The wide variety of appetizers offered in 500 Appetizers is a boon to party planning. Whether an elegant New Year's Eve or a fan's Super Bowl party, we love appetizers, and a big party is its most spectacular when the appetizers offered have variety. Select foods of different colors, foods of different shapes, foods with a range of tastes to please all those hungrily examining a laden table. With recipes selected to reflect those needs, 500 Appetizers roams the world in search of morsels for snacks, satisfying bites and elegant presentation. With recipes gleaned from all the traditions of the world, from Middle Eastern Mezze to Spanish Tapas, you can build a theme party or mix and match tastes. The recipes are wirtten without fuss to aid the busy host or hostess who is balancing several types of preparation.
The author, Susannah Blake, offers introductory pages that cover equipment, (including debris plates) timing, dressing up and down for perfect presentation, short-cuts and fuss-free ingredients. Armed with knowledge and confidence, you can explore the recipes. There are sections devoted to:
- Chips & Sticks - These are always favorites, often bready things that satisfy. Try recipes such as Walnut and Sun-dried Biscotti, Parmesan Tuiles, Herbed Garlic Pita Toasts or Anchovy Crackers.
- Dips & Salsas - Rich and smooth, fresh and zest, hot and spicy, or cool and creamy, dips and salsas offer infinite variety. Try Avocado Salsa, Minty Cucumber & Yogurt Dip, Fiery Pumpkin dip or Roasted Red Bell Pepper & Walnut Dip.
- Mini Mouthful - These recipes cover both side snacks (do-ahead), such as Marinated Olives, Smoky Spiced Almonds, or still small, but more filling dishes such as Tomato & Mozzarella Skewers or Prociutto=wrapped Asparagus with Lemon Mayo.
- Big Bites - We want something easy to handle, but filling, there are recipes such as Spicy Chicken Wings, Mini Pizzas with Sweet Bell Peppers & Mozzarella, or Caramelized Onion & Anchovy Squares.
- Tapas Tasters - With a nod to the Spanish tradition, you'll find recipes such as Mini Meatballs Green Pea Tortilla (an omelet served in bite-sized pieces. or Spicy New Potatoes & Chorizo.
- Amazing Meze - Adopting dishes from the Middle East Tradition, there are recipes such as Feta Phyllo Pastries, Baby Lettuce leaves Filled with Tabbouleh, Lamb Koftas, a classic Hummus.
- Asian Flavor - With the flavors of the East, there are recipes such as Thai Crab Cakes with Chili vinegar, Chicken Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Fruity Lamb Samosas, even, Sushi Rolls.
- Quick Canapés & Hors d'Oeuvres - Elegant, but quick so the hostess is free to enjoy the party, you'll find recipes such as Mini Blinis with Horseradish Cream & Caviar, Pesto & Artichoke Bruschetta, Walnut Toasts with Warm Goat Cheese & Fig or Crostini with Blue Cheese & Pear.
- Mouthwatering Salads - Salads open the taste buds and you'll find recipes such as Fennel & Orange Salad, Chargrilled Zucchini Salad with Feta, Mint & Lemon, or Fig and Prosciutto Salad.
- Elegant Starters - Not for the sidebar, you will find soups and tarts, irresistible shellfish and creamy pates such as Phyllo Tartlets with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil & Ricotta, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Charbroiled Chilies, or Roasted Bell Peppers with Cherry Tomatoes, Ricotta & Pesto.
This book is part of a series being published by Sellers Publishing. Each is fully illustrated with well over a hundred photos. Though a compilation of 500 recipes, the books are organized to be compact in size and their uniformity makes an attractive row on the bookshelf. A collection of these books makes a lovely gift for the ardent cook or foodie. Please see our other reviews:
Please see our review of the entire series and click into individual books:
the 500 series of cookbooks
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