Full Description
First impressions count, and nothing makes a better first impression on dinner guests than those delectable little nibbles that you set out before the main course. And you don't have to limit yourself to serving appetizers at the beginning of a meal. Appetizers are first and foremost about entertaining. They set the tone and the mood of an occasion, whether it's a formal dinner, an intimate get-together, or a big birthday bash. And, best of all, the cooking times are short, the ingredients are simple to find (mostly), and it's easy to make a few different recipes at the same time so you can impress your guests with a festive assortment. In Appetizers For Dummies, celebrity chef, Dede Wilson shows you how to make foolproof recipes for 75 mouthwatering, bite-sized wonders—ranging from an Italian-inspired antipasto to a classic shrimp cocktail. Step-by-step, she fills you in on everything you need to know to:
Impress your guests with delicious finger food and first courses
Whip up everything from the classics to original, exotic, and offbeat appetizers
Plan parties with theme menus that will get rave reviews from your guests
Experiment with flavors and international cuisines
Whether you're looking for general ideas about designing appetizer menus or helpful lists of conventional ingredients, it's all here. Among other things, you'll discover:
Helpful lists of pantry ingredients and how to use them to make appetizers almost instantly
Ready-to-go menus for all occasions
Recipes for munchies that can be eaten by the handful, as well as recipes for traditional favorites like deviled eggs and crab cakes
How to expand your culinary horizons with tea sandwiches, quesadillas, puff pastries, tartlets, muffins, biscuits, and dozens of ethnic recipes
Plated recipes for formal occasions, including artichokes with vinaigrette, smoked salmon, caviar, foie gras, and more
Whether you're new to the world of appetizers or you've been delighting guests with your famous finger foods and hors d'oeuvres for years, Appetizers For Dummies is the ultimate guide to spicing up any gathering with delicious mini culinary creations.
Contents
Introduction.
Part I: Appetizer Basics.
Chapter 1: Who Needs Appetizers? You Do!
Chapter 2: Serving Appetizers and Drinks.
Chapter 3: Organizing Your Kitchen So That You're Always Ready for a Party.
Chapter 4: Putting It Together: Menus.
Part II: Easy Pleasers: Simple Recipes You Should Know.
Chapter 5: Cheese, Nuts, Popcorn, and Nibbles.
Chapter 6: Tried and True: Classic Appetizers.
Chapter 7: Dips and Dippers.
Part III: Special Touches: Recipes to Impress.
Chapter 8: Bread-Based Bites.
Chapter 9: The Heat Is On: Hot Hors d'Oeuvres.
Chapter 10: International Flare.
Part IV: Formal and Fabulous: Starters for Sit-Down Dinners and Special Occasions.
Chapter 11: At the Table: Formal Plated Appetizers.
Chapter 12: Puttin' on the Dog: Extravagant Appetizers.
Part V: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 13: Ten Tips for Planning an Appetizer Party.
Chapter 14: Ten-Plus Great Mail-Order and Internet Sources.
Index.
