75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion by Maegan Brown-The BakerMama

Published September 2023-Rock Point-200pp

Grateful Reader Review by Dorothy Schwab

This will be your new “go to” handbook when planning a kid’s party, a holiday gathering, or figuring out what to take to the next tailgate or book club meeting. The cookbook is divided into six categories: Party, Holiday, Breakfast, Snack, Dessert, and Savy Sips. Each family friendly recipe includes notes on make ahead tips and how to store-SO helpful for busy schedules. The index is especially helpful since it’s arranged by ingredient, not alphabetical by recipe title. For instance, bacon is followed by ten recipes and page #’s that use bacon! Perfect for fall football, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas-just around the corner!

Since Halloween is creeping up on us, here’s a couple of spooky ideas for your kids’ special night. Pictured below: The Jack O’ Lantern Mac ‘n Cheese Bites is a quick make ahead recipe with elbow macaroni, cheese and egg baked in a muffin pan, decorated with sliced pepperonis. Great activity for the kiddos! The Mummy Meatballs are a freaky addition. These use premade meatballs wrapped in a couple of fettuccine noodles, baked in some marinara sauce. The fun part for the kids- add a dab of ricotta cheese and a snip of black olive for eyes.

Another favorite is the Enchilada Egg Roll-classic TexMex ingredients; shredded chicken, cheese, and enchilada sauce wrapped in a wonton wrapper and baked. This is on my menu for the next football game! Also stalking the Buffalo Chicken Celery Bites… Buy Brilliant Bites and you’ll be all set for the next party!