Sweet Treats Apple Raspberry Roses April 5, 2024May 12, 2024 Apple Raspberry Roses Looking for a sweet treat option for the end of your social event? These apple raspberry roses are a perfect way to finish off and a perfect balance of sweet & tart in my view. Thin apple slices soaked in lemon juice and rolled into a buttery pastry with raspberry jam, creating little roses, dusted in icing sugar. Just enough sweetness to serve with a dessert wine or liqueur. These semi-sweet party treats only take 15 mins to prepare, then 30 mins to cook. There are many variations for these apple roses. They have been a popular… Continue Reading
Seafood Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon April 5, 2024April 25, 2024 Spicy Avocado Tartlets with Smoked Salmon Whether you’re hosting an elegant soirée or a casual gathering, these canapés are sure to be a favourite. Their presentation on the plate adds a touch of sophistication to your spread, while their bold flavours leave a lasting impression on your guests. With just 20 minutes of preparation time, these appetisers are not only delicious but also convenient, allowing you to focus on enjoying the company of your loved ones and creating memorable moments together. What makes these easy party appetisers even more appealing is their ability to combine traditional flavours in a contemporary… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Cucumber Roses 2 Ways March 26, 2024April 25, 2024 Healthy Party Snacks There are numerous ways to prepare these cucumber appetisers. I’ve opted for two variations—one vegetarian and the other featuring ham. I realise I’ve been sharing a lot of vegetarian recipes lately, but I assure you I’ll be posting more with meat and seafood soon. Feel free to substitute ingredients and include additional items according to your preferences. Nothing beats the delicious combo of crispy, crunchy, creamy, and fresh textures all in one dish, with a special emphasis on fresh. Australia boasts an incredible array of fresh ingredients, and I love showcasing them in my recipes. These healthy… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Mushroom Vol-Au-Vents March 18, 2024May 29, 2024 Mushroom Vol-au-vents The humble vol-au-vent may be perceived by some as outdated, but it remains a practical way to infuse flavours into bite sized appetisers. Despite its traditional reputation, these mushroom vol-au-vents are a modern twist that exemplifies convenience and versatility. Preparing mushroom vol-au-vents is a breeze, making them an ideal make-ahead option that can be conveniently frozen in an airtight container. These meaty vegetarian treats boast an en trend combination of mushrooms, herbs, and garlic, all enveloped in a creamy umami sauce that showcases this underrated fungi. Gone are the days of laborious preparation; the mushroom vol-au-vents offer a… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Grilled Nectarine Crostini with Raspberry Balsamic March 10, 2024May 8, 2025 Grilled Nectarine Crostini With Raspberry Balsamic Another variation of the versatile crostini, with an explosion of flavour. Sweet and savoury and a colourful addition to your menu, lift your entertaining game by creating these succulent bites. This canapé combines toasted sourdough slices, slathered with cream cheese (or burrata) and topped with grilled nectarine for a natural sweetness, blackberry, basil and a raspberry balsamic drizzled on top. Complementing this, the burst of blackberry, the aromatic essence of basil, and the subtle tanginess of raspberry balsamic come together to create a harmony of taste. A gorgeous taste combination, try these Grilled Nectarine… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Mini Floral Toasts March 9, 2024July 17, 2025 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… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Curry Cheeseball Bites March 4, 2024May 7, 2024 Curry Cheeseball Bites If you have ever tried a cheeseball with crackers, this is a smaller variation of that. Delicious, creamy curry cheeseball served with fresh cucumber and crispy bread stick. Indulge! My Curry Cheeseball Bites promise to elevate your taste experience. These bite-sized wonders are not just simple to make, but they also embody the perfect fusion of creamy, cheesy richness, a touch of spice, and an optional crispy bacon finish. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick appetiser to impress your guests, these bites are the epitome of quick & easy party snacks, leaving your… Continue Reading
Vegetarian Sun-dried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi February 23, 2024April 11, 2024 Sun-dried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi Indulge in a culinary symphony with my Sun-dried Tomato & Goat’s Cheese Gnocchi, a dish that effortlessly marries bold flavours and luxurious textures. This recipe, is apt to serve a gathering of 20 & transforms humble fresh gnocchi into a gourmet appetiser. The velvety richness of goat’s cheese harmonises with the intense sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, while the addition of macadamia nuts introduces a delightful crunch. A fragrant garlic-infused pesto envelops the pillowy gnocchi, creating a comforting and irresistible medley. This ensemble is elevated with Parmesan and fresh basil, adding layers of savoury depth…. Continue Reading
Meat Stuffed Tomato & Spicy Salami Antipasto February 20, 2024April 30, 2024 Stuffed Tomato & Spicy Salami Antipasto This vibrant and flavourful appetiser is a tasty addition to any gathering, boasting a perfect balance of spicy salami, fresh basil, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy bocconcini, and a hint of sun-dried tomato. Ideal for serving a crowd, this recipe yields 20-24 skewers that are as visually appealing as they are delicious. Perfect for entertaining & so quick to prepare, these stuffed tomato & spicy salami antipasto skewers effortlessly blend the robust kick of salami with the creamy richness of bocconcini and the garden-fresh allure of basil and tomatoes. Serve these stuffed tomato & spicy… Continue Reading
Seafood Zucchini & Smoked Salmon Involtini December 5, 2023March 16, 2025 Zucchini & Smoked Salmon Involtini The concept of “involtini” is truly versatile and enticing. In Italian cuisine, “involtini” refers to any type of roll-up dish, offering a heavenly combination of flavours and textures. This variation involves thin zucchini ribbons filled with a velvety mixture of cream cheese, dill, capers, fresh lemon & lime zest, and then carefully rolled into the shape of a delicate rose. The vibrant colours and refreshing flavours make these zucchini involtini a stunning addition to any gathering, creating a beautiful presentation that instantly sets the stage for an enjoyable meal. What’s more, despite their elegant appearance,… Continue Reading
Seafood Grilled Prawns With Jalapeño & Avocado December 5, 2023April 8, 2024 Grilled Prawns With Jalapeño & Avocado Alright folks, wrap your taste buds around this one, a balance of flavour, colour and texture. I think this is one of my favourites at the mo! : a symphony of punchy flavours dancing on your palate. Fresh and zesty, with that jalapeño kick! These grilled prawns with jalapeño & avocado are infused with the tangy zest of lime, the spice hit of jalapeño, the earthy notes of coriander & the velvety creaminess of avocado all in perfect harmony. But wait, there’s more! The pièce de résistance, the crown jewel if you like, –… Continue Reading
Meat Lamb Bites With Mint & Coriander Pesto December 5, 2023March 17, 2024 Lamb Bites With Mint & Coriander Pesto The harmonious blend of flavours in this dish creates an unforgettable culinary journey. Though it demands a bit more preparation time due to its multiple components, the end result unquestionably justifies the effort invested. The delicious taste of seared lamb backstrap paired with the lively notes of coriander and mint pesto forms a culinary match made in heaven. This flavour-packed combination is not only amazing but also remarkably simple to execute. While there’s a slightly extended preparation time owing to the multiple elements in the dish, the payoff is well worth it. A… Continue Reading