From Publishers Weekly
From "Warm Finger Foods" to "Something Sweet," Ritchie, the host of Food Network’s Ultimate Kitchens, makes harmonizing a diversity of small dishes seem like small potatoes. With sumptuous photos by Chronicle regular Victoria Pearson, Ritchie offers nearly 50 recipes and multiple ways of combining them into luscious platters, as well as advice for keeping it all together: e.g., "you are the most important guest, so treat yourself like one and don’t demand more than you can give." Texas Caviar includes black-eyed peas and apple cider vinegar; Mystery Tidbits and Hasty Hots contain olives, mayo and 12 slices of white bread. Some hosts will happily attempt the Goat Cheese with Cumin and Mint, others the Filet Mignon with Horseradish Cream, and still others will do both, along with Crostini with Roasted Eggplant, Red Pepper and Mozzarella, and end with Chocolate-Hazelnut Truffles. With a little planning ahead, Ritchie’s enticing descriptions, enthusiasm and clear directions will have readers out of the kitchen and in a terrific conversation at their own humming party.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


Book Description
With today's magazines singing the praises of graze-style eating as both healthy and fun, Party Appetizers offers the perfect way to treat guests. Entertaining aficionado Tori Ritchie serves up sensational recipes for fabulous finger foods to kick off any informal dinner or stylish celebration -- or even be the main attraction at a holiday soiree. Variety truly is the spice of life when you're talking olives jazzed up with herbs and spices or savory party favorites like Merguez Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce or rich Fig and Gorgonzola Toasts with Caramelized Onions. And for guests who have to start with dessert, there are even a few bonbons such as Mocha Shortbread Buttons and Sugar and Spice Walnuts. Tips on smart shopping, artful presentation, and indispensable ingredients as well as a "make-ahead planner" get hosts prepared before the party for maximum socializing with guests. So let the festivities begin!


About the Author
Tori Ritchie is a San Francisco-based food writer, cooking teacher, and host of Food Network's Ultimate Kitchens. She is the former food and wine editor for San Francisco magazine and the author of several cookbooks. Her articles have appeared in Bon Appetit and the San Francisco Chronicle among other publications. Victoria Pearson is a Los Angeles-based photographer.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With today's magazines singing the praises of graze-style eating as both healthy and fun, Party Appetizers offers the perfect way to treat guests. Entertaining aficionado Tori Ritchie serves up sensational recipes for fabulous finger foods to kick off any informal dinner or stylish celebration — or even be the main attraction at a holiday soiree. Variety truly is the spice of life when you're talking olives jazzed up with herbs and spices or savory party favorites like Merguez Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce or rich Fig and Gorgonzola Toasts with Caramelized Onions. And for guests who have to start with dessert, there are even a few bonbons such as Mocha Shortbread Buttons and Sugar and Spice Walnuts. Tips on smart shopping, artful presentation, and indispensable ingredients as well as a "make-ahead planner" get hosts prepared before the party for maximum socializing with guests. So let the festivities begin!