I’m a good baker and an okay cook, but I’m not great at getting the party started. Yes, I am talking about appetizers. I can throw some veggies and store-bought dip onto a plate. I can buy a bag of popcorn. I can cut some cheese and put it out with crackers. But that’s about the extent of my appetizer game. So I was really happy to find The Easy Appetizer Cookbook.

This short-but-sweet cookbook offers ideas for sweet and savory starters, for dips and snacks, and offers ideas for party planning as well. Food writer and blogger Sarah Walker Caron offers something for everyone, from light snacks to fancy bites. With tips on how to stock your pantry, how to plan for any length of party, how to serve these appetizers, and even how to pair drinks with these tasty bites, Caron has thought of everything.

Her light snacks include Gourmet Parmesan-Herb Popcorn, Rosemary-Thyme Parmesan Crisps, and Roasted Vegetable Kabobs. She has a chapter on dips and spreads that entails an Avocado, Mango, and Pineapple Salsa and Sun-Dried Tomato-Garlic White Bean Dip alongside classics such as Chunky Guacamole and a Spinach Artichoke Dip.

Finger foods include Crispy Oven-Roasted Party Wings and Mediterranean Marinated Chicken Skewers along with Chicken Caesar Salad Cups and a twist on everyone’s favorite, Deviled Eggs, Three Ways. Savory Plates covers slightly heartier snacks like California Turkey Burger Sliders, Sheet Pan Party Pizza, and Mini Taco Bites.

Then there are the fancy bites, like Mini Quiche Lorraine, Raspberry Baked Brie on Croute, Salmon Fritters, and Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms. And finally (speaking my language here), something sweet, in the form of Double-Chocolate Brownie Bites, Cinnamon Swirl Mini Cupcakes, Chocolate Chip Mini Cheesecakes, and S’mores Tarts.

These ideas can help keep the parties going for years!

The Easy Appetizer Cookbook may not be the fanciest or the most comprehensive cookbook, but it’s an excellent place to start to get new and tasty ideas for holiday parties, tailgating, cocktail parties, birthdays, movie nights, any about any get-together for family and friends. And it’s small size doesn’t take up too much room on your shelf (or device). A great addition to any kitchen, and just in time for me to plan my holiday shindigs!

A copy of The Easy Appetizer Cookbook was provided to me by Callisto Media, with many thanks.