Summary
PARTY SNACKS! shows readers how to make their next party one to remember with simple, fun fare that takes any gathering from basic to festive. Author AJ Rathbun amply demonstrates, with his trademark wit and style, that you don't need a culinary degree or a bottomless budget to whip up munchies that transcend bags of chips and canned salsa. A throrough introductory chapter covers all of the basics, and color photos throughout demonstrate how these marvelous morsels will add pizzazz to your parties. In the following concise chapters, A.J. offers stuffed, skewered, baked, dipped, spreadable, and speedy party snacks. They cover the spectrum from classic (Spinach-Artichoke Dip, anyone?) to the updated (Mushroom-Asiago-Walnut Crostini). Need a nosh in a hurry? Nothing could be quicker - or tastier - than White Bean and Rosemary Pate. Looking for party fare that's as elegant as it is easy? Try A.J.'s Gorgeous Gougeres or Sweet Speared Shrimp. Numerous suggestions for cocktail accompaniments - from Italian Martinis to Canadian Grenadiers - ensure that your guest will never go thirsty. A thorough introductory chapter covers all the snack-tastic basics, from stocking the pantry to serving up stylishly, and color photos throughout demonstrate how these marvelous morsels will add pizzazz to your parties. If you're ready to take your get-togethers to the next level-if youre ready to go beyond chips from the bag and salsa from the jar - Party Snacks! has you covered. Let A.J. Rathbun show you how to become a snack master par excellence. Recipes include: Easy and Elegant Antipasto Pretty Party Pinwheels Heavenly Garlicky Hummus Salmon-Dill Toast Savory Cannoli Grilled Honey Teriyaki Chicken Prosciutto-Hugged Cantaloupe Caramelized Onion Shells Heroic Tiny Ham and Cheesers Fun Fundido Leek and Swiss Tartlets Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
A. J. Rathbun is a freelance food and entertaining writer and the author of Champagne Cocktails, Wine Cocktails, Dark Spirits, Luscious Liqueurs, Party Drinks!, and the International Association of Culinary Professionals Award-winning Good Spirits. Rathbun earned his MFA in creative writing from Western Michigan University, and has worked variously as a buyer for Amazon.com, an usher at the Art Institute of Chicago, a rock band roadie, an envelope stuffer, a marketing assistant, the director of the Poetry After Hours program at the Seattle Art Museum, an online editor, a waiter, and of course, a bartender. In addition to his cookbooks, Rathbun is the editor of In Their Cups and the author of Want, two poetry collections. Rathbun has been a guest, talking about drinks, food, entertaining, and kitchen products, on numerous radio shows, including Martha Stewart's Everyday Food satellite radio program and USA Radio, has done interviews with a variety of publications, including the Seattle Times, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and the Arizona Republic, and has contributed to the magazines Every Day with Rachael Ray and Wine Enthusiast, among others. He is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the Museum of the American Cocktail. He teaches cocktail classes at the cooking school Dish It Up, one of which was recently profiled in the magazine Traditional Homes. Rathbun lives in Seattle, Washington. To learn more about him and his books, and to read his blog, Spiked Punch, and check out a few of his drink-making videos, visit his website at www.ajrathbun.com.
