MINI DELIGHTS TO MUNCH & RELISH
Quick fix bites to Impress
Canapes is one word that is associated with the concept of having snacky bite sized starter type preparations with a variety to choose and with flavors and tastes to entice the palate and taste buds.
It is a good idea to plan on a platter of canapes for a get together or event for a change and these are also done cold as well which gives us a little change as well from routine hot snacks and appetizers.
The concept of canapes has four elements to be looked at. First is the base which can either be a cracker like a savory Monaco biscuit, bread slices cut out into fancy shapes using cookie cutters and then fried or toasted. The second one is the spread or the moisture content to be applied in case and that usually is butter or mayonnaise. The third element is the topping of the canapes and from a simple Russian salad to a prawn cocktail salad, a chicken tikka chutney marinates, Achari schezuan jeera aloo topping to a ham and cheese option, the list goes on. The final element is the garnish aspect of this preparation is the garnish of the canapes, something attractive and colorful to add a finesse and focal point in the finished canapes ready to go out and meet with the guests.
There are a number of elements to a canape which start from the base which can be used to hold the toppings, be flexible and be able to be comforting for the user and consumer of the bite sized relishes.
Canape toppings/fillings can be indeed very versatile and can be customized in a number of ways using seasonal ingredients, mix- n – match cuisines, tastes and flavors which can be a good mélange of fusion cooking and most importantly also inexpensive and being able to use leftovers too in a new way.
Here are a few of my favorite Recipes for Mini Munchies!