Product Description

Passionate chef, caterer, cooking instructor, and consultant Marguerite Henderson presents an exciting new book on a revolutionary new way to eat and entertain: small! Small Plates collects tried-and-true recipes and inventive new selections for bite-size dishes, tapas, appetizers, and hors d'oeuvres for every occasion.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #83691 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 192 pages

From Publishers Weekly
As the small plate fad migrates from restaurants to kitchen tables, this chic cookbook does its best to convince readers that grazing on a half dozen snacks is a novel and exciting way to eat. Perhaps it is. But few of the recipes in this book are necessarily small plates; throw another few Coffee and Spice Lamb Kebobs on the grill and you've got a hearty dinner. Likewise, the Farfalle with Creamy Peas and Prosciutto is rich and delicious, but nothing about it (except the serving size) separates it from a traditional main course. The cookbook also includes cocktail tidbits like Smoked Salmon and Asparagus Bundles, which are crispy and would work as an appetizer as well as a small plate. But beyond its central gimmick, this cookbook does offer lovely, easy-to-prepare recipes, and it's hard to find fault with such an eclectic and appealing collection. A Fennel, Orange and Pecan Salad balances the licorice taste of fennel with the tanginess of blue cheese. Braised Beef Short Ribs with Wide Egg Noodles is pure comfort food-warming and substantial. And Feta and Herb Stuffed Shrimp is so zesty it almost demands a big plate.
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Review
"Small Plates leads cooks on a multicultural tasting journey as instructive as it is pleasurable...The book's a winner." -- MSNBC.com's Joan Wolfe

About the Author
Marguerite Henderson is a chef, caterer, and restaurateur. She is a food consultant and has taught cooking classes to hundreds of students over the past 22 years.

Customer Reviews

An instant favorite
I was given this book as a gift just a few weeks ago and it has since become my favorite cookbook. The recipes are accessible to even average-skilled cooks and are absolutely trustworthy, meaning that if you follow the author's directions, you will end up with delicious, impressive dishes that are exactly as she describes. She offers a broad range of recipes, but nothing so esoteric that you can't find the ingredients at your local market. Although the book is about small plates, each of the recipes can stand alone as a meal or a course. I find myself picking it up in the morning and selecting a dish to cook for dinner. I'll pick up whatever fresh ingredients I need on the way home from work and then in under an hour I'll have a masterpiece ready to serve. I have a lot of cookbooks, some that I keep for only one or two favorite recipes that I got back to regularly. What makes this cookbook different is that there are dozens of recipes I know I'll use.

A Great Book To Own
When a cookbook gives me at least one really great recipe, it is worth the money. This book provides page after page of scrumptious fare! It is for those with adventuresome tastebuds and willing to invest a little time preparing a tasty meal. Do not buy this book if you are looking for appetizer recipes in the typical sense. The recipes in this collection feature flavors from around the world. They run the gamut from bread based tasties to flavorful soups, unique salads, vegetables, pasta, meats and seafoods with a nice assortment of sauces and salsa. Each dish typically provides about 4 - 6 small servings. Make several for a little party, or prepare one just for yourself with leftovers. Enjoy!

Fantastic Book!
Wow, love this book. It's full of very simple recipes, easy to follow, and delicious. The photography is also very beautiful. I'm not a cook by any means, but I found this book very friendly to the non-chef. I've ordered several copies and am giving them away for Christmas, they make a fantastic gift.