Over the Top

When was the last time you left a cocktail party saying "that was the best sugar snap pea I've ever had!?" Although simple food does have its place, and nothing satisfies me quite like a warm, yeasty mouthful of unadorned bread, it won't make your party memorable. But...brush that bread with butter... crisp the edges to please the eye... spread it with a creamy St. André cheese awakened with vidalias and lemon... top that with musky shiitakes scented with Marsala and basil... sprinkle it with Asiago and freshly cracked pepper, and send your taste buds on the ride of their little pink lives. You choose... smooth, spicy, citrusy, crispy crostini or pea? This mushroom crostini is one of many recipes for finger food and light dining which attempts to please all your senses on every possible culinary level. These recipes flow very clearly and simply, without esoteric foodstuffs, but including cooking styles from many continents. So choreograph that cocktail party fare, cook everything in advance, gather your hungriest friends, then relax. This food alone has the personality to entertain a crowd... it's over the top!