Lights! Camera! Snacks!

By GERRY BARKER
North Palm Beach Life

Every film aficionado -- like us -- knows pairing your favorite movie with your favorite munchie is a must. No one knows that better than photographer, food stylist, kitchen warrior and pun master Rachel Riederman, who gives us "Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood: 50 Movie-Themed Cheese Platters and Snack Boards for Film Fanatics."

This book is chock-full of ideas for charcuteries, platters and snack recipes that will up the ante on your movie nights with friends and family, or even if you're watching solo. The puns come hot and heavy, such as "You're Gonna Need a Bigger Goat (Cheese)," "Pulp Stilton" and "The Goudafather." You can guess what movies they go with.

The author sections the recipes by movie genre, including "Romance," "Action and Drama," "Horror" and "Comedy." Each suggested platter comes with detailed directions for how to prepare and stage your culinary creation, and by the end y,ou could easily qualify for a Masters in Charcuterie.

We also appreciate that she includes some recommended cocktails as well, such as our personal favorite, the French 75, which she pairs with viewing "Casablanca" ("Here's Looking at You, Curd"). There's something satisfying about curling up on the sofa with a bowl of dip and a drink and saying the dialogue Bogart is about to speak. Yes, we have seen it that many times, and it never gets old.

The accompanying photographs are art in themselves, and will inspire you to jump right in. Now, whether the finished product looks like the photo may take some practice. But doesn't everything worthwhile?

With the holiday movie season coming up, your mission -- should you decide to accept it -- is get this book and get ready to snack. And as the author says, "May the Fromage Be With You."

                                                          "Once Upon a Rind in Hollywood" is available on Amazon.

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