Eat Small Plates: Vibrant, Shareable Dishes for Daily Joy

Ben Siman-Tov and his partner Zikki present a collection of recipes rooted in their shared Israeli and Ukrainian heritage. Their culinary journey began with a chance meeting in the Italian Alps and evolved through making potato varenyky for large events to running a catering business in New York City's East Village. This debut cookbook, Eat Small Plates, focuses on vibrant, shareable dishes designed for daily joy and easy hosting. The authors combine Ben’s flair for Israeli flavors with Zikki’s love for soul-warming Ukrainian-inspired meals. Readers will find practical guidance on essential techniques such as charring eggplant and incorporating pickling into daily routines. The book also offers advice for those who wish to host without cooking extensively. The content includes specific recipes like freshly baked pita, crunchy chopped Jeweled Celery Salad, and creamy Cashew Basil dip. These dishes serve as building blocks for a feast-ready lifestyle that emphasizes connection and intentional dining. The authors draw on their experiences traveling, creating a family, and building friendships through shared meals. This guide suits home cooks looking to simplify entertaining while maintaining bold flavors. It may not appeal to readers seeking complex classical French techniques or strictly traditional single-cuisine cookbooks without fusion elements.