Socially inclined but time deprived? Want to see friends for dinner, but can't do more than order takeout or meet in a restaurant? Well, help is here. From Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross, whose nationally syndicated column reaches millions of readers through 115 papers and whose first book DESPERATION DINNERS has 194.000 copies in print, comes the perfect cookbook for the harried would-be host and hostess. Filled with 200 marvellous recipes and dozens of brilliant problem solvers, DESPERATION ENTERTAINING is a complete game plan for having guests over (children included) without having to spend more than 20 minutes on a dish, or 20 minutes per cook-ahead phase. There are tips on saving time (buy prepeeled garlic, supermarket potato salad with fresh chopped onions and paprika); sanity (tie the bottle opener to the cooler); and money (sangria costs less than wine). But of course the genius of the book is in the recipes; Cajun Catfish Gumbo, Cabernet Pasta Sauce with Italian Sausage, Greek Stifado with Artichokes, Citrus Shrimp Kebabs, Grilled Pork Chops with Southern Peach Salsa. Plus plenty of homemade desserts that won't break the host, including Rocky Road Brownie Sundaes, Berkshire Blueberry Crisp and Sunset Key Lime Pies. Who's coming over next week?