This is by far my favorite Martha Stewart cookbook that she has. It is even more then just a cookbook, it's a handbook. Filled with 223 pages of beautiful full color pictures of wonderful little bites that are skewered, rolled, wrapped, filled, folded and stuffed. Dips, spreads, sauces, relishes and salsas, tea sandwhicdes, canapes and crostini. These and many many more fill the 496 pages of the handbook of all handbooks. I have used this book more then any other hors d'oeuvres, for every holiday, party or even for just a recipe for cheese straws.
The first chapter starts off with all the fundamental building blocks for the best hors d'oeuvres. The cherry tomato cupsare one of my favorites, crostini, grilled stars and toasted breadboxes, savory tartlet shells and pate a choux puffs. These little items will be used all through the book for different added tasty treats.
Layered & Stacked, with the Mango Crab stack that was a big hit at the last family gathering at our house. Gravlax, Creme Fraiche and Caviar Napoleon's and Nori stacks with Smoked Salmon. Oh yes, these are all good ones!
Wrapped, rolled, filled, folded and stuffed.. try to find one thing in this chapter that isn't incredible. The first thing you find is the Spicy Tuna Rolls wrapped in cucumbers. My mouth waters just looking at the pictures. Filled Cherry tomatoes with six different fillings, my favorite is the Roquefort and Watercess filling. When I make them I serve them on a bed of rock salt on a lovely sterling silver tray, what could be prettier.
I can go on and on forever about this book, I love it so much I have two.... one I was lucky enough to get signed by Martha. That one sits on another shelf so that it doesn't get dirty in the kitchen.... get this one right away if you don't already have it!
