Appetizers For Dummies

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.

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. Appetizers For Dummies...is in the familiar no-frills style of this series. Its information paced pages offer about 75 recipes set in a dense text aimed at getting you organized. (The Associated Press, December 11, 2002) Dede Wilson is a Certified Culinary Professional with 17 years' experience as a chef, caterer, and magazine contributor. She has written three other cookbooks, including Christmas Cooking For Dummies. Stuffed with theme menus and time-saving recipes

Impress your guests with delicious finger food and first courses

Serving appetizers is an affordable, delicious way to entertain! This practical guide gives you over 75 foolproof recipes for making delectable bite-sized wonders that will suit any occasion – from an informal gathering to a sit-down dinner. You also get party planning tips as well as advice on experimenting with flavors and international cuisines.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun