If you love appetizers and small bites like I do, you will certainly enjoy this small book. First of all, let’s talk about the object in itself: the size is very comfortable, the paper is thick and the pictures are gorgeous, even if there isn’t one for every recipe.The recipes are all vegetarian, some are even vegan or can be adapted to suit vegans. The layout is clear and most of the recipes stretch on just one page so that you don’t have to touch the book with messy fingers.
The introduction explains all about party planning and organizing. It is followed by several chapters, into which the recipes are organized according to their size and type:
Appetizer Basics
Light Bites
Mezzo Bites
Sizable Bites
Sweet Bites
Each recipe is accompanied by an introductory note about the different tastes involved, by Tips about the ingredients and techniques and by suggestions for advance preparation (which I found invaluable).
I tried several recipes so far and all of them were a success! The Moroccan Carrot Spread was a real surprise, as well as the lebne with zaatar (yoghurt cheese with spices). The Pistachio-Crusted Creamy Goat Cheese Round was delicious. The Caesar Crostini got real raves and were a welcome change from the usual Caesar’s Salad. And we absolutely loved the Apple Salsa and Brie Crostini. The Layered Vegetable Pate with Creamy Horseradish Sauce looked stunning and was quite easy and comfortable, as it could be made in advance.
I haven’t tried any of the sweets yet, but they look interesting too.
I’m really glad I found this book, since I got lots of interesting ideas to use for light appetizers when I’m serving a “heavy” main course, or just for small nibbles for the summer, when nobody really wants to eat a lot.
Thanks Paulette!
