On a Stick!: 80 Party-Perfect Recipes [Paperback]

This book is perfect for parents trying to get picky kids to try new things. I have four boys who all have very different food quirks. This book is a great way to get them involved in trying new things. What kid doesn't want to eat something on a stick? It's fun, tasty, and they can stand right next to you and make their own.

On top of that, this book is ideal for cocktail parties. The ways you can present these recipes are very versatile and will have everyone commenting on how great of an idea it was to put everything on a stick. It brings us all back to being a kid and enjoying our favorite fair foods, comfort foods, etc. People love eating with their hands and this is the perfect way to allow that.

I've moved this book to the font of my collection. This is now my go to book for appetizers, fun meals and kid friendly recipes.

I will say up front that I know Matt personally, and he is a friend of mine. I review cookbooks on his website. In a way that might make me biased, however, I believe it makes me qualified to comment on this book because I see hundreds of cookbooks a year, pulling out only the best for review.

I never thought I'd be a food on a stick person, but this book has convinced me of exactly how versatile, easy, and valuable food on a stick is for entertaining. Matt has taken some classic food on a stick (corn dogs, a favorite of mine!!), and has made new recipes- bacon wrapped shrimp, mojito melons, fried mac n cheese, to name a few.

What I like about this book:

- It contains the perfect mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, suggestions on how to adapt some of the meat recipes.
- There is a wide range of recipes, all of which are simple, ingredients are easy to find, sophisticated, and many of them unique (you won't find them elsewhere)
- Each recipe has a photograph, so you know what you're preparing
- The recipes work.

I used to swear by my Martha Stewart Hors D'oeuvres Handbook, which is still a formidable book but which often requires quite a few steps and loads of prep. On A Stick! has taken over the number one go to book for me for its simplicity, range of recipes, and layout.

This is a great book for someone who entertains a lot for children and adults alike, or even someone who has one important party to throw and wants to make a great impression. Many of the recipes can be prepared in stages ahead, so suited to catering.

I've ordered several copies for friends who I know will wear the pages thin, especially going into the summer outdoor dining season!

On A Stick! is the perfect book for entertaining. As a personal chef I am always trying to find fun ways to present good food - and this book not only provides me with tons of options but GREAT recipes that I know will become staples for my clients. My personal favorite recipes are the Smore's on a stick, Fried Ravioli and ALL of the meat skewers. I couldn't be happier with this book :)