The Easy Appetizer Cookbook: No-Fuss Recipes For Any Occasion

Loved the book

I gave this book as a Christmas gift to my friend. She loved it.

I love that The Easy Appetizer Cookbook by Sarah Walker Caron came into my life just before the holidays. One of the things I love best about having folks over is the finger foods, the appetizers, all of those gorgeous little munchies before the main course. Frankly, I love them more than the main course!The Easy Appetizer Cookbook has plenty of recipes to get my heart beating. For one thing, all of my vegetarian and vegan friends, the recipes are marked as to whether they are vegetarian, vegan, or not, and most of the recipes are vegetarian. A definite win-win.Many of the recipes can be made ahead so you aren’t fussing in the kitchen when your guests arrive.At the beginning, Caron has a section on party planning and choosing a menu, suggesting that the planner be mindful that guests at an afternoon party probably will eat less than at an evening party. Also, she provides times as per how long certain events would take. Some of her suggestions like don’t plan a bunch of recipes that should be cooked all on the same day sound like common sense unless you’re planning a party and become enamored with yummy recipes. Her advice is well heeded.Unlike some recently reviewed cookbooks that suggest you buy the latest gadgets, Caron is a minimalist, which I love, especially since I have a small kitchen without a lot of storage space for all the latest gadgets. She lists of few must-haves, most of you which probably already have.Her pantry items are also good. Items that you should have on hand for just in case events. And, again, if you’re like me, you probably already have those on hand: olives, puff pastry, nuts, beans…A very useful section, especially if you’re new to hosting, is the menu ideas. She’s put together items that are suitable to the occasion and also ones that can be made ahead and on the day so fuss is again minimal.Some of the recipes are as simple as pairing different cheeses with fruits (she offers pairings) and drizzling balsamic vinegar over them. Also there are veggie kabobs with garlicky goodness.The recipes are sectioned into: Light Snacks, Dips & Spreads, Finger Foods, Savory Plates, Fancy Bites, and Something Sweet. There are definitely tastebud tantalizers here for whatever gathering you’re hosting. And, just in time for the holidays!I am so excited to try some of these recipes out during the holidays and into next year!I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can access The Easy Appetizer Cookbook for free! You can purchase a paperback copy from Amazon here.Sascha Darlington's Microcosm Explored

These appetizers were good for parties.This cookbook was pretty good. It had a lot of recipes. I found it pretty easy to follow. I liked the recipes that I made. The pictures were nice. I liked the theme of the book. The book was made well and well written. The quality was good. It was convenient to use. The recipes weren’t too hard. This would also make a good gift. I would recommend it.

No pictures and my book arrived all scuffed up, but it's still got lots of fun and super easy ideas. Would have given one more star if the book had been in better shape. It was supposed to be new.

I’m a good baker and an okay cook, but I’m not great at getting the party started. Yes, I am talking about appetizers. I can throw some veggies and store-bought dip onto a plate. I can buy a bag of popcorn. I can cut some cheese and put it out with crackers. But that’s about the extent of my appetizer game. So I was really happy to find The Easy Appetizer Cookbook.This short-but-sweet cookbook offers ideas for sweet and savory starters, for dips and snacks, and offers ideas for party planning as well. Food writer and blogger Sarah Walker Caron offers something for everyone, from light snacks to fancy bites. With tips on how to stock your pantry, how to plan for any length of party, how to serve these appetizers, and even how to pair drinks with these tasty bites, Caron has thought of everything.Her light snacks include Gourmet Parmesan-Herb Popcorn, Rosemary-Thyme Parmesan Crisps, and Roasted Vegetable Kabobs. She has a chapter on dips and spreads that entails an Avocado, Mango, and Pineapple Salsa and Sun-Dried Tomato-Garlic White Bean Dip alongside classics such as Chunky Guacamole and a Spinach Artichoke Dip.Finger foods include Crispy Oven-Roasted Party Wings and Mediterranean Marinated Chicken Skewers along with Chicken Caesar Salad Cups and a twist on everyone’s favorite, Deviled Eggs, Three Ways. Savory Plates covers slightly heartier snacks like California Turkey Burger Sliders, Sheet Pan Party Pizza, and Mini Taco Bites.Then there are the fancy bites, like Mini Quiche Lorraine, Raspberry Baked Brie on Croute, Salmon Fritters, and Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms. And finally (speaking my language here), something sweet, in the form of Double-Chocolate Brownie Bites, Cinnamon Swirl Mini Cupcakes, Chocolate Chip Mini Cheesecakes, and S’mores Tarts.These ideas can help keep the parties going for years!The Easy Appetizer Cookbook may not be the fanciest or the most comprehensive cookbook, but it’s an excellent place to start to get new and tasty ideas for holiday parties, tailgating, cocktail parties, birthdays, movie nights, any about any get-together for family and friends. And it’s small size doesn’t take up too much room on your shelf (or device). A great addition to any kitchen, and just in time for me to plan my holiday shindigs!A copy of The Easy Appetizer Cookbook was provided to me by Callisto Media, with many thanks.

nice fast and easy recipes with ingredients I ofter have at home