Canapes

[theporkofpie]

I have got to make some canapes to start the meal on Christmas day and wonder if anybody has any ideas. We are going for dinner with somebody who likes to think she is a bit middle class and is always trying to impress. Anything but the best will not be good enough for her. Any ideas please? I want to do anything that is easy and not too expensive as my husband has been made redundant so times are hard

I'm watching with interest, I have to do canapes on Christmas day but thankfully without any of your complicating factors!

So far I am planning on doing some smoked salmon and cream cheese blinis (boring, I know) and possibly a baked camembert with homemade cheese straws/biscuits.

You don't say how many you are catering for - any more than 6 people and I would avoid anything that needs assembling, better to present a generous mound of something and let people help themselves rather than fiddling with little vol au vent cases or anything like that.

Fancy dip like things I've had at naice parties:
Bagna cauda
Spinach and artichoke dip
Mildly spicy crab dip
Smoked mackerel pate
Bacon and onion and creme fraiche dip (basically flammekuchen topping)
Any of the above could be served with kettle crisps, pita wedges, pieces of toast and/or crudités.

Blini and smoked salmon/fish roe is great but can get expensive for a crowd

Cheese gougeres are gorgeous and best served warm - ditto cheese straws you make yourself with frozen puff pastry, sprinkle with poppy seeds too

A basic mixed nuts tossed with chopped rosemary, cayenne pepper, some melted butter and toasted in the oven, served warm

poshest party I've ever been too served a huge mound of swedish meatballs and a dill and mustard dip - the rather grand hostess boomed "I've just discovered this lovely place called IKEA!"

I love a slice of pear and a piece of Gorgonzola wrapped in Parma ham.

I think blinis with cream cheese/ creme fraiche and a tiny piece of lemon on top are lovely; popular for a reason. Rye bread is an alternative to blinis.

Pepperdew peppers with a piece of feta inside, then grind black pepper over all once on serving dish. Can also do cream cheese.

Baby mozerella balls with a dipping salsa (need to provide cocktail sticks)

Smoked salmon spread with cream cheese with dill, rolled, and cut into wheels.

Some very nice olives can bulk out your contribution.

so far so good. Thanks for your suggestions there a few I like the look of. I was thinking of getting the cookbook out and making my own savoury biscuits etc so you have given me plenty to think of