Customer Reviews (2)

Wow!
I've been collecting cookbooks for years.I have a special bookcase in my kitchen where I keep the "these always work!" cookbooks, and this is one of them!!I was already a huge fan of the author's syndicated newspaper column, and wondered how she would fare with a cookbook.I turn to this book again and again for easily prepared and delicious appetizers.Her comments about each recipe are endearing!I can only hope that she keeps writing!

excellent and easy to follow recipes
I borrowed this book from our library for a dinner party and after trying some of the receipes decided I couldn't live without the book - much to my dismay I found the book was out of print.This is the best appetizer cookbook I have ever used and everyone was quite impressed with all the recipes, which I found easy and simple to follow.Where can I find this book????? ... Read more

Product Description
From party mixes to fancy hors d'oeuvres, here are dozens of recipes suitable for any holiday get-together. ... Read more

Product Description
No time to cook? Fast and easy 4-ingredient recipes make family meals and entertaining a breeze. More than 800 easy recipes help you serve up delicious food every time - with just 4 ingredients in each recipe. Includes simple appetizers, main dishes, salads, unique desserts and much more. Great for tight budgets, too! Don't miss the Lemonade Chicken, Tropical Mango Salad, Chocolate Amaretto Pie, Sweet and Savory Pork Chops, Butterscotch Crunchies and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This Busy Mom Loves It
This is an indispensable cookbook for me when I need something quick that I have all the ingredients for.Just recently made the apricot bars-4 ingredients and had company that loved it.Going to pick up another one for a niece who is new to cooking.I like to cook and will do more complicated recipes, but this fills the bill when I get home from work and have 3 boys demanding, "When's dinner?"

Fast & Furious
I am very busy but like to cook dinner when I get home from work.I keep this book at my office and check it before I stop at the store on my way home.All ingredients are common that you can find in any grocery store.The combinations are simple and delicious.

Super Simple for the Cooking-Impaired
Nearly foolproof, very accessible to any reader.A great blessing forthe following cooking-challenged people: busy parents, students, can't boil water types, no-time, no-patience, no-talent, no well-stocked kitchen, low-budget cooks. Very simple cooking methods and instructions. No snooty cooking jargon. A really great gift, a cookbook that will actually get lots of use.

The low number of ingredients saves money - no long shopping list for obscure spices you'll never use again. The ingredients are very common, easy to find in any grocery store, many canned items that do some of the work for you.

A nice big section on tasty appetizers provides plenty of easy ideas for Super Bowl munchies, study-session snacks, or contributions at those potlucks/family suppers where no one can tell you what to bring - "we've got it all covered" - but you can't show up empty-handed. Many interesting dips, served cold with crackers or chips, travel and keep well.

Also, plenty of main dishes, great fruit and vegetable salads, breakfast bakes and muffins, easy cookies, and much more.

To be fair, these dishes are aimed toward diners with simple tastes as well. Much flavor comes from cheeses, various salad dressing, canned soups, Jello, cool whip, etc. It's delicious food, but without "subtle nuances." You are not going to get Iron Chef judgments about the "clever layered flavors of the abalone immersed in camembert with a saffron bouquet garni." Just forget about that stuff, and indulge in great, fast, crowd- and family-pleasing finished dishes.

Collage student
This has been a great help for my grandson, a student with little time and money.

Great cookbook
In "The Ultimate Cooking with 4 Ingredients" author Jean Coates treats the reader to a plethora of simple, yet tasty, recipes.This is a particularly great cookbook for those with little cooking experience or for someone who wants to put together a balanced, healthy, home cooked meal without a lot of fuss.The instructions for preparation of each dish could not be easier.If you are used to the books with three or four paragraphs of preparation instructions you will be pleasantly surprised to find that these recipes can all be completed with only three to four simple steps.

I tried a few recipes and found that among my favorites were Potatoes Supreme, Hawaiian Pork, and Cola Chicken.Based on the ingredients list the Cola Chicken sounded so unlikely to taste good that I just had to try it and it turned out great.I also liked the way that Coates broke down the main dishes into the categories of chicken, beef, pork, and seafood instead of lumping them all together under the "Main Dishes" category like most cookbooks do.

