Mini Floral Toasts

Mini Toast Canapes:

Elevate your culinary repertoire and transform your canapé menu into a visual and gastronomic art piece with my enchanting Mini Floral Toasts.

These bite-sized pieces are not just canapes; they are a celebration of creativity, simplicity, and the Mediterranean sunshine.

Carefully assembled and presented with style, these canapés are destined to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

A combination of colour and creativity producing a ‘pretty as a picture’ result.

The simplicity of these mini floral toasts lies in their assembly, yet the result appears like you have spent hours in the kitchen.

These appetisers are a testament to the beauty that can be achieved with a handful of fresh ingredients.

Each bite promises a balance of textures and tastes that will leave your guests in awe.

Served on a foundation of mini toasts, these mini floral toasts are carefully adorned with a colourful array of rainbow cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, fragrant basil leaves, and the pièce de résistance – marinated feta.

The combination of these elements not only teases the tastebuds but also paints a picturesque scene on the plate, reminiscent of a blooming garden bathed in sunshine.

The execution of these gourmet bites allows for creative interpretation.

While I recommend mini toasts as the base, the possibilities are endless – any biscuit or bread base will suffice.

As for the creamy element, the choice is yours to make.

Whether it’s the silkiness of burrata, the creaminess of cream cheese, the tanginess of feta, the velvety texture of ricotta, or the earthy goodness of hummus, each option will bring its unique flair to the dish.

The beauty of these canapés lies not only in their aesthetic appeal but also in their versatility and sophistication.

Assembled in a mere 30 minutes, they are the epitome of elegance without the fuss.

Perfect for any occasion, be it a soirée, a casual get-together, or a formal event, these mini floral toasts effortlessly marry the crispiness of the base, the creaminess of the cheese, and the freshness of the cherry tomatoes and basil.

So, surprise your guests, let these stunning bites be the highlight of your party, and get ready to embark on a gastronomic journey that seamlessly fuses beauty and flavour with every delicious mouthful.

Indulge in the artistry of taste and presentation – it’s time to savour the elegance of these Mini Floral Toasts!

Mini Floral Toasts

(Serves 12 Prep 30)

You Will Need:

• Mini Toasts (or any biscuit or bread base of your choice): Mini toasts are small, crisp bread slices that provide a crunchy foundation for your canapé. They are typically made from sliced baguette or other types of bread, toasted until golden brown and crispy. Mini toasts add a gorgeous crunch to appetisers and canapes, serving as the perfect vehicle for showcasing a variety of flavours and textures. Most supermarkets in Australia stock these.
• Soft Cheese Options:
• Burrata: Burrata is a soft Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a creamy, luscious texture and a delicate flavour and is characterised by its soft, creamy interior that oozes out when sliced, making it a pretty luxurious addition to your appetisers and also other things like salads.
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a smooth, velvety spreadable cheese with a mild, tangy flavour. I use it a lot for appetisers.
• Marinated Feta: Marinated feta is feta cheese that has been soaked in a flavourful marinade, typically made with olive oil, herbs, and spices. It has a tangy, salty flavour with hints of garlic, herbs, and citrus. This is what I have used on this occasion.
• Ricotta: Ricotta is a creamy Italian cheese made from whey leftover from the production of other cheeses. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour and a smooth, creamy texture.
• Hummus: Hummus is a creamy dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a nutty, savoury flavour with hints of garlic and lemon. Very versatile and makes a good addition to many appetisers.
• Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes (red & yellow work well together): Rainbow cherry tomatoes, come in a variety of colours, including red, yellow, orange, and green. They have a sweet, juicy flavour and offer a visually appealing colour contrast. Try to get multiple colours but you want the round cheery tomatoes not the grape tomatoes.
• Stuffed Green Olives: Stuffed green olives are green olives that have been pitted and filled with various savoury fillings, such as cheese, garlic, peppers, or almonds. They add a tangy, briny touch to your appetiser but also aesthetically work well for the centre of your tomato flowers.
• Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds are tiny, nutty seeds derived from the sesame plant. They come in various colors, including white, black, and brown. Sesame seeds are quite rich in flavour, with a crunchy exterior and a subtle, nutty taste. They are perfect for round the centre of your flowers to given it a more realistic look.
• Basil Leaves: Not only do Fresh basil leaves give an aromatic flavour to your appetiser, but the resemble actual leaves of a flower – you only needs 1 per canapé.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mini Toasts Base: Lay out the mini toasts as the base for your floral creations. Alternatively, choose any biscuit or bread base that suits your taste.
2. Select Your Creamy Element: Spread a layer of your chosen soft cheese on each mini toast. Marinated feta ties all the flavours nicely, adding a depth of flavour but there are a number of options here, these are the ones I think would work best: burrata, cream cheese, Persian feta, ricotta, or hummus. This will add a creamy and rich texture to your canapés.
3. Create Rainbow Cherry Tomato Flowers: Slice the red cherry tomatoes into quarters, without cutting all the way through. Next, gently spoon out the seeds being careful not to break off the petals. Cut the yellow cherry tomatoes into quarters the same way , without cutting all the way through and then gently scoop out the seeds. Then use some kitchen scissors to cut the yellow tomato (petals) in 1/2 again to make 8 petals without cutting all the way through. put the yellow flower inside the red flower. Arrange them on a plate or bread board, while you prepare your toasts.
4. Adding the Flower centre: take a stuffed olive and slice a small amount off the base to create a flat surface instead of rounded & place in the centre of the flower. (you want to be able to see the stuffing)
5. Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: With a teaspoon, Generously sprinkle black sesame seeds around the olive. This makes the flower look more realistic & introduces a contrasting visual element.
6. Garnish with Basil Leaves: Place fresh basil leaf strategically on each toast under your flower, mimicking the real life leaves of a flower. The aromatic basil will infuse a fragrant note into each bite.
7. Serve and Impress: Your Mini Floral Toasts are ready to take center stage at your gathering. These versatile and sophisticated canapés can be assembled in just 30 minutes, allowing you to effortlessly wow your guests with both style and taste.

