5 Quick and Easy Hors d’oeuvres

by | Dec 5, 2018 | Tips And Techniques | 0 comments

5 Quick and Easy Hors d’oeuvres

 

When time is at a premium, having an easy hors d’oeuvre or two at the ready is essential. These 5 quick and easy hors d’oeuvres use items purchased at a favorite deli or market to make tasty snacks that require only a bit of measuring and mixing, no cooking.

When selecting pre-made items at the market, look for those that have low or no added sugar, are free of any food allergens that require your attention, as well as have the least number of additives.

 

1. DOLMADES with CUCUMBER-DILL SAUCE

  • Purchase pre-made dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) from the deli or market. Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Prepare cucumber-dill sauce and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Arrange dolmades on the serving platter and serve alongside the cucumber-dill sauce. 
CUCUMBER_DILL YOGURT SAUCE
Approximately 1 cup of sauce1/2 English cucumber, peeled, shredded
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 – 2 green onions, white parts only, minced
2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepperIn a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and mix well. Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

2. SMOKED SALMON WITH BOURSIN CHEESE

For Salmon Rolls: spread a layer of Boursin Cheese on a slice of smoked salmon, roll and secure with a toothpick.

To serve on a cracker or cocktail bread: spread a layer of Boursin Cheese on cracker or cocktail bread, top with a slice of smoked salmon, and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped herbs.

 

 3. CRAB SALAD STUFFED ENDIVE

  • Purchase prepared crab salad from the deli or market, along with fresh endive leaves.
  • Carefully separate, wash and thoroughly dry the endive leaves.
  • Stuff each leave with 1 – 1 ½ tablespoons of crab salad and arrange on a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and lemon slices.

 

4. TORTELLINI SKEWERS with ROASTED RED PEPPER AIOLI

  • Purchase pre-made tortellini from the market, cook as directed, and cool. String 1 – 2 tortellini onto mini-skewers and store in a covered container until ready to serve.
  • Prepare aioli and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Arrange skewers on the serving platter and serve with aioli. 
ROASTED RED PEPPER AIOLI
Makes approximately 1 1/2 cups1 large egg (at room temperature)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (no added sugar) or ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 cup avocado oil
1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
1 – 2 large roasted red pepper (from a jar; no added sugar), drained, pressed dry
1 clove of garlic, peeled, cut into 2 – 3 pieces
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)1. Place the egg, olive oil, mustard, and salt into the bowl of a food processor or blender.  Process until smooth and well combined.  Remove the cover, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and replace the cover.
2.  Remove the small cup or piece that seals the hole in the center of the cover.  With the food processor or blender running, very slowly drizzle the avocado oil into the mixture through that small opening in the cover.  The mixture will begin to emulsify and thicken as the oil is slowly added.  Continue processing until all oil is added, plus about 10 seconds more.
3.  Add the lemon juice and process for an additional 10 seconds.  The mixture should be fully emulsified.  It will continue to thicken as it is chilled in the refrigerator.
4.  Add the red pepper and garlic to the food processor and blend until completely incorporated and smooth.  (It will continue to thicken as it is chilled in the refrigerator.)
5. Transfer aioli to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend.  Refrigerated aioli will last approximately 1 week.

 

5. CHEESE-STUFFED DATES OR FIGS

  • Stuff individual dates with any desired soft cheese (goat, blue, cream, feta, other).
  • Top with a walnut or pecan half OR wrap with a strip of thinly sliced prosciutto.
  • Arrange on a serving platter and drizzle with good quality, thick balsamic vinegar.

 

A FEW GOOD PANTRY ITEMS TO HAVE ON HAND

  • Mixed Nuts
  • Assorted Olives
  • Interesting Cheeses
  • Assorted crackers and/or Breadsticks
  • Cold Meats (charcuterie)
  • Cooked Shrimp and Cocktail Sauce
  • Fresh Fruit and Dried Fruit
  • Pickled Vegetables
  • Mustards and Jams or Spreads
  • Tortilla chips
  • Flavorful salsas

 

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