The recipes often take advantage of mixes like a box cake mix or stuffing mix in order to keep the ingredients list down to four.But for the new cook or one who does not have a lot of time or want a lot of fuss making dinner it meets all the important requirements - quick and easy to prepare, goof-proof, minimal cleanup, and tasty.This is a highly recommended read and especially so for the novice cook or the hurried family cook or the college bound student. ... Read more

Product Description
This stylish cookbook is your ticket to world-class entertaining. It takes you on a culinary journey from country to country and continent to continent, stopping along the way to show you, with easy-to understand directions, how to prepare and serve a tantalizing array of international hors d'oeuvres. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Beautiful to look at, wonderful to taste, easy to create
This little book of appetizer recipes is written with flair.The author obviously had great fun writing the book, and, just as obviously, has great fun creating her recipes.A friend and Icreated seven of these tastytreats for an anniversary party - the recipes were easy to follow, and theappetizers turned out looking just as illustrated in the book.This wouldbe an excellent addition to any cookbook collection.

Simple recipes, great appetizers, and a good read too
This is the perfect appetizer cookbook.Others I've tried to use are full of fussy, labor-intensive procedures that turn expensive ingredients into inedible but decorative cocktail 'snacks.'This one, by contrast, hassimple, foolproof recipes for finger foods that look and taste great. The book itself is a charming little thing.The author prefaces herrecipes with oddly entertaining notes ("Eggs flavored with olives aretasty, and with their vibrant black-and-yellow color combination, they lookrather exciting as well") that make it readable as well as useful. I'm hooked on this one, and am giving it to everyone who lives far enoughaway that I won't be feeding them from it.THIS is where I give the authorcredit; at home, I'm keeping it for myself. ... Read more

Product Description
Époisses, Explorateur, Emmental--just naming cheeses can be a tongue-twisting game! Learn how to pronounce the names more than 100 types of cheeses and pair them with wine and food with The Everything Cheese Book. Written by a certified "cheese specialist," this book offers you a chance to learn about the history of cheese, while giving you insider tips and more than 100 recipes for preparing cheese-related or cheese-based plates, platters, and hors d'oeuvres.

This mouth-watering resource shows everyone--from the cheese amateur to the connoisseur:

• Where and how to buy quality cheese
• How to organize and host cheese parties
• The art of cheesemaking
• How to pair cheese with wine
• How to distinguish several types of cheese by taste, texture, and smell

With The Everything Cheese Book, you will be well on your way to becoming a seasoned affineur. ... Read more

Product Description
A concise reference for all types of party-givers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Died and went to Heaven
What I like most about the book is the wide variety of choices that are made up such as Tamarind Shrimp Dip to Melon-Prosciutto Wraps to Minted Scallops or try the Ratatouille Puffs.
The pictures alone make you gain weight!
Their are sweet desserts too.
Another thing I like is the time factor.Some are quick and easy, while others will make your friends jealous of your effort (or so they will think, though not hard, they may take 45 minutes or so.
Yet another plus, no recipe require $50 worth of ingredients to make, though some may not be in season.
Worth a look for sure and you will be the only one bring this item to the next party.
... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of appetizers and hors d'oeuvres, from simple but delicious to more eleborate creations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great, thanks
fast shipping, book in great condition and I love this chef and the recipes. ... Read more

Product Description
Tapas, also known as small plates, are the hottest trend in American food culture. And now you can create these dazzling incremental meals at home with The Everything Tapas and Small Plates Cookbook. From the traditional Spanish-style chicken croquettes to the trendy Peruvian ceviche, this unique cookbook gathers 300 of the very best small plate recipes from around the world.

This book features delicious samples from these regions and more:

• Tapas from Spain
• Meze from Greece, Turkey, and the Middle East
• Antojitos from Mexico
• Dim Sum from China
• Izakaya from Japan
• Pub food from the British Isles
• Amuse Bouches from France

Customer Reviews (1)

Whole lotta nothing
'Hundreds of bite-sized recipes from around the world' and I only counted a handful that sounded interesting and most recipes didn't seem plausible.A Cioppino recipe with a only a cup of mussels (still in shell) that serves eight people.I understand the concept of small plates, but can I get more than one mussel?The first chapter was informative, but everything after that seemed jumbled together into odd chapters.It would have been more helpful for the reader to see recipes for the small plates either grouped by region, ingredient,or cooking process not a scattered combination of all three.The setup of the recipes were easy to read and nicely arranged on the page.The last section of tasting menus by country was a saving grace that I wish the book had followed from the beginning. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

Fast, simple, and really great meals for real people-from Sam the Cooking Guy

On his popular television show, Sam Zien shows regular people how to make great meals that are long on taste and short on effort. Sam might not be Michelin rated, but his refreshing approach to cooking with basic ingredients, simple techniques, and equipment almost everyone has at hand makes cooking simple, fun, and satisfying. There's no foie gras, truffle oil, or papillote involved and it doesn't matter if you can't spell "hors d'oeuvre." There are no fancy techniques or rare ingredients here, just great tasting food that anyone can make.

