Customer Reviews

The Book of Great Hors d'Oeuvre, Updated and Expanded

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Intended for people who want to cook food rather than gaze at pictures, Terrence Janericco's "Book of Great Hors d'Oeuvre" is one of the most useful cookbooks I own (and I have several hundred of them). Written by a caterer and from a caterer's perspective, this book is equally valuable for home cooks. There is no fussiness; Janericco would rather inspire readers to cook than to daydream. The book takes a no-frills approach which crams in as many first-rate recipes as the author can manage, with no digressions or stories or fluff. There are no photographs, but key techniques such as dumpling folding are illustrated with clear line drawings. The recipes themselves are excellent and wide-ranging, but more than that, they are written from a practical perspective, with clear instructions about how far in advance they can be made, and whether or not they can be frozen. I am, myself, an inveterate cookbook buyer and reader, but this really is the only book you would ever NEED for a lifetime of party-giving.

You can not find a better or a more complete book of Hors D'Oeuvres. Terence Janericco has truly outdone himself with this compendium. Everything and anything that you can imagine serving is here, except drinks for which there are a great many books for (I know). There are meatballs made of beef, pork, chicken, fish balls; There is an amazing amount of choices for sauces and dip, spread and pates; And the things that Janericco does with a great many different cheeses are amazing. Even more impresive is the extensive chapter on Asian Hors D'oeuvres and desserts, ie. dumplings, finger foods, etc., from all over the Orient. Comparing his work with that of Rhoda Yee's, he has done his homework. Anyone who want to plan a party for a few or even hundreds will not be dissapointed with this book, since he gives recipes for a small crowd and a quantity for a larger one. If you are an avid host/hostess, you should not be without this book. AMAZING!!! If I had known about this book a year ago, I would have fewer books, but still boast a full library of foods to be enjoyed standing, seated, etc. all because of this book. I highly praise and recommend this book. Enjoy!!!