Favorite appetizer cookbook?

[fadista]

What is your favorite appetizer and canape cookbook?

I realize that many wonderful recipes have been posted on this board, but there's something about a well-organized book with good stories and enticing pictures that beats web surfing.

I'd use this for:
- Going to a potluck.
- Hosting book club.
- General inspiration to cook rather than fall back on Trader Joe's yet again.

Thanks.

[escondido123]

Big Small Plates is very interesting. All sorts of flavors. Will be cooking from it this weekend.

[c oliver]

I've had this Martha Stewart book for years and do cook from it.

http://www.amazon.com/Martha-Stewarts...

However, unlike OP, I find my turning more often these days to specific cuisines, i.e., French, Italian, Vietnamese.

[Chocolatechipkt]

I second this recommendation. I love it more for the ideas than the actual recipes (which are fine, but I tend to combine things and go from there.)

[Breadcrumbs]

Here's another one to consider:

http://www.amazon.com/Cocktail-Food-F...

The thing I love most about this book is that the recipes are innovative and, delicious. Inevitably when I've made something my guests ask for the recipe and, ask how I came up with the idea.

The ingredients are straightforward, its how they're pulled together that's unique. Here are some examples:

'za : Mini pizzas w cambozola, roast garlic, sundried tomatoes and basi. Super-simple as the "crust" is made from English Muffins

wonton wonders: chicken in a peanut curry sauce served in wonton cups

vietnamese wrapture: Ground pork w hoisin sauce, water chestnuts green onion mixture wrapped in rice papers that were topped w toasted sesame seeds and basil

bayou biscuits: mini herbed biscuits that you split, spread w mayo and top w andouille sausage

tuna tied: sashimi grade tuna cut into cubes, wrapped in green onion and served w a delicious orange-miso dipping sauce

rosemary's tartlets : mini tart shells filled w brie, walnuts and a grape salsa

"rockin' reubens (thin breadsticks wrapped w pastrami and arugula served w a dipping sauce)

The book also includes many "make-ahead" tips.

[HillJ]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0756...
fadista, I've cooked/baked my way thru this entire book for a variety of theme parties, casual dinners and get togethers. From simple to robust, it's a great edition.

[fadista]

Thanks - this book is spectacular!

[HillJ]

Isn't it the best! What I love about this particular edition is that the recipes, as creative as they are, provide a wonderful launching pad for your own creativity. I've mixed and matched dozens of the recipe outlines. Glad you enjoyed it, fadista!

[lilgi]

HillJ do you have this one?
http://productsearch.barnesandnoble.c...

I'll be picking up yours soon, but I think I'll need another one. Price is very good, the reviews vary.

[HillJ]

hi lilgi, no I'm not familiar. The petite sweet is a real hot trend right now tho. I was just reading about this one: http://www.amazon.com/Petite-Sweets-B... (also in the same price range online) if you are looking for a second book to compliment my first rec on this thread, Small Bites.

[lilgi]

Agreed, I might pick that one up too but I'm going to need another one with "Small Bites".

I was leaning towards the "Nobu Miami" party book because the Asian/Caribbean flavors really appealed, especially for early summer when I need it. (And the duck sushi). I might have to hit a B&N or library to peek but it would be great to know if anyone has it.
http://www.amazon.com/Nobu-Miami-Part...

[HillJ]

Oh! Then are you also familiar with this one, http://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Spot-Asian-Inspired-Desserts/dp/0060857676

This is one of my fav cookbooks and Pichet Ong's website offered savory small bites worth looking into. Found here: http://blog.pichetong.com/biography/

Happy shopping~!

[lilgi]

I'd seen that one! Thanks for the links HillJ, I'll be looking at those too.

[lilgi]

Hill J, let me know which ones you liked from Small Bites. I got my book a while back ago and it looks awesome. Can't wait to cook from it this summer, thanks for the recommendation!

I'll be ordering "The Sweet Spot" soon, can't wait to get this one too ;D

[HillJ]

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/jo...

This recipe was featured in food & wine mag. Really easy and super delicious. I recommend this one....for starters!

[lilgi]

That looks really good, and looking through the book today there were so many I wanted to try. Will definitely report back as well!

[HillJ]

Wonderful, lilgi. I look forward to reading all about it!

Also, you might enjoy the appetizers @ this well written blog. Heidi has a new cookbook out with some ridiculously easy & tasty apps. This recipe for crostini is delicious (tried it out last night) and will be included in my menu Saturday with friends.

http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/...

[HillJ]

You can't go wrong with The Sweet Spot either! Enjoy, lilgi!

[goodhealthgourmet]

any thoughts on this other Jennifer Joyce book?
http://www.amazon.com/Plates-Share-Si...

[HillJ]

This publicaiton followed Small Bites a few years later. I have not made any of the recipes from the 2008 volume. Ms. Joyce has a real affinity for high flavor in small packages; something I personally subscribe to in my own healthy eating habits. Her recipes are consistently accurate and pack a lovely punch in a small mouthful. My kinda gal.

[goodhealthgourmet]

well, since you're my kinda gal, my guess is that i'll like her recipes too ;) but seriously, you've sold me on her! i'll look into one of them soon...

[HillJ]

you are too kind, ghg. I look forward to reading some of your reviews!

[cocktailhour]

Bittman International cookbook has a great starter section--How to Cook Around the World, I think it's called.