This year, why not try something a little different and serve your holiday meal in the form of several festive bites? Ideal for more intimate meals, individual bites are usually easy to make and add a ton of variety to your menu. Here are a few original suggestions that are perfect for the holidays.
DELICIOUS DEVILLED EGGS
Devilled eggs are a holiday favourite and can be made with a variety of ingredients: smoked salmon, mushrooms, avocado . . . take your pick! Plus, they’re so easy to make. Simply cook eggs in boiling water for 10 minutes, remove the shells, and cut eggs in half. Next, gently scoop out the yolks, place them in a bowl, add the remaining ingredients and seasoning, and combine until smooth. And finally, place a spoonful of the stuffing into each egg white. In need of some topping inspiration? Swap the traditional bacon with crispy prosciutto or go exotic with some mango chutney and a pinch of curry!
CHARMING COCKTAIL SAUSAGES
Next on the menu? A holiday classic everyone loves—cocktail sausages! There are a million different recipes to choose from, but the traditional maple syrup recipe is always a resounding success. To make them, simply simmer one package of cocktail sausages in one cup of maple syrup for a dozen or so minutes.
BITE-SIZED BLUE CHEESE MUSHROOMS
Next up are these delicious blue cheese-stuffed mushrooms, whose flavours are perfectly highlighted by the crunchy pecan topping! To prepare these tasty bites, remove the stem from your mushrooms, brush the mushroom caps with olive oil, and cook for 12 or so minutes in a 400°F oven. Once cooked, remove from the oven and top with the blue cheese and nuts. Put back in the oven (375°F) for another 12 minutes or so.
SUCCULENT HONEY-GLAZED SHRIMP
Sophisticated and delicious, these shrimp bites are bound to steal the show! For the marinade, combine two tablespoons of honey, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce in a small pot. Bring to a boil and let reduce three to four minutes. Meanwhile, place the shelled and deveined shrimp on wooden skewers and cook in a 450°F oven for a few minutes. Finally, brush the shrimp with the marinade and sprinkle with a handful of sesame seeds.
TASTY TARTARE ON TORTILLA CHIPS
Another great dish to serve as a bite is salmon tartare. Instead of plating it in a verrine, place a small quantity of tartare on tortilla chips and top with a teaspoon of fish eggs. These bites can be made in just a few minutes . . . and are bound to disappear just as fast!
FABULOUS FIG AND GOAT CHEESE TARTINE
This elegant bite is the perfect way to end your holiday meal! Simply spread a layer of goat cheese on slices of brioche bread, top with a slice of fig, and drizzle with honey. Next, bake in a 450°F oven for a few minutes and enjoy!
