Little small tasty things

I guess most of you are just about to start thinking about large amounts of food now after all the festivities but i thought i would ease you back in with some nice small canapes. In my opinion if you are entertaining, especially if you are out to impress these are a great idea. They do take a bit of work but the reaction when you bring them out before the meal with some drinks is well worth it.

Chilled gazpacho shots

6 juicy plum tomatoes
1 small white onion
1 small carrot
1 cucumber
1 small red chili
1 can tomato juice
1 cup of fresh chopped mixed herbs including basil, parsley and chives

Very simple this one, place all the ingredients in the food processor and blend until very smooth, about 5 minutes. when finished Pass it through a small strainer and pour into shot lasses and allow to cool for 2 hours minimum in the fridge.

Smoked salmon croutes with lemon and dill creme fraiche

200 grams Irish smoked salmon
6 slices brown or wholegrain bread
50 grams creme fraiche
1 lemon
1 small bunch of dill

Cut about 24 small discs of bread using a cutter or mould and drizzle with olive oil and place in the oven for 20 minutes or until nice and crispy. In a small bowl mix the lemon and the creme fraiche and most of the dill. When the croutes have cooled smear a small amount of creme fraiche on each one. Next split the salmon between all the croutes evenly. Twist each little piece around your finger to make the shape of a flower. Now place a little sprig of dill on each one.

Seared prawn with roasted red pepper and sweet chili

200 grams frozen peeled prawns(fresh are better but to keep it easy use frozen)
1 clove garlic
1 red pepper
1 lime
1 bunch coriander
100 ml sweet chili sauce from a bottle

First roast the pepper in the oven with some olive oil and salt until the skin is literally black. Remove from the oven and place in a bowl and cover with cling film until cool. When it cools peel off the burnt skin and cut into very fine strips. In a hot pan sear the prawns with the chopped up garlic and add the juice of the lime and the chopped coriander at the end. Place the prawn in a little ceramic spoon and place a couple of red peppers on each one. Finally pour a small amount of sweet chili sauce on each one.

Now the recipes are simple here but the key id in the presentation, that is what will blow your guests away! Find a nice tray and place a folded crisp white napkin on it. For the corner of the tray find a nice flower like a lily or rose. Make sure your canapes are all nicely lined up and straight. for a final touch just before serving place a bread stick in each gazpacho shot. Just watch people's faces light up when you carry this tray out before dinner!!

They should look something like this when finished!!