Stunning Spreads: Easy Entertaining with Cheese, Charcuterie, Fondue and Other Shared Fare by Chrissie Nelson Rotko is now available for pre-order! Filled with 75 recipes for approachable appetizers and simple, seasonal cocktails that are sure to be showstoppers at your next gathering, this book is a must-have for any home library.
You can purchase Stunning Spreads at any of the following retailers:
Stunning Spreads in the Press
Enjoying a Festive, Foodie Fourth, Wilson’s World, WCCB Charlotte
Wilson’s World Homeschool, WCCB Charlotte
Charlotte Today, WCNC Charlotte
Good Day Charlotte, Fox46 Charlotte
CharlotteFive/The Charlotte Observer
Charlotte Ledger Business Newsletter
Cheddar Snack Board, Peanut Blossom
Watermelon Frose, The Speckled Palate
About Stunning Spreads
For a long time, I was intimidated and overwhelmed by in-home entertaining. When it came to feeding guests, it was hard for me to achieve a balance between frantically getting stuck and stressed in the kitchen and just mailing it in by opening a bag of chips, popping a jar of salsa, and calling it a day.
It wasn’t until I learned to balance what I could make from scratch, what I could rely on from the store, plus a healthy dose of timing and what I’m going to call “artful arranging” (making things look nice and delicious and appealing on a plate or platter) that I gained confidence when it came to entertaining.
So, what is that perfect balance? I like to call it “easy entertaining.” Making delicious and beautiful spreads for your guests doesn’t have to be daunting, difficult, or time-consuming.
By making a few easy-to-follow, uncomplicated recipes ahead of time, and then mixing those things with a few high-quality, store-bought snacks and ingredients, you can create a stunning spread that both your guests, and you, can enjoy.
Because after all, your guests are in your home to, guess what, spend time with you. The delicious food is an added bonus!
Stunning Spreads features seventy-five of my favorite recipes for easy entertaining. These approachable recipes covering everything from cheese and snack boards, to fondues, dips, snacks, appetizers, and cocktails are ones I make in my own kitchen all the time when we invite people over.
All of these recipes can be easily prepped and cooked ahead of time, so when guests arrive, the focus can be on them instead of the food.
And, most importantly, the host isn’t chained to the kitchen.
What I really wanted to do with this book was to show you that entertaining doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming, and to give you the confidence to create delicious food for your family and friends.
Recipes in Stunning Spreads
Of course I had to include some of my most popular blog posts in my cookbook!
Slow Cooker Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
Reviews of Stunning Spreads
“This is the perfect cookbook for the times we live in! Fun, simple, pretty recipes that produce yummy dishes for just you and the fam or for a larger feast. We made the Red, White & Blue Board yesterday to add a festive touch to a backyard BBQ and it was the hit of the party! Tired of the same old, same old during Quarantine Times? Try Ms. Rotko’s Whipped Ricotta, her Puppy Chow Popcorn or her Roasted Jalapeño Poppers. And since summer’s here, who could resist her cool take on cocktails at the back of the cookbook? Everything about this cookbook is original and delish – from the artsy photos to the creative charcuterie. I’m getting hungry just writing about it!” —Melissa B.
“I was so excited to receive my copy of Stunning Spreads!! It didn’t disappoint my high expectations!! The recipes are easy to follow, quick to create, and the beautiful photos make it easy to replicate the artistic presentation of these delicious edibles!! I especially enjoy reading Chrissie’s anecdotes before each recipe. This is THE book I will use on a regular basis for my entertaining needs! And with its hard bound cover, it will be proudly displayed on my cookbook easel!!” –Cheri T.
Stunning Spreads Virtual Launch Party!
We celebrated the release of Stunning Spreads on Wednesday May 20 at 7:30 pm. 80+ attendees from all over the country got a sneak peek of the cookbook, a quick cheese board demonstration, and AJ and I did a little question and answer portion! Plus, we had giveaways throughout the hour long party (and look for more in the week leading up to Stunning Spreads release date on Instagram) to thank everyone for their support including:
- Signed copies of Stunning Spreads
- A hand poured charcuterie board from Cosmic Creativ
- Custom resin cheese board from Alison Satterlee Art
- Handmade wooden cheese board made from locally sourced wood from Brown Dog Creative
- Handmade wooden cheese board from Juliano Art
- Small batch jams from City Farm Foods
- Locally sourced jams and preserves from Bleu Barn Pantry
- Artisan honey from Cloister Honey
- Local raw honey from Herbs Honey
- Gift card to Orrman’s Cheese Shop
- Cocktail kits from The Craftsman Beverage Co.
- Watercolor Cocktail Kitchen Towels from Dear Kathyrn
- Tote bags from ArtPop Street Gallery
Want more ideas for easy entertaining?
I love sharing seasonal appetizer and cocktail recipes, so if you’re looking for more hassle free hosting inspiration, make sure you get on my email list!