My favourite way to entertain- and be entertained- especially in the summer, is to host an apéro dinatoire. (Posh drinks and nibbles- or tapas or canapés- call it what you like). Essentially, it is gorgeous little nibbly things to go with drinks which can last ( or be replenished as the evening goes on.)
The great thing about these evenings is that they are often spur of the moment invites- which means you have to raid your cupboards and fridge and rustle up some nifty nibbles from nothing. No planning. No fuss. Just whatever you've got.
So here are my speedy suggestions:
Toasts/ Croques
If you have a loaf of bread ( or ready made toasts) then you can make a start. Just slice, toast, rub with a cut clove of garlic and top with whatever is handy- sardine, tuna or liver paté, grated fresh tomato, or a caviare d'aubergines if you have a bit more time.
Prick 2 aubergines all over and rub with some olive oil then roast whole in the oven for 25 minutes or so until soft and wrinkly.
Aubergines looking tired and emotional |
Scoop out the flesh and mix it with 1-2 crushed cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp honey, some lemon or lime juice, salt and pepper. Spread onto garlicky toasts.
Aubergine Toasts with Gazpacho Verrines |
Mini Croques-Messieurs |
Cold soups in little glasses go down well and are quite fashionable. Gazpacho ( as shown above ) is always popular http://lizsleftovers.blogspot.com/search?q=gazpacho or try a Courgette and Coconut Velouté
Courgette and Coconut Verrine |
If you have a bottle of mayonnaise, a natural yoghurt or some crème fraiche then you have the makings of a dip.
My favourites are mayo mixed with mustard ( great for dipping mini frankfurters), crème fraiche with chilli sauce and chopped coriander or chives for dipping veg or yoghurt with chopped gherkins and olives for a tartare sauce dip.
Or try this hummus-y style dip - made from leftover baked beans!
Blitz 2 tbsp beans with 2 cloves of garlic, juice of a lemon, 1 tsp chilli paste and 2 tbsp olive oil
Lovely for dipping baby potatoes, courgettes, radishes or tortilla chips
Dips and Chips |
It's always worth having a roll of puff pastry in the fridge or freezer for making impromptu titbits. You can make savoury croissants, straws or puffs in a matter of minutes.
For croissants- use a circle of pastry, cut into 16 triangles and each triangle spread with a topping of your choice- sundried tomato paste, pesto, tapenade, curry paste, even Marmite (although Marmite croissants might be a step too far for French guests!)
Croissants spread and ready for rolling |
Mini croissants and cheese straws |
Lay a slice of ham and some grated cheese on top |
Fold in the edges and seal, bake until golden brown and puffy:
I make these with St.Nectaire but it would work with Manchego, Comte, Cantal or Port Salut too.
Just slice some cheese into small cubes:
Dice the cheese |
Lay little piles of the cubes on some baking paper:
Make little piles of cheese |
Crush hazelnuts for sprinkling |
Sprinkle on the nuts as the cheese melts |
What- no nibbles? |