Meredith Deeds - The Big Book of Appetizers: More than 250 Recipes for Any Occasion

Appetizers, hors doeuvres, tapas, meze, dim sum, antipasti, and starters are all small plates of food that begin a meal, spur social interaction, and set the stage for an evenings festivity. People instinctively know that spending time with friends and family over a meal is one of the most important aspects of life. Hence the creation of the multicourse meal. Enjoying food over a longer, more convivial space of time helps to bond relationships, create generational ties, and even establish business connections.

Sometimes, serving food in small portions is a matter of practicality. For instance, tapas in Spain are thought to have been created as a complimentary small plate of appetizers served at bars to be used as a lid to cover (tapar is Spanish for to cover) ones glass of sherry and protect it from marauding flies. From this practice evolved the tapas bar, where small plates of food are offered in lieu of larger meal-size portions.

This idea has caught on here in the United States too so much so that restaurants and bars often create menus that lend themselves to grazing. Instead of customers committing to only one dish, they can order multiple small plates to be shared by the entire table. This makes for a fun evening of table talk when everybody is sharing the same tastes.

The general idea is that small bites stimulate the appetite without filling the stomach. In modern times, especially in the United States, appetizers are seldom served at family meals. This is a shame, because the expediency with which we consume our meals doesnt allow us the opportunity to share the experiences of the day and truly get to know one another.

Today the home cook often considers appetizers to be party food. The cocktail party is usually centered around an array of hors doeuvres. How often do you arrive at someones house carrying a plate of appetizers and a bottle of wine? This is the way we entertain in the new millennium. Although this type of entertaining may differ from the origins of the appetizer, these small plates are still used to bring people together.

As culinary instructors and former caterers, we have a wealth of knowledge about entertaining. Our classes are often focused on the fine art of cooking for a party, and we know, from the many questions our students ask, where the average host or hostess is likely to have problems. We give you solutions to these problems in the Party Basics chapter, where youll find tips and professional advice to help you plan and organize your event, whether its a small dinner party for six or a big bash for sixty.

Because we know how hard it can be to decide what to serve, weve also included a chapter of menus, with lots of ideas for themed parties, such as Finger Food for Forty, New Years Resolution Party, or Thai One On. You can use these ideas in their entirety or jump-start your own menu with a selection from this chapter. Weve also included a Find It Fast index that serves as a tour guide for the book, allowing you to quickly find whatever youre looking for.

Weve divided the chapters into categories literally from soup to nuts. Our Nuts, Nibblers, and Cheese chapter will give you ideas for basic party bites. Although you might not think that soup has a place in an appetizer book, we find that one of the most interesting presentations of food at a party can come in a shot glass. Our Soup Shots chapter gives you ideas for soups that can be served in small 2- to 4-ounce glasses that your guests can enjoy on foot while cruising the party.

Among the recipes in this book weve included lots of global flavors. Youll find dishes ranging from Vietnamese-Style Chicken Salad Rolls to Toasted Fontina and Onion Jam Panini. But dont think weve neglected the familiar favorites like Hot and Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings or Homemade Potato Chips.

Some of the best appetizers are served alongside a cold glass of beer. But lest you think that beer and wine are the only drinks to enjoy with a starter, weve included a Libations chapter that will give you some creative ideas in an often neglected area. If you are having a grilling party, why not serve White Sangra on the deck? Forget the ready-made margarita mix your Cinco de Mayo fiesta deserves an outstanding Fresh Lime Margarita.

Whatever the occasion or the theme, here youll find recipes and ideas to make your party or meal a memorable one.