Helpful Tips

• Try to avoid grape tomatoes as cherry tomatoes are more uniform in shape & easier to stand up.

• Use a sharp knife or a sharp edged teaspoon to scoop out the seeds just being careful not to break off the petals.

• Any soft cheese could be used for this appetiser eg Burrata or ricotta or a humous- many options but you want to balance crispy, creamy & fresh.

• Black poppy seeds would make a suitable substitute to black sesame seeds or even Nigella seeds.

• You could use any biscuit / bread base but once you add the marinated feta you want to serve them so the toasts don’t go soggy.

• The flowers could be prepared ahead of time & stored in an airtight container leaving assembly of the canapé until just prior to serving.

Recipe

(serves 12 Prep 30 mins)

Ingredients

• 12 Red Cherry Tomatoes
• 12 Yellow Cherry Tomatoes
• 12 Stuffed Green Olives
• Black Sesame Seeds
• 12 Basil Leaves
• Marinated Feta
• 12 Mini Toasts

Method

1. With a sharp knife, cut the red cherry tomatoes across the top into quarters without cutting all the way through
2. With a teaspoon or sharp paring knife, gently scoop out the seeds
3. Do the same with the yellow cherry tomatoes but after scooping out the seeds, cut each ¼ in ½ again with scissors without cutting all the way through
4. Carefully place the yellow tomato flower inside the red tomato flower
5. Take a stuffed green olive and cut across the bottom so as it can sit flat
6. Place an olive in the centre of the tomato flower
7. With a teaspoon gently tip the sesame seeds around the centre of the flower
8. Arrange 12 mini toasts on a bread board
9. Place a small amount of marinated feta and gently spread evenly on the toast 
10. Place a basil leaf on one side of toast and gently place the flower in centre
11. Arrange on a serving dish
12. Serve & enjoy!!

Wine Pairing Suggestions:

Prosecco or Champagne: The effervescence and crisp acidity of Prosecco or Champagne cut through the creaminess of the soft cheese and enhance the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Choose a brut or extra brut style for a perfect balance.

Sauvignon Blanc: A Sauvignon Blanc with its zesty acidity and citrus notes can complement the bright and fresh flavours of the cherry tomatoes and basil. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc from regions like New Zealand or the Loire Valley.

Rosé: A dry rosé, especially one with notes of red berries and floral aromas, can enhance the overall experience of the floral toasts. The versatility of rosé makes it a great option for a wide range of canapés.

Chardonnay: Opt for an unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creaminess of the soft cheese. The subtle notes of citrus and apple in the wine can enhance the overall balance of the dish.

Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is known for its light and refreshing profile, making it an excellent choice for these canapés. It won’t overpower the delicate flavours but will provide a clean and crisp palate.

Grenache Blanc: A Grenache Blanc, with its medium to full body and stone fruit flavours, can provide a lovely contrast to the creamy and fresh components of the canapés.

Sparkling Rosé: If you want the best of both worlds – the effervescence of bubbles and the charm of a rosé – go for a sparkling rosé. It adds a touch of celebration to your gathering.