thomas Connell, executive chef of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in South Beach, for helping to bring the important message of this book to the public.
Finally, I would like to thank my wife, best friend, and main advisor, Sari, and my sons, Evan and Adam, for helping me celebrate life not just on special occasions, but everyday.