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Summary: Learn to be a Martha
Review: Let's face it. You can't have a cookbook section and NOT list Martha Stewart. I know she's one of those celebrities you either
adore or fear, but I like that mix in a chef. Besides, she knows her stuff. She's been catering for years. She know what does
and doesn't work in the kitchen. And the woman has a mission - to give us all great ideas in cooking, decorating, gardening
and organizing our junk. Here's a short selection of books you should have in your collection, including her extra-weird
Halloween book. And I highly suggest subscribing to her magazine, Martha Stewart Living, for monthly recipes and ideas. You
go Martha. (...)
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Summary: Go to First Course Encyclopedia
Review: Extremely well organized and exquisite work on what would seem to be Martha's culinary gift -- hors d'oeuvres.The uniqueness is the partioning of techniques, e.g. layered, wrapped, etc., followed by those of actual recipes. Interspered are fantastic four-color photos of serving up these beautiful appetizers. Particularly fond of Eggplant Cups, Roasted Veggie Terrine, Chevre Grapes and Grilled Swordfish on Ginger Jalapeno Rice Cakes.
This first class cookbook is blessed with uniqueness, style, clever serving suggestions, and massive info on techniques, sources, pantry. Must have for the entertaining cook.
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Summary: beautiful, fussy,and impressive
Review: This is one of my favorite cookbooks.. and I have a LOT!! I love the presentation..The first chapter has beautiful full color photographs of every recipe. This is great because you know exactly how it will look, and most of her hors d'oeuvres are truely works of art. Whether you want to cater upscale events, impress your inlaws, or wow your coworkers at the next potluck.. This is THE BOOK!! This is a perfect gift for the aspiring party showoff in your life.
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Summary: MARTHA DOES IT AGAIN!
Review: I have a number of books on Hors d'Oeuvres but this is the most comprehensive and complete. There is something for everyone, and then some. The instructions are very detailed and simple to follow. The finger foods vary from simple to "show stopping", and all that I have made are delicious. The best thing about the simplicity of the ingredients is that you can easily make substitutions to suit your taste and it will be great! This book makes me want to have a party!
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Summary: WOW
Review: I love this book. I can sit for hours & pour over the beautiful pictures & fantasize party menus. These recipes are not for novices in the kitchen. I held a tea party for some girlfriends & made several delicious & beautiful dishes from this book and really worked HARD!!! I highly recommend this book for people who love to entertain & spend time in the kitchen.
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Summary: Great picture book
Review: It's a pretty book to look at and salivate over, but in order to replicate Martha's work, you need to have some sort of culinary training or background plus a kitchen full of gadgets. Maybe that's why Martha sells those gadgets too...
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Summary: I rely on this book.
Review: In my opinion, hors d'oeuvres are Martha Stewart's greatest strength. The recipes in this book are the last word in elegance, taste, and presentation. Be aware, however, that many recipes require last-minute attention. I have pulled off a couple of smashing parties at reasonable cost by preparing Ms. Stewart's recipes ahead of time as much as I can and then hiring college students to work before, during, and after the event.
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Summary: Beautifully Presented with Easy-to-Follow Directions
Review: This is the ultimate Hors D'Oeuvres handbook -- the best I've ever come across. In this massive tome, Martha covers all types of hors d'oevres. In addition to easy-to-follow instructions, every "finished product" is beautifully photographed and labled. All you have to do is flip through the photograph section at the beginning of the book, select the hors d'oevres you would like to make, mark it with one of the attached silk book holders, and flip to the recipe in the back of the book. Here are a few notes: 1.) Included in the back of the book is a good index (This is helpful if you want to search for a specific main ingredient -- like if you have 10 lbs. of asparagus you need to use up.) and a resource guide (This is great for those who don't have a gourmet supermarket within driving distance. Almost all ingredients and tools can be ordered either via the internet, by phone, or mail.). 2.) As is typical with Martha's books, the recipes are high on presentation and low on portability. These delicacies are best suited to an at-home cocktail party, as most of the items to not travel well due to their sometimes elaborate construction. 3.) A nice feature is the classic recipes section featuring party favorites such as stuffed mushrooms. (These recpies are great, as my guests are not always in the mood for nori or endive.) 4.) While I appreciate the design choice to put all of the photos at the beginning of the book, I would have preferred the pictures be featured with each recipe. Expect to flip back and forth a bunch of times. Functional Note: You'll need bookweights or a cookbook stand to hold this open, as the pages are packed pretty tightly. Bon appetit!
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Summary: Great pictures!
Review: The pizza dough is delicious as is the shrimp toast, ginger-scented pecans, and the white wine punch. However, some of the ingredient amounts are way off (you end up with too much of one hard-to-use-in-another-recipe item like leeks) and preparation was much too labor intensive. For example: "using three sizes of melon ballers, make melon balls and place them on a cookie sheet making sure none of them touch." It can be simplified by the cook - I used one melon baller, put all the melon balls in a tray, froze them even though they were touching and everything worked fine. Good ideas, difficult execution. Beautiful pictures.
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Summary: A Great Book From Someone Who Is Not A Fan
Review: I must admit, that generally Martha Stewart does not impress me, so I seriously considered not buying this book. I did browse through it in a bookstore however, and was very impressed. As someone who does a lot of entertaining, I am always on the lookout for cookbooks related to party foods. This book has every conceivable appetizer you could ever imagine, with glorious colored photos and generally quite easy to follow recipes. Martha spans across the world using many different types of cuisines, creating an eclectic combination of hors d'oeuvres recipes. Although I am still not a fan, I must admit she did a fantastic job with this cookbook, and I am certain it will be one I will use many times in the years to come.
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