Comments: We are suckers for appetizers – how many times have we said so? – and appetizer books. This one is certainly not going to turn us from our course. It's filled with 50 recipes for innovative, retro, out-of-the-box, and comforting appetizers, organized by how you might eat them – finger foods, in small bowls, and on small plates.

Small dishes like Asian-Spiced Nuts or Chestnuts Wrapped in Bacon may prepare the appetite for dinner, while a number of more substantial small plates – such as Lamb Chop "Lollipops" with Spice Rub and Seared Scallops with Pineapple-Pepper Salsa – are filling enough to serve as a meal. In addition, the authors provide some of their favorite cocktail recipes, ideas for appetizer party menus, tips for how much to prepare and serve, and presentation ideas for family dinners and special gatherings.

Although Stonewall Kitchen turns out many specialty foods that are perfect for inclusion in appetizers, to their credit, the authors did not load up these recipes with their company's products. Having said that, a few, at least, of the chosen ingredients may be hard to find.