Betty Crocker Tiny Bites

Newest in the Betty Crocker line of cookbooks is Tiny Bites, featuring fresh ideas for finger foods, hors d’oeuvres, cupcakes, and all things perfect for popping in your mouth in one or two bites. Each recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients, and I like that nutrition information was included. It’s a huge array of ideas for even the most inexperienced chefs— several of them require no cooking at all, just assembling a handful of ready-to-use items. I especially liked the idea of putting staples like seven-layer dip or cheesecake into fancy shot glasses.

Some of the recipes, while very creative, did not sound or look very appetizing (pancakes stacked up with guacamole?). Also, as a connoisseur of the classic cupcake, it always puts me off when recipes incorporate savory ideas and call them cupcakes, i.e. lasagna cupcakes or taco mac cupcakes. These are much more likely to make my mouth water if they’re referred to as “mini-lasagnas” or “mini taco bites”. There are plenty of other recipes, however, that I definitely plan to add to my go-to list, like the Boston cream cakepops and the whiskey and beer chicken sliders. Perfect for any chef who loves to entertain often.