A. J. Rathbun - Party snacks!: 50 simple, stylish recipes to make you a popular party host

for my sisters, holly and jill,
who taught me that snacks are always important, and that
parties mean more with a little good taste

The Harvard Common Press
535 Albany Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02118
www.harvardcommonpress.com

Copyright 2008 by A.J. Rathbun
Photographs copyright 2008 by Jerry Errico

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Printed in China
Printed on acid-free paper

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Rathbun, A. J. (Arthur John), 1969
Party snacks! : 50 simple, stylish recipes to make you a popular party host
/ A.J. Rathbun.
p. cm.
Includes index.
ISBN 978-1-55832-347-6 (hardcover : alk. paper)
1. Appetizers. 2. Snack foods. I. Title.
TX740.R38 2008
641.8'12dc22
2008003084

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Book design by Elizabeth Van Itallie
Photographs by Jerry Errico
Food styling by Brian Preston-Campbell
Author photographs by Natalie Fuller

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A superior spread of party snacks always involves a number of different dishes. In the same way, like a first-rate buffet at a smart or silly soire, this book is a sum of all the different dishes, or people, who helped put it together. With that thought, many, many thanks are due to those who helped make this book possible, starting with Valerie Cimino, my editor at The Harvard Common Press, who was with me from the very beginning and without whom this book wouldn't have half the good taste I hope it does. Also, thanks to the whole snack-tastic crew at HCP, all of whom are helpful in more ways than I can list right here and now. You are a delicious, tasteful, fun, and fabulous bunch to work with (thanks times two to Betsy, Megan, Jane, Howard, and Pat, who always are there with friendly answers to my many, many questions).

Speaking of being always there, no snacks in this bursting book would even be served without the aid of my superheroic agent, Michael Bourret, who like the best host was involved in all steps of the process, from planning the menu to decorating the table to keeping the guests in order to ensuring that the party (or author) never loses its head, while being cool, calm, collected, and enjoying himself. MB, I can't thank you enough for being around and being so helpful.

I could have the world's largest cheese plate stacked in front of me, and I wouldn't be more appreciative of it than I am of my omnivorous pals Rebecca, Eric, and Meg, who did so much snack tasting and testing that they've earned a place on my all-time party honor roll index. I'm not sure this means more than getting an invite to every party I throw, plus a bunch of free drinks, but friends, if I can think of anything else, you'll get it, by way of thanks for the incredible help. Those thanks and the index also expand to include Erika Peterson, Melissa Winter, and Stacey Nakagawa, who have proven their snack mastery and deserve the recognition that comes with it. Y'all have been great, and I couldn't have done it without your unflappable work with crudits, canaps, and other snack genres.

To the many others who have nibbled, tasted, and offered advice and expertise and a cocktail here and there during the writing of this book: You rule. Parties are no fun when flying solo, and I'm incredibly lucky in the fact that you're around to help transform a bland gathering into a flavorful affair remembered for months. Special party mention goes to Matt and Maile (who's always good for a snack idea); Mark and Leslie; Jeremy and Meg; and my mom, Trudy; dad, Art; and stepmom, Theresa.

Finally, the sweetest thanks go to my wife, Natalie, who tested and tested recipes, put up with my ideas for all sorts of crazy party edibles is a fantastic cohost at every wingding, and who keeps my snack table from tipping over when it gets a little overwhelmed. Thanks for backing up my snack choices, for leaving me that last stuffed mushroom, and for overlooking it when I feed the Sookie-dog from the table.

There's nothing like a good party. Whether it's a gathering boasting a host of good friends, or a smaller affair featuring just a select few, or a family Fourth of July celebration, or just folks sitting around on a December evening catching up during the holiday season, these moments when we're gathered together make for enjoyable days and nights, memories that last, and just general merriment. In our rushed environment, with cell phones a-beeping, computers running constantly, and traffic stacked up for miles, entertaining friends and family is incredibly important and reminds us what life is all about.

But what makes a happening party rise above the humdrum? I think a successful party is built out of a number of elements: memorable cocktails, good conversation, a little music, lots of smiles, and, of course, tasty snacks. Sadly, sometimes the bookends of that simple list get shafted a bit. Too often, the cocktails are the same tired old premade mixes and the snacks are chips from a bag paired with a store-bought dip that scares away all but the hardiest. Shame, my brother and sister party throwers, if you fall into this category. I can understand the thought that maybe it's just too hard to create snacks, especially ones that rise into a stratosphere of snack perfectionor even snack pretty-darn-goodness. The worry is that one has to have a culinary degree, or at least have spent years hanging onto a mother's apron, before being able to set out a buffet of snacks worth talking about.

I understand this fear, but let me assure you it isn't the case at all. Without stressing, without pulling out hair, without having to forget about actually enjoying the party yourself, youyes, youcan become a snack master. You'll just have to turn the pages and browse the recipes contained here, recipes that are designed to be made by anyone. They're broken into handy chapters so you'll be prepared to match up a number of styles when deciding what to serve at your next hoedown, box social, or fall frolic. Remember, the key isn't years of culinary experience; it's making your party stand out by having snacks that stand out from the mundane and the multitudes, that enthrall and enchant your guests, that make your party the one people talk about for years to come, that make them want to stay and enjoy the experience instead of just stopping by out of obligation.

Which is what we want, right? Since your party is a chance to catch up and entertain those closest to you (or those who maybe you want to get close to), shouldn't your party say, "Hey, this is really going to be special, much like you and me"? I sure believe it should. So come along with me on the simple path to snack mastery. Your parties will be better, you won't have to fret and worry as much, and everyone's bound to be singing your praises in no time.

The road to becoming a party snack master, a party-throwing paladin, and a superior host or hostess is a long and arduous trail, one that will tax your mind and body to the utmost, one that you must travel many, many years before putting out even the first platter of crudits. Wait, wait just a minute. That's the road to becoming a martial arts master. To become a snack master is much easier (and, between us, I think a lot more fun). With a few good recipes (such as these 50), a bit of party planning, some helpful and handy tools, and a few sparkling, stylish, and perhaps creative serving dishes, you'll be right on the path to becoming a party legend. As long as you remember the most important component to hosting a gathering from two to two hundredand it's one ingredient you should never forget: fun. Making and serving tasty snacks (and perhaps drinks to go with) for a party shouldn't be a chore, because a party should never become such a hassle that you, the party-thrower, can't have any fun. Without you getting to kick up those heels, there's no point for a party. Always remember this, my burgeoning party legend, and you'll be in good shape.