Amuse-bouche : little bites that delight before the meal begins

Description

Amuse-bouche (pronounced ah-myuz boosh) are today what hors d'oeuvres were to America in the 1950s: a relatively unknown feature of French culinary tradition that, once introduced, immediately became standard fare. Chefs at many fine restaurants offer guests an amuse-bouche, a bite-sized treat that excites the tongue and delights the eye, before the meal is served. Nobody does it better than the celebrated executive chef/partner of Chicago's Tru, Rick Tramonto. Amuse-bouche are a favorite of diners at Tru, many of whom come expressly to enjoy the "grand amuse"--an assortment of four different taste sensations. Amuse-Bouche offers an array of recipes, from elegant and sophisticated to casual and surprising--but always exquisite--that will inspire home cooks to share these culinary jewels with their guests. From Black Mission Figs with Mascarpone Foam and Prosciutto di Parma to Curried Three-Bean Salad, from Soft Polenta with Forest Mushrooms to Blue...