Cary's Shelf: Holiday Hors d'oeuvres to the Rescue!

Published Monday, December 12, 2022

New Takes on Mid-Century Traditions

When I was a kid in the 70s, my parents would have friends over for parties in their "rumpus room" (a basement room with some throw rugs, furniture and a makeshift bar my dad built). The women would wear groovy print sleeveless dresses and zip-up "wet look" boots, and the men would have on slim-ankle slacks and pastel sweaters. My parents always served hors d'oeuvres and hand-mixed cocktails at these parties and my sister and I would sit on the top step, out of sight, and listen in while the grownups got tipsy. I'm happy that we've evolved into the era of designated drivers and less hair spray, but I'd hate to think we'd lost all of those fabulous finger foods.

This holiday season I'm bringing back the tradition and serving hors d'oeuvres for Christmas Eve with my family, using some old favorites and new twists. No matter how you celebrate, these treats can be satisfying and filling without breaking the bank or requiring a 5:00 a.m. wakeup call to get ready for an evening meal! Take a look at some of these great recipe titles we have at the library, and enjoy!

Hors d'oeuvres, by Eric Treuille & victoria Blashford-Snell

"From spicy cilantro shrimp to Eggplant Caviar Crostini, the recipes of master-chef Eric Treuille and professional caterer Victoria Blashford-Snell show how to prepare more than 250 simple yet sensational canapes. Every great party begins with great-tasting appetizers, whether it is an informal gathering of friends and family or an elegant champagne soiree. Illustrated with inviting, actual-size photographs of every recipe, this uniquely practical guide includes full-color, step-by-step instructions and indispensable cooking tips to ensure successful party food whatever the occasion." - the publisher

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Tiny food party! : bite-size recipes for miniature meals, by Teri Lyn Fisher

Fisher presents a collection of practical appetizer recipes which uses readily available ingredients and features miniature-sized versions of favorite foods, from bite-sized onion rings and little cheesecakes to mini pop tarts and shot-glass-sized cocktails.

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Bar Menu: 100+ Drinking Food Recipes for Cocktail Hours at Home, by André Darlington

"Whether you are a cocktailer looking for food pairings, or an armchair traveler eager to recreate iconic bar bites from the comfort of your own kitchen, this is your bible for hosting memorable cocktail hours. Companion drink ideas for every dish, 30+ cocktail recipes, quick history lessons, plus tricks and tips on everything from curating menus to batching drinks for a crowd of family and friends make this a cocktail hour cookbook unlike anything you've seen before." - the publisher

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Beautiful Boards: 50 Amazing Snack Boards for Any Occasion, by Maegan Brown

"The BakerMama gives us plenty of delicious, delectable ideas for creating a charcuterie board. The photographs are mouth-watering, the directions are clear and concise, and the array of different holidays and themes is mind-boggling. Such a terrific resource ( I only wish I would have bought this for myself instead of a gift. UGH). Might have to buy another." - Goodreads review

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Martha Stewart's Appetizers: 200 Recipes for Dips, Spreads, Snacks, Small Plates, and Other Delicious Hors d' Oeuvres, Plus 30 Cocktails… by Martha Stewart

Good ol' Martha. Whatever your opinion of the woman, we all agree she's a fabulous party planner and cook. Check out this recent title and see if you can whip up some magic this holiday season!

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About the Author

Cary's idea of a perfect day is a complete stereotype: reading or watching British crime fiction with a cup of hot tea close at hand, her favorite quilt, and her cats Clio & Junie on her lap.