Unforgettable Appetizers

Memorable Recipes for Any Occasion

Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
146 Pages
Reviewed on 09/08/2014
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Cassandra Harrell learned the art of cooking from her Big Mama growing up in West Tennessee. The love and passion continued throughout her childhood and today she has truly found her niche in preparing southern cuisine.

Her first experience with cooking was when she made her first southern fried chicken at age 9, baked her first peach cobbler (with homemade crust) at 13, she was so proud, and from then on she had been cooking ever since. Over the years, the more she cooked the more her passion grew for cooking.

Her latest cookbook, Unforgettable Appetizers, memorable recipes for any occasion, is a collection of theme-related recipes that she used in her catering business when she served national and local clients including celebrities, politicians, as well as recording artists, is now presented with a new flare, creativity, and amazing flavors. Over the years Harrell developed hundreds of theme-related menus for her clients and has a natural flare for turning ordinary recipes into extraordinary dishes.

Her affinity for cooking extends to over four decades and to every area of her life: She has published two cookbooks, one cooking guide with plans for many more of each, publishers a monthly recipe newsletter, coaches others with a desire to start a catering business, and runs and operates her popular website, soul-food-advisor.com.

Born and raised in West Tennessee, Harrell began tempting palates with her southern influence when she owned an award-winning southern-style restaurant and catering business in Wisconsin. Her Sunday buffet was such a tremendous success until customers literally lined up for authentic southern cooking.

Her exceptional food and well-loved menus landed her a food contract at the Midwest Convention Center where she served thousands at sporting events, conventions, trade shows, music concerts, and ground-breaking ceremonies. She was a food vendor at the world's largest music festival, Summerfest serving national as well as local clients. She also taught cooking classes and lead cooking demonstrations at festivals and fairs on preparing great southern cuisine.

Cassandra characterizes herself as having a unique voice with a witty personality, easy going, super friendly, enjoy life, and love meeting people. She is also married to Earl with one son and two granddaughters.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

Unforgettable Appetizers, Memorable Recipes for Any Occasion is an interesting southern cookbook by Cassandra Harrell. There are many unique theme related recipes that will be just perfect for any function you’re planning. These include: Soul Food Feast, Fresh Seafood Party, Healthy Living Gathering, Dips and Spreads, and Meat Lovers Buffet. There is a Measurement Conversion Chart and Cooking Spice Guide to help you use the accurate ingredients. Why not try Cassie’s Catfish Nuggets, Stuffed Turkey Twisters, or the Mini Barbecue Pork Sandwiches with Old Fashioned Coleslaw. Quench your thirst with Big Mama’s Tea Punch and Sparkling Cranberry Orange Punch. There are a variety of tempting recipes that will become favourite crowd-pleasers.

I think Unforgettable Appetizers, Memorable Recipes for Any Occasion is a small treasure trove of delicious, easy to prepare recipes. The photos of mouthwatering dishes enhance the appropriate recipes. Cassandra Harrell spent time preparing this book, which includes general cooking and baking tips that will help make the food preparation successful. You will appreciate the section called Tips For Setting Up A Buffet Table. The author offers useful information on decor, the correct selection of utensils and do ahead tips that will convince guests that their host’s organizational skills are excellent. Persons watching their weight will certainly appreciate the Healthy Living Eating Tips that complement its aforementioned theme. One of my favourite sections is the Sweet Appetizers Platters, but overall, I think all the theme based recipes are wonderful and I intend to try them myself.