Amazon.com Review
Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres is classic Martha--it's all about food, glorious food. Not just any food, either--it's about hors d'oeuvres. And you know how much Martha loves these tasty little nibbles. This book presents more than 150 recipes organized into 13 sample menus tailored to a wide variety of events. There's a Christmas cocktail party, with a Savory Wreath and Skewered Tortellini with Roasted Garlic Garnish; Seafood at the Beach featuring Goujonettes of Sole and Grilled Scallops with Chervil and Fennel; and Oriental Cocktails in the Parlor with Chinese Pearl Balls and Tea-Smoked Eggs. The recipes are garnished with plenty of advice--from useful tips on make-ahead dishes to the "I wish" advice like "it is difficult to ensure perfect service with fewer than four [servers] for 24 to 36 guests." The book is also useful for picking and choosing hors d'oeuvres for your own events. Even if you aren't planning a "grand and elegant" party for hundreds, you may well enjoy the recipe for Clams with Golden Caviar and Italian Parsley, Saucisson en Croûte, or Corn Muffins with Smoked Turkey. The book is, predictably, full of beautiful photographs--so whether you're really planning a "valentines and champagne" party for 50, an intimate tea party in the kitchen, or just indulging in a little gastronomy, Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres will please Marthaphiles and general readers alike. --C.B. Delaney