Our friend Marylou wrote to me with a suggestion for a post.
She asked for appetizer and hors d'œuvre recipes "that one might prepare and take to Christmas parties that won’t take two days to prepare nor cost like the cable bill."
Since it is the season for all variety of holiday parties, I think she is on to something!
I have done a number of really simple appetizers on Cocoa & Lavender but sometimes, especially for new readers, it's nice to offer a refresher. Thus, here are some links to some of my favorites. Just click on the recipe name and it will open a new window with that post featuring photographs and a recipe.
Caponata - a family favorite that serves a lot of people. Shown here as a first course, Caponata may also be served with bread or crackers as an appetizer.
Chorizo-stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon - a Southwest favorite.
Cicchetti al Tonno e Cacao - an unusual idea we picked up in Venice.
Tuscan Kale Chips - healthy and really tasty.
Tuna Pâté - a buttery take on tuna rillettes.
White Bean Purée - an herbed Italian dip or spread.
Finally, I leave you with two of my mother's holiday favorites. The first is her Salmon Pâté, which can be presented simply as shown or, for the ambitious with time on their hands, it can be molded into the shape of a fish and topped with thinly sliced cucumbers like fish scales. The second recipe is for her Marinated Mushrooms – delightful, and light!
Markipedia and I wish you a happy, safe, and love-filled holiday!
~ David
Salmon Pâté
1 small onion or 1 large shallot
2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1 pound cooked, skinless salmon filet
8 ounces cream cheese
3 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon (generous) horseradish
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill weed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, or 1/2 teaspoon Pimentón (smoked paprika)
dash Tabasco sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper
cucumber slices for serving
Mince onion and cook in butter until clear. Put sautéed onion and remaining ingredients (except cucumber slices) in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade and pulse several times to blend. Once the ingredients are evenly mixed, purée until smooth. That’s it!
This pâté may be served in a bowl, or mounded and decorated with thinly sliced cucumber slices.
Serves 10-12.
Marinated Mushrooms
1 pound small button mushrooms
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Clean mushrooms and pat dry. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over mushrooms in a glass or ceramic bowl. Cover and let marinate overnight.
Serves 6-8.
Labels: appetizers, caponata, chorizo-stuffed dates, cicchetti with tuna and cocoa, easy, holidays, hors d'oeuvres, kale chips, marinated mushrooms, salmon pate, tuna pate, white bean puree
