Hors D'oeuvre - Softcover

Williams-Sonoma, purveyor of choice gourmet products and kitchenware, has also created a collection of succinct yet comprehensive cookbooks. Part of the series, Hors d'Oeuvre offers 40 all-occasion recipes that reflect the company's signature good taste. Its impressively chosen tidbit range encompasses classics such as Deviled Eggs with Capers and New Potatoes with Caviar and Crème Fraîche, as well as simple bites like Tomato and Basil Bruscetta, and also includes sections on canapés and dips, such as the must-try Thai Guacamole. Wrapped and skewered mouthfuls are also represented with the tempting likes of Lamb and Artichoke Heart Spedini and Smoky Shrimp with Garlic-Parsley Mojo.

Accompanied by color photos that show the hors d'oeuvres in all their glory, the completely doable recipes will appeal to a wide range of cooks. Throughout, sidebars (like "Deveining Shrimp") offer useful information on techniques and ingredients; a glossary and basics section are also helpful. Though small in size, the book provides an inclusive store of superior recipes and instruction. --Arthur Boehm

Brigit L Binns is a food writer and recipe consultant based in southern California. She has written and contributed to a number of cookbooks. A graduate of the Tante Marie cooking School in the UK, she lived in Europe for 10 years, where she owned a catering business. Chuck Williams, general editor, has helped revolutionise cooking in the US. He opened his first store in the Californian wine country town of Sonoma in 1956. There are now more than 200 Williams-Sonoma stores in the US.