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Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook [Hardcover]

Martha Stewart
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (97 customer reviews)


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Book Description

March 30, 1999
No one knows better how to give a party than Martha Stewart--and as she proves in this comprehensive and visually dazzling handbook, great parties begin with great hors d'oeuvres. Three hundred all-new recipes, each photographed in full color, show why Martha Stewart is still America's style authority and most trusted party host.

It was fifteen years ago that Martha Stewart first turned her creativity and talent for teaching to this subject, when she defined the look and flavor of party appetizers for professionals and home cooks in Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres. Since then, America's tastes have evolved and Martha's own approach to food has expanded to encompass flavors from around the world, seasonal ingredients fresh from the garden, and  innovative preparations all presented with an unsurpassed eye for beauty.

In this book, after laying out the basic foundations and techniques, Martha presents chapters on different hors d'oeuvre categories that are brimming with new ideas--Layered and Stacked; Wrapped, Rolled, Filled, Folded, and Stuffed; and Skewered and Threaded. Whether a classic cocktail party food reinvigorated with her wit and style--chicken salad tea sandwiches turned on their sides and encrusted with sesame seeds, for example--or deliciously decadent dips for crudités and seafood updated with Indian dhal or white beans and mustard greens; tiny toasted breadboxes filled with Welsh rarebit; or savory sips of soups in edible cups, these impeccable jewels are as exciting as anything Martha has ever invited her readers to serve on the buffet or tea table or pass among guests.

Reflecting Martha's favorite way to entertain now--informal and relaxed--there is also Bites and Pieces, a chapter packed with simple recipes for parties that please the guests without undoing the host. Marinated olives, spiced and seasoned nuts, handmade cheese crackers, and spicy cocktail ribs can be prepared quickly and easily in advance and arranged before the doorbell rings. Even the drinks have been provided: classic and contemporary cocktails, imaginatively garnished, are accompanied by a guide to stocking the bar and serving champagne.

Everything about Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook has been considered to create a book that is easy to use. The size was chosen to comfortably fit in the hand, in the cookbook holder, or on the kitchen counter. Color photographs in the front of the book help cooks select which hors d'oeuvres to combine for their own parties; the cross-referenced recipes in the back have been tested in Martha's own kitchen and in the test kitchens of Martha Stewart Living; and two place-marking ribbons keep track of both picture and recipe. And every detail has been covered--tips on techniques and ingredients, serving ideas, menu suggestions, recipe variations, advice on party planning, and even a glossary of equipment, special ingredients, and supplies, with a guide to finding them. With its range of recipes, its wealth of ideas, its lavish photography, and its innovative format, Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook is simply the most instructive, inspirational, and indispensable guide to hors d'oeuvres ever compiled.


Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook, Stewart, along with Martha Stewart Living food editor Susan Spungen and photographer Dana Gallagher, has created not just a handbook but a dream book. The first 225 pages consist entirely of beautifully photographed, exquisite nibbles, tastes, and bites--and the following 270 pages give you the recipes and instructions to re-create them at home. Pink and orange ribbons bound into the book allow you to easily mark photos and recipes. Only Martha and her staff would come up with something so beautiful and practical.

You can browse the photos for inspiration, or dive right into one of the chapters, all organized by presentation, such as "Layered and Stacked"; "Wrapped, Rolled, Filled, Folded and Stuffed"; "Skewered and Threaded"; "Bites and Pieces"; and "Sips and Drinks," just to name a few. Having a few friends over for cocktails before the show? How about Crispy Asparagus Straws, a delicious combo of asparagus wrapped in prosciutto and phyllo and sprinkled with Parmesan? The sophisticated flavors belie the ease of preparation. Have a little more time to prepare? The Jicama and Green Papaya Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce are tasty and beautiful.

As gorgeous as this cookbook is, don't dismiss it as coffee-table cooking--several helpful photos show technique as well as finished product, and Martha's tips and notes are sprinkled throughout the text. For example, a lengthy sidebar on purchasing and preparing shrimp shares how to buy shrimp (the high quality of flash-frozen shrimp these days makes it perfectly acceptable), how to cook it (use kosher salt in your cooking water), and how best to peel and devein the little treasures. Similarly, reading the note on preparing phyllo will encourage even a novice cook to try her hand at Phyllo Triangles with Feta and Spinach or Curried Walnut Chicken. If you're planning a party and need fabulous finger food, you needn't look any further than Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres Handbook. --Rebecca A. Staffel

