Marissa Mullen's I'll Bring the Apps builds on and expands her Cheese by Numbers method (as exemplified in That Cheese Plate Wants to Party) for recipes that will elevate any party or get-together with visually gorgeous and mouthwatering appetizers. In addition to the tantalizing recipes, this appealing cookbook is full of tidbits to make party planning a breeze.
Divided into four sections--Bites, Bowls, Boards, and Beverages--the recipes call for ingredients accessible in most grocery stores and don't require specialized or complicated cooking techniques. Every dish includes a note that suggests two other recipes that combine nicely to "Make It a Spread!" and Mullen provides asides on flavor combinations, variations, aesthetics, and practical details like including a ramekin to collect cherry and olive pits. The "Snacky Party Menus" section has curated recipe combinations that evoke seasonal moods and display images of the appetizers as they would be set out at a party. These details make I'll Bring the Apps perfect for any host, from the experienced one looking for new ideas to the aspiring host just getting started. --Dainy Bernstein, freelance editor and reviewer