Starters and Appetizers

Starters or appetizers are meant to stimulate the palate, to prepare one for the offerings to come. As such, I like them to be subtly appealing in taste and textures. In most cases they should be simple and light, for you don’t wish to overwhelm the main course. And yet some appetizers, like Northern Chinese Vegetable Potstickers, are almost a meal in themselves. Indeed, it is not uncommon when dining out in a Chinese restaurant to see people make their selections only from the starters section of the menu. The rule here is to make and use the recipes as they fit into your meal or menu. They may be used as starters; as a first course in a series of courses; or as a part of many courses — that is, if you wish to follow the Chinese custom of including different courses on the table at once; or you may serve them as another dish in a family meal. Use these starters with all styles of cookery, not just Chinese. Be imaginative — combine or match these appetizers with other foods and beverages, or serve them as mini meals in themselves.