From Publishers Weekly

In her second book on the subject (after Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres: The Creation & Presentation of Fabulous Finger Food, 1984), Stewart seems to have enjoyed the collaboration. This is a wonderfully produced compendium, with exhaustively detailed recipes to suit a wide range of palates, budgets and culinary skills (though not intended for neophyte cooks). Following the introduction are more than 300 color photographs (not seen by PW), cross-referenced to the recipes in the book's second half. The first chapter, "Building Blocks for the Best Hors d'Oeuvres," includes Stewart's typically painstaking instructions for making such foundations as Pattypan Squash Cups, Miniature Flour Tortillas and Green Tea Crepes. The next five chapters are organized by type: "Layered and Stacked" offers pizza variations and imaginative terrines; "Skewered and Threaded" has Moroccan Salmon Skewers and Figs in a Blanket; "Bites and Pieces" features Classic Crab Cakes and a section on marinated olives. "Classics" contains previously published recipes, including Phyllo Triangles with Wild Mushrooms. Throughout, helpful sidebars discuss such topics as dumpling wrappers (paper-thin sheets of dough); selecting, preparing and serving oysters; or the best hors d'oeuvres to bring to a potluck party. Advice on party planning, menus, lists of suppliers and an index top off this well-stuffed volume.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 496 pages
  • Publisher: Clarkson Potter; 1 edition (March 30, 1999)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0609603108
  • ISBN-13: 978-0609603109
  • Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 1.6 x 9.5 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (97 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,599 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Martha Stewart is the author of dozens of bestselling books on cooking, entertaining, homekeeping, gardening, weddings, and decorating. She is the host of The Martha Stewart Show, the Emmy-winning daily syndicated television program, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, which publishes several magazines, including Martha Stewart Living; produces Martha Stewart Living Radio; and provides a wealth of ideas and information on her website.

Customer Reviews

It's a pleasure just to look through this book! Donna Rogers  |  16 reviewers made a similar statement
This is the ultimate Hors D'Oeuvres handbook -- the best I've ever come across. njbookworm  |  17 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 72 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Presented with Easy-to-Follow Directions January 2, 2001
Format:Hardcover
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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38 of 39 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Martha Stewart's Hors D'oeuvres handbook May 17, 2000
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
I have used this book several times, made me want to have a party to try out these wonderful recipes. Full-color photos which show you what the food is supposed to look like; and well labeled -- telling you what page the recipe is on. Such creative ideas for snacks and treats, "why didn't I think of that?". Recipes are well detailed, easy to follow, good print (making it easy to read) with special notes on pages telling you where to get "hard to find items" and techniques explained. I think this book is not necessarily for beginners, but, those who love to cook and love to take time and pride in their cooking. Everytime I have made something from this cook book I get "waves of praise". The back of the book has "the Guide" which gives additional information from planning a party to taking Horsd'Oeuvre to a party. Equipment and ingredients are explained, as well as, a source list. I recommend this book to anyone, again, who loves to cook. It is right up there with the other Martha Stewart cookbooks, great!
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23 of 24 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Martha is the Queen of Hors D'Oeuvres! November 11, 2000
Format:Hardcover
When I am ready to don my apron to prepare for a cocktail or dinner party, this is the first book that I pull off the shelf. I flip through the beautiful and tantalizing photos in the front third of the book, find what I want to try, and then go on to the correlating how-to page. The recipes are easy to follow, some more involved than others, but depending on how much time you have, it's easy to make a choice on what to serve. The last chapter entitled The Guide is filled with a wealth of information - menus, an index of culinary utensils, description of uncommon and exotic foods and spices, equipment and food sources and a directory of specialty shops. I also like the built-in fabric book markers - great to mark favorite recipes.

This informative book has been a welcome addition to my cooking library and I recommend it to anyone who loves to entertain. It will also make life easier for those who are sometimes forced to entertain whether they like to or not!

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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars 5 stars
classic. genius. one of my favorite cook books. I will make everything on this book from page 1 to the last page. Everything I've done so far has come out AMAZING.
Published 4 months ago by R.C
5.0 out of 5 stars Tons of ideas...
...and I like it. You should try it. At least you will send it back, but I doubt it.
Ok, I recommend this book for those searching for fancy and unique appetizers.
Published 6 months ago by ZeeZee
4.0 out of 5 stars Martha Stewart's Horsd'Oeuvres Handbook
This was a present for my wife. She was extremely pleased to have this book. It was purchased at a give-away price, with a speedy delivery. What more could I ask for!!!!!
Published 11 months ago by TVS
5.0 out of 5 stars Martha Stewart's Hors D'oeuvres Handbook
The book arrived earlier than I expected and was in the condition that I thought it would be. Looking forward to making some of what I have seen
Published 20 months ago by Chuck
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book ! Great price !
This book is in excellent condition and was at a great price. The price was reasonable because it was used but you can hardly tell that it was used at all. Excellent condition.
Published 24 months ago by Di
1.0 out of 5 stars Beyond disappointed
I bought this book a few years ago. My husband and I frequently host dinner parties and I am always looking for starters that will be impressive but not-time consuming. Read more
Published on May 10, 2011 by C. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Must have cookbook
I am now on my second copy of this book (the first one was falling apart from abuse) and honestly, everytime I have a party this is the first book off the shelf. Read more
Published on March 12, 2011 by DeAnne
4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring - makes a great newlywed or house warming gift!
I have loved this cookbook for many years. It has wonderful, full color photos of every recipe, but I especially like the way the walks you through the "structure" of an appetizer:... Read more
Published on December 29, 2010 by Trakie1
5.0 out of 5 stars Well done
I've owned this book for years and love it. I get it out every time I throw a party. I particularly enjoy hosting afternoon teas and so the tea sandwich recipes have become old... Read more
Published on October 28, 2010 by Corrie Snell
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Receipes!
Beautiful Photography. Lots of easy to make Hors d'Oeuvres> The olive Biscotti is wonderful!
Published on October 10, 2010 by G.G. Larsen
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