Chrissie Nelson Rotko's Delicious Spreads: Simple & Tasty Cheese, Charcuterie, Fondue, & Other Sharing Platters for Entertaining

Dan: Based on the title, I was expecting a book about cheese boards and charcuterie. In the beginning, I was a bit disappointed because there were a few examples of those but not much in the way of a thought process behind creating my own boards.

Then I realized the book is really about that "Shared Fare" part of the subtitle. This is really a book about appetizers, party food, drinks, and entertaining. Most of the recipes are quick and stress having things prepared so you spend time enjoying your guests instead of hiding in the kitchen. For that, it's a great book!

Caveat: I haven't yet made any of the recipes.

United States on Sep 25, 2022

Amazon Customer: Can't wait till BBQ weather to try them, sun baked days if summer !

United Kingdom on May 24, 2021

Crystal V: I've always liked the look of grazing tables at weddings and wanted to start adding pretty appetizer displays to make some of our family dinners a little more elegant. Also was wanting to show up at gatherings with something that looked really pretty and impressive, rather than just bringing a pre-packaged spread of crackers and cheese. So, I took a chance on this book based on other reviews. I wasn't disappointed! This is a great book and most of the spreads in it are things that are easily accessible at most grocery stores. There are some basic arranging tips right at the very beginning with instructions on how to form a pleasing looking spread. Then the rest has not only ideas for snack boards, but also recipes for appetizers and cocktails. It wound up being exactly what I was looking for as it has all of the elements needed to create a really impressive spread of finger foods.

United States on Nov 12, 2020

Nancie S. McdermottNancie S. Mcdermott: Stunning Spreads captured my attention with the stunning cover and two magic words: "easy entertaining"! in the subtitle. Spectacular photos inside delivered on the cover's promise of beauty and creativity, but it's when I drilled down for recipes that I really fell in love. This book inspires me in my everyday mealtime challenge. How to feed two people who love food (and I love cooking too) but feel the pinch of time constraints and distraction, faced with the daily demands of three squares and snacks. I love the author's wealth of ideas for coooking something that lasts and can be enjoyed several ways through the week. Her Heirloom Tomato Confit on page 126 gives us a simple pasta sauce, a spread for toast at our 2-person happy hour sessions, a gorgeous component of grain bowls, and spread to tuck into sandwiches. Spinach and Mushroom Egg Muffins on page129 do quick breakfast duty all week, and her Appetizers and Snacks chapter explodes with do-able goodness: Roasted Jalapeno Poppers p 109, two fabulous versions of slow cooker meatballs and fabulous Pepperoni Pinwheels page 117 --- these last three are main courses for us, filled out with salad and good grains, and divine dips,...

United States on Jun 14, 2020

Joe: I am blown away by "Stunning Spreads," From the incredible photography to the wide range of recipes and spreads, this is a book that will be well utilized for any and every gathering, and even nights in at home. I love how wide ranging the recipes are, from true recipes to great ideas for putting food together, such as the "sweet and salty snack board" that would be super fun for kids (and adults too). I was also pleasantly surprised to find a great list of drink recipes, and am so excited to whip up some Watermelon frose, to have with some summer skewers (caprese salad-inspired) and the "colorful crudités platter" this summer. I also love how the recipes are adaptable and you can pick and choose from a variety of ingredients and preparations to match a seasonal style of eating, which is important to me. Finally, I think "Stunning Spreads" would be a really wonderful host/hostess gift, housewarming gift, etc. as it's perfect for anyone who likes food, regardless of how much they enjoy/are proficient in cooking.

United States on Jun 04, 2020

Kate: I've been a long-time reader of Ms. Nelson's blog (Off the Eaten Path) for years. Her mix of knowledge and passion about food and restaurants combined with her trademark unpretentious delivery make her blog one of my favorites to visit any time I am looking for a great recipe to wow my friends (and have a laugh or two). I'm so happy that her vision has made it to book form! The photos are absolutely gorgeous, making her dishes seem to leap off the page (though sadly, not into my mouth. Guess I'll have to go shopping for ingredients first). I can't seem to stop paging through it and taking them all in. And with the sheer number of recipes it covers, there's truly something for every person and every occasion. (A fancy lunchtime shindig? Check out the unique pimento cheese deviled eggs. Game day? Her jalapeno poppers are easily the best I've ever tasted. Not to mention all those cocktails....) All delivered with Ms. Nelson's usual wit and down-to-earthness. I can't wait to "share" this book and its recipes at my next dinner party!

United States on Jun 02, 2020