Awesome Recipes and Kitchen Shortcuts makes it even easier with simple tricks for preparing great meals on the fly. Turn a roast chicken from the corner deli into a fake pulled pork sandwich. Keep pre-cooked pasta in the freezer and bust out a tub of pre-made pesto for an instant Italian meal.

• Packed with simple cooking shortcuts that make great-tasting food simple-turn leftover roast beef into Shepherd's Pie or last night's French fries into this morning's Breakfast Burrito
• Includes shockingly good recipes like Cap'n Crunch Seared Tuna, Sam's Mexican Meatloaf, Blue Cheese Gnocchi with Bacon, and Pi?a Colada Pancakes!
• Based on simple ways to use easy-to-find ingredients, leftovers, and stuff that's in almost everyone's pantry
• Written by Sam Zien, host of the popular cooking show "Sam the Cooking Guy" and author of Sam the Cooking Guy: Just a Bunch of Recipes

Keep it real and real simple with Sam's Awesome Recipes and Kitchen Shortcuts.

Recipe Excerpts from Sam the Cooking Guy: Awesome Recipes and Kitchen Shortcuts

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Pea Soup

Red Pepper & Blue Cheese Bruschetta

Customer Reviews (15)

This IS the best teacher of cooking you'll ever find!
Sam the Cooking Guy is THE BEST teacher there is. His recipes are excellent and his technics are down right simple. He is a no nonsense person that gives you recipes that you will love and cook them over and over again. Sam is the kind of guy you'd want as a friend. He is personable and has fun guiding you through any of his recipes. You will NOT be sorry you purchased his book and you will want them all!
Sam, I LOVE you!
Peace to you and yours.....

Easy Peasy
I have bought both of the "Sam the Cooking Guy" books and a big fan of the show. What I like is the recipes are simple and very good. His web site has some recipes and a few videos you can check out to get a idea of the style. Every recipe is easy to follow and emphasizes simplicity and easily obtainable ingredients.

Cooking shouldn't be friggin' rocket science!
If you love shows like 30-Minute Meals, you will love //Sam the Cooking Guy: Awesome Recipes & Kitchen Shortcuts//. Gourmet meals are not always feasible especially if you are living a fast-paced lifestyle; I kid you not, 20 minutes or less was all the time I needed to prepare most of the dishes in this book. The multiple, recipes for appetizers, quick chows, and beverages are also super handy especially if you have friends who like dropping by unannounced. And I have a confession to make: I do have frozen dinners in my fridge most of the time, but I appreciate Sam's take on making your own prepared BFF (Best Frozen Friend) because, as Sam says, "If I can keep something in my freezer that makes my food life easier, I will. And I don't care what the food snobs think." //Sam the Cooking Guy// is the perfect kitchen companion for those who want to keep it simple and use easy-to-find ingredients. If you're a parent sending your child off to college, this would be the perfect gift for them as well, because the effortless techniques will serve as a survival guide and keep you from worrying that they've starved to death!

Reviewed by Kaye Cloutman

Sorry Sam, but Im returning...
This book would be good for people who like the "semi-homemade" style of cooking. Lots of pre-made ingredients. I thought this book would be promising because of the good reviews, but this is just not my type of cooking.

