Vegetarian Chilli Parmesan Potato Bites August 10, 2025August 10, 2025 Memorable Appetisers- For The Love Of Potato: Memorable appetisers don’t necessarily need fancy ingredients, nor be boring and predictable…the good old potato can shine with the best of them. Let’s be honest- potato is always a good idea. Mashed, boiled, roasted, scalloped, fried…whatever the format, it sings to my heart every single time. But, and there is a but, potatoes aren’t the most healthy of vegetables, so even though I love them, I don’t often eat them to be honest. As an appetiser ingredient however? Well, the world is your oyster. So many options here for topping and they are… Continue Reading
Vegan Eggplant Dahl Roll-ups August 4, 2025August 4, 2025 Plant-based Appetiser: Eggplant roll-ups are a plant-based appetiser I’ve been making for a long time, and they never seem to go out of style. Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of fillings- from creamy cheeses like Feta with pesto, to curried lentils (dahl) – and they’ve all had their moment. But more recently, I’ve been leaning into the heartier and more fragrant & vegan: red lentils simmered with spices, aromatics, and a splash of coconut cream. In these vegan roll-ups, eggplant slices act like edible ribbons- soft and pliable once grilled or roasted, they’re the perfect base for… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Chilli Rice Crackers With Avocado & Finger Lime Caviar July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 One Bite Appetisers: Entertaining doesn’t have to be bigger than Ben Hur, in fact, some of the most enjoyable get-togethers I’ve hosted have been the most relaxed- no extravagant spreads, no marathon cooking sessions, just a few one bite snacks, good wine, and people I enjoy being around. That being said though, I do so enjoy going that extra mile and being the hostess with the mostess But the truth is, you don’t need to go over the top to impress. Often, it’s the simple one bite appetisers, done with a little care and attention, that make guests feel like… Continue Reading
Sweet Treats Mini Peach Tartlets July 28, 2025July 28, 2025 Easy Mini Dessert: Sweet pastry appetisers are sure-fire way to end your party with a bang! For the longest time, I completely overlooked desserts when it came to entertaining with bite-sized food. Not intentionally, I’ve just never been overly drawn to sweets…give me cheese over chocolate any day. My platters leaned heavily toward savoury, packed canapés layered in bold flavours, creamy elements, smoky hits, crisp textures- nothing sweet in sight. But then I started noticing that even when guests were completely satisfied- they’d be searching, searching for that sweet finishing note. That subtle craving for “just a bite” of something sweet…. Continue Reading
Seafood Garlic Prawn Spaghetti Bites July 22, 2025July 22, 2025 Bite-size Party Appetisers: Spaghetti might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you’re planning bite-size party appetisers- but it absolutely should be. It’s familiar, comforting, and already sitting in most pantries- so why not give it a bit of a glow-up and surprise your guests with mini party appetisers that are a little unexpected? When you think of pasta, you probably picture big plates and second helpings, not elegant little bites. But with just a tweak in presentation, spaghetti becomes the kind of appetiser that turns heads. Twirl it into neat nests, serve it in spoons, glasses,… Continue Reading
Meat Feta Prosciutto Mini Filo Pinwheels July 21, 2025July 21, 2025 Pinwheel Appetisers: I love using filo as a pastry for comfort food appetisers- it just feels lighter, crunchier, and maybe even a little healthier? There’s something about the buttery layers & flaky texture that gives it a bit of a lift compared to heavier pastries. Whether that’s actually true or just something I tell myself while reaching for another one… I’m okay with it! Ok…so now the buttery layers make it sound unhealthy. Like most pastry-based bites, filo is comforting– there’s that familiar golden crunch and satisfaction with these warm pastry appetisers & everyone enjoys comfort food of sorts. You… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Mini Toasts & Green Bean Pesto July 19, 2025July 20, 2025 Bite-size Beans on Toast: For the purpose of no-fuss canapés, practically any vegetable can be turned into a pesto and beans are no exception. If you’ve never tried a bean-based pesto, this might just be your nudge. It’s textured, packed with protein, and green is one of those colours that make food look appetising & fresh. Pestos are high on my list for easy canapés catering especially for a crowd & especially when you are serving multiple items. Of course the simplicity is exceedingly appealing: toss your ingredients into a processor, blend until combined & a thick paste, and you’re… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Radicchio, Goat Cheese & Caramelised Pear July 14, 2025July 20, 2025 Italian Chicory Appetiser: If you’re looking for colourful bites that turn heads and awaken the tastebuds, this little number with radicchio, whipped goat cheese, and caramelised pear might be your next beloved flavour combo! Radicchio is known for its bold, bitter, slightly spicy edge that can make it a bit of a love-it-or-leave-it ingredient. But when you bring in the right partners in crime- think something creamy, something briny or acidic- it suddenly softens, mellows out, and becomes this beautiful base for flavour layering. That’s exactly what’s going on here with this bitter sweet appetiser. Since Witlof is almost impossible… Continue Reading
Beef Beef & Bacon Skewers July 13, 2025July 14, 2025 BBQ Party kebabs: When you’re feeding a crowd, the goal is always the same- something easy to prepare, simple to serve, and packed with flavour…BBQ Party kebabs are a crowd favourite. These layered beef skewers tick every box. Each skewer is built from thin slices of beef steak, tenderised for that perfect bite. With a generous swipe of horseradish cream, thin layers of eggplant, and salty strips of bacon, each mouthful is savoury, smoky, and hearty enough to satisfy. Once the layers are stacked and skewered, they hit the BBQ for a quick sear on all sides until golden and… Continue Reading
Meat Cucumber Prosciutto Bites July 8, 2025July 8, 2025 Cool Finger Food: When it comes to fresh finger food, cucumber is seriously underrated. It’s one of those ingredients that’s always in the fridge, but on its own, it’s not exactly viewed as anything to write home about. Yet, it quietly brings so much to the party. Cucumber is crisp, clean, subtle in flavour, and pairs beautifully with just about anything you throw at it. In warmer weather, cucumber really does dominate. It’s hydrating, cooling, and gives you that refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of cheeses, meats, Pâté or creamy dips. And if you’re serving anything spicy, cucumber… Continue Reading
Seafood Seaweed Rice Paper Crisps June 30, 2025July 2, 2025 Rice Paper Appetiser: Rice paper has been making the rounds lately…not just for summer rolls, but as light and crunchy crisps that are suddenly popping up everywhere- this rice paper appetiser is another variation. And while they’re a fun way to serve finger food, I think there’s plenty of room to get a bit more creative with them. As always, I find myself looking for ways to add layers of flavour and a bit of personality to a bite, and these little crisp beauties are no exception. Rather than frying up a plain rice paper round and calling it done,… Continue Reading
Meat Seeded Crackers With Whipped Brie & Prosciutto June 23, 2025July 8, 2025 Red Carpet Crackers & Cheese: Let’s be honest- Cheese & crackers are the undisputed heroes of any grazing table & it’s no different when hosting a canapé party. They’re crowd-pleasers, low effort, and always the first to disappear. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t take much to turn these everyday seeded party staples into something worthy of a cocktail soirée. All you need is a crispy cracker base- pick your favourite. Whether it’s a black sesame crisp, sourdough wafer, or a classic multigrain number, the right base gives you a good crunch and a flavour that plays well with others. Now for… Continue Reading