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Ingredients
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Smoked Salmon & Herbed Cream Cheese Canapés
Goat Cheese, Honey & Walnut Crostini
Mini Caprese Skewers
Cucumber, Herb & Feta Cups (Vegetarian)
Spiced Beef & Caramelized Onion Bites
Method
Smoked Salmon & Herbed Cream Cheese Canapés
- 1
Prepare herbed cream cheese
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped dill, lemon zest and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and season with a little cracked black pepper to taste. If the cream cheese is very stiff, soften it with 1–2 teaspoons warm water or microwave for 8–10 seconds and stir.
- 2
Assemble canapés
Spread about 1 tablespoon of the herbed cream cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Fold or roll a small piece of smoked salmon and place on top of the cream cheese. Top with 1/4 teaspoon of capers (or one whole small caper), and finish with a tiny sprig of dill and a crack of black pepper. Arrange on a platter and keep chilled until serving.
Goat Cheese, Honey & Walnut Crostini
- 3
Toast walnuts
If walnuts are not toasted, warm a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast, stirring, until fragrant and lightly browned, 3–4 minutes. Remove and chop roughly. Allow to cool.
- 4
Spread and finish
Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of softened goat cheese onto each toasted baguette slice. Drizzle about 1/2 teaspoon honey over each, sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts and a few thyme leaves. Finish with a tiny pinch of sea salt. Arrange on a serving tray.
Mini Caprese Skewers
- 5
Assemble skewers
Thread one half cherry tomato (cut side in), one basil leaf (folded if large), and one mini mozzarella ball onto each small skewer or toothpick. Repeat for all skewers.
- 6
Cucumber, Herb & Feta Cups (Vegetarian)
- 7
Prepare cucumber cups
Slice the cucumbers into 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) rounds. Using a small melon baller or teaspoon, scoop out a shallow cavity from the center of each slice to form a cup, leaving the bottom intact so they hold filling. Pat the rounds dry with paper towel.
- 8
- 9
Fill and garnish
Pipe or spoon about 1 teaspoon of the feta mixture into each cucumber cup. Garnish with a tiny mint leaf or a sprinkle of dill. Chill until serving.
Spiced Beef & Caramelized Onion Bites
- 10
Caramelize onions
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden brown, about 20–25 minutes. In the last 2 minutes add the brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar to deglaze and enhance caramelization. Remove onions from the pan and set aside.
- 11
Cook beef
In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and increase heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, remaining red wine vinegar, salt and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. If excess liquid accumulates, drain briefly. Stir in the caramelized onions and chopped parsley, adjust seasoning to taste.
- 12