Sammy boy you let me down...
I love Sam but this book is a let down. The first book ROCKS. I've bought several copies as gifts and would give it 10 stars if possible. This book is lack luster. Some of the recipes are like put peanut butter on the bread, then the jelly, then eat. Just basic common sense stuff. Not worth the money for this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Launched in 1993, Taste of Home is the most popular recipe magazine in the world, with nearly 4 million paid subscribers. The delectable, practical recipes-more than 75 in each issue-are family favorites contributed by Taste of Home readers. The dishes, all beautifully photographed, capture special flavors of the season and are made with ingredients that home cooks are likely to have on hand or can readily find at a local supermarket. New recipe contests are announced every issue, and readers are encouraged to send their best recipes for Taste of Home's regular features, like "A Complete Meal in a Matter of Minutes," "Cooking for One or Two," "My Mom's Best Meal," "Super Snacks & Appetizers," and "Just Desserts." The magazine's unique staff of field editors is made up of more than 1,000 experienced home cooks located in each state and Canadian province, who regularly share recipes, well-liked menus and kitchen tips. Taste of Home is published six times a year and has three sister magazines, Simple & Delicious, Cooking for 2, and Healthy Cooking. REVIEW ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very nice cookbook for appetizers
I read the reviews on this book before buying it and agree with all of them - the good ones of course.This book is well written - has beautiful pictures - and has so many good ideas and tips.It is well worth the small price.

Wonderful variety of appetizers
I am very impressed with this book. Not only do the recipes sound delicious but the book is well written with many beautiful photographs. I also like how it is divided into different types of treats for quick reference. I know I will get a lot of use out of this great cookbook!

Great cook book
It took me 1 year to find this book at it's original price - some sellers want twice as much as orig. price for book.Thanks Amazon.com for good product at proper price. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to preparing finger foods, snacks, appetizers, and cocktail foods offers a recipe for every day of the year. By the author of 365 Great Barbecue and Grilling Recipes. National ad/promo. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Nibble Bible
The spiral binding makes for easy use. Generous margins allow for notes and comments. The introduction offers wonderful guidelines, including how much to make, based on number of guests and time of day; and a proper mix of food types.

I consider it my entertainment Bible, and the ladies' hints and tips make life easier. I have used it for everything from parties with friends to donating my "catering" services for a friend's in-home charity event.

Terrific book!
I bought this for my friend, after she borrowed my copy so many times!

Great recipies, from the quick last minute to the complicated 2 day variety, you'll find what you need for whatever type of party you are throwing. (fancy or the Superbowl.)

I haven't had any of the recipes fail yet! Good luck!

Outstanding hos d'oeuvres book!
I can't figure out why this wonderful book is out of print.Everything you ever needed for a party is here-from frozen goodies to microwave treats.Although I have hundreds of cookbooks, I always turn to this one, especially when a quick, easy snack is called for.Buy it! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

From a Culinary Student
This book, and it's acompaning series, is one of the best culinary book I've seen in my schooling, right along side of Escoffier. Not for your average home cook, these books are very misleadingly simple unless you know what to do in a kitchen very well, and even then, the three star (highest) rating will probably still be a challenge to you.

I full heartedly recommend this book, and the rest of it's set, to any and all Industry people, in training or otherwise.

Fish & Seafood (Eurodelices )
I'm from Malaysia, now I live in Canada , I work in the kitchen as a chef. This book is very useful in the kitchen for get some of ideas. I did use it for a lot of funtions and the new menu in my work place. I would like tobuy a couple of more in Malaysia but I could not get it on time because italready sold out and in the meantime I also want to come back to Canada. Iwas really disappointed.Hope you can do some thing for me. These are thebooks I would like to have: Desserts, Cold Appetizers and Meat and Poultry,from Eurodelices. Thank you ... Read more

Product Description
This delightfully illustrated cookbook contains fun and easy recipes for any occasion. A great cookbook for children, the illustrations and cartoons make cooking entertaining. Also includes certificates parents can award to children for a "Job Well Done" or "Creative Genius" or "Neatest in the Kitchen." One book in a series of three for children (100 Plus Party Games and 100 Plus Craft & Gift Ideas), you're sure to discover new recipes that will delight and satisfy your tastebuds! ... Read more

Product Description
From Escarole with Gorgonzola and Walnuts to Crab Parmesan Dip, the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to 20-Minute Meals offers over 200 quick and easy recipes for delicious appetizers suitable for every occasion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not Worth Purchasing
The recipes may only take 5 minutes, but you will need to make a trip to the grocery store to buy the uncommon ingredients.I was very disappointed in this book and threw it in the trash.

Grilled Zucchini
Appetizers can be simple yet elegant and packed with flavor. They can be fun to make and even more fun to serve, because of the glowing response you receive as the cook. ~Tod Dimmick

Tod Dimmick first impressed me with his 20-Minute Meals Cookbook and now he has written a guide for 5-Minute Appetizers filled with everything from Time-Honored Classics to his secrets for recipes that travel well. His writing has appeared in many magazines and his weekly "Gourmet Cooking on a Budget" e-mail newsletter has over 75,000 subscribers.

