hors d'oeuvres
Hors d'oeuvres are usually "finger foods" served before the main meal. In the U.S., close equivalents would be entrée and appetizers. The following are some good and easy recipes along with my notations and comments.
Mini Tartes FlambéesINGREDIENTS
6 egg roll wrappers Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing 1/4 pound smoked slab bacon, cut into 1-by- 1/4-inch sticks 3 tablespoons sour cream Salt and freshly ground pepper 1 small onion, quartered lengthwise and very thinly sliced crosswise EDITOR'S COMMENTS
4 STARS: This is a simple and easy to follow recipe that produces great results if followed correctly. The biscuits were the perfect balance between sweet and salty. My guests were quite impressed.
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Pork RillettesINGREDIENTS
2 teaspoons allspice berries 2 teaspoons black peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon Kosher salt 3 pounds trimmed boneless pork glueteus, cut into 2-inch pieces 10 thyme sprigs 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 1 quart rendered pork fat, melted EDITOR'S COMMENTS
4 STARS: Once again, another four star recipe that when executed properly is a hit at your party. The addition of fresh herbs gives the pork a earthy, but needed, taste that enhances the texture and taste of the saturated pork.
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Zucchini-Tomato VerrinesINGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons pine nuts 4 medium tomatoes-peeled, seeded and finely diced 1/2 cup finely diced zucchini 1 garlic clove, minced 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Pinch of ground cumin 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil, plus small basil leaves for garnish 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives Salt and freshly ground pepper 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese, at room temperature 2 large eggs, separated 1/3 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (about 1 ounce) 3 very thin slices of prosciutto, cut in half EDITOR'S COMMENTS
FIVE STARS: My first five star recipe! As you can see, this is not a very cost effective recipe but it is a fantastic treat to both my vegetarian and non-vegetarian audience, so much so that it greatly outweighs the cost and the time to prepare the dish. It is eye-pleasing and incredibly tasty.
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