Book excerpt: The authors of Simple Italian Sandwiches return in Simple Italian Snacks with delicious, elegant, easy-to-prepare bites for entertaining, lite dining, and more. The European culinary tradition of small plates have become a staple of American dining and have helped usher in a new way to eat, a relaxed way of socializing and a chic way of entertaining. Lively, fun, sophisticated, Simple Italian Snacks by Jason Denton and Kathryn Kellinger includes recipes and tasting combinations perfect for this style of dining. Here are easy, do-ahead recipes for any event—an afternoon by the pool, a fireside grill with friends, dinner for two, a meal for a crowd—all that can start as hors d’oeuvres or be built into a meal. Versatility, variety and great taste are the essential ingredients of such dishes as: Artichoke Gratin with Pecorino Sweet Fennel Sausage Panini Rice Balls Chocolate Biscotti Shallow Fried Soft Shell Crab with Red Pepper Mayonnaise and Arugula Porotobello and Pancetta Bruschetta and Shrimp, Celery, and Sweet Onions Spiedini Fun, simple, and wonderfully delicious, the dishes in Simple Italian Snacks are sure to inspire and delight every palate.