The "Grilled Zucchini" recipe in this cookbook is a real find. Not only can you adapt the recipe to your own cooking method, you can prepare the recipe ahead of time before a party. The zucchini slices are tossed in seasonings, garlic, basil and olive oil. I love frying the zucchini in a large frying pan in the winter, even if the recipe does call for grilling. This is perhaps the most delicious way I've ever cooked Zucchini.

Part 1: Time-Honored Classics

1. Yes, You Can Do This at Home! - Sushi Platters, Warm Smoked Gouda with Crisp Apple, Figs with Goat's Milk Cheese and Diced Prosciutto.

2. Five-Minute Foundation - A discussion of key ingredients, seasonings and cooking methods.

3. Say Cheese! - Lists of favorites, beverages, samplers. Recipes include everything from cheese balls to melted Brie with Apple.

4. Your Friend Is A Dip! - Chickpea and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip, Onion Dip, Warm Cheddar-Bacon Dip.

5. Spread It Around - Creative use of chutney, mint spread, blue cheese and Greek Island Feta cheese. The Roasted Pepper Salmon Spread looks intriguing.

6. The Spread on Bread - Bruschetta Toppings, Appetizer Sandwiches and Canape Connections.

7. Fish Food: Salmon and Other Finny Appetizers - This chapter shows you how to serve Smoked Salmon, Sardines and Tuna.

8. It's Okay to Be a Shellfish Person - There is plenty to love here if you love Crab and Caviar. There are also recipes for Shrimp, Oysters and Scallops.

9. The Deli Is Not Just for Lunch: Meat-Based Appetizers - If you love Roast Beef, try the Roast Beef and Horseradish cream Bites or save lots of time by buying Ham and making a variety of Ham-Based starters.

Part 2: A Five-Minute World Tour - This section has recipes inspired by Southwest, Mediterranean, French, Indian, Italian and Asian cooking. Learn how to make your own Guacamole or experience the taste of Fromage Miele, Coconut Shrimp or Tandoori Chicken Bites.

Part 3: Vegetable-and Fruit-Focused Appetizers - Delicious ways to impress your Vegetarian friends. I can't wait to try the Sautéed Balsamic Pears.

Part 4: Practical Secrets - How to transport appetizers when your friends ask you to bring an appetizer. The Tropical Fruit Skewers are perfect to take to a party or picnic in the summer. I also loved his idea for a Salsa "Tasting Tray" with a variety of salsas and chips. Many of these ideas would also work for an at-home movie night.

The variety in this book is impressive. Whether you are looking for reliable favorites or you want to really impress your guests, this book has something for every cooking style. I also enjoyed the Gourmet Glossary, Hors D'oeuvre History, Favorite Food Websites and Savoir Starter Tips.

The highlight of all of Tod's books is his writing style and while boosting your confidence in the kitchen, he also adds a pinch of wit here and there with his chapter titles, entertains the reader with stories of cooking in the chapter introductions and gives you recipes you can add to your own repertoire of recipes.

~The Rebecca Review

appetizers made easy
I love this book!Not only are the recipes easy and quick, but finding the ingredients will be no problem, (if you don't already have them in your fridge or pantry). The ideas are fresh and simple.I often found myself saying, "Now why didn't I think of that?"The point being that I didn't.
I brought the sun-dried tomato and kalamata olive spread (served on toasted whole wheat pita wedges) to a party.They were a huge hit!I only got one bite before they disappeared.
If you want to serve delicious appetizers that are fast andeasy to make, this is the "cookbook" for you. ... Read more

Product Description
The cocktail hour is back, and with it the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era as a new generation embraces this romantic interlude between night and day. "Modern Cocktails and Appetizers", the second in Martha Gill's series of "Modern" lifestyle guides, emphasizes simplicity, good taste, and personal style. Each beautifully photographed chapter features one cocktail and one appetizer--exciting but simple, easy to plan for and prepare.128 pp. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

fun and hip with a not so serious attitude
Artsy photos and easy appetizer recipes combine to make this book more than your average cocktail book... it's something you really use - and look at- keep near your bar or coffee table ... Read more