Mini quiches Lorraine

(12 to 24 pieces, depending on the size of your muffin or quiche tins)

A classic among French snacks, these small savory tarts are rich in flavor thanks to the combination of bacon, cheese, and a hint of nutmeg.

Ingredients

• 1 roll of ready-made puff pastry or savory tart dough.
• 150 grams of bacon lardons.
• 100 grams of grated cheese (such as Gruyère or Emmental).
• 3 large eggs.
• 200 ml of cream (heavy cream or crème fraîche).
• salt and pepper to taste.
• nutmeg (optional).
• a handful of finely chopped fresh parsley (optional).

Instructions

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
   • Grease a mini muffin tin or small tart pans.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Roll out the dough and use a round cutter (such as a glass or cookie cutter) to cut circles slightly larger than the size of the pans.
   • Place each dough circle into the molds and press lightly to fit.
3. Cook the Bacon:
   • In a skillet, cook the bacon strips until crispy.
   • Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
4. Make the Filling:
   • In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
   • Add the grated cheese, cooked bacon pieces, and parsley (if using). Mix everything well.
5. Fill the Quiches:
   • Bake the mini quiches in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the mini quiches in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
7. Serve:
   • Allow the mini quiches to cool slightly before removing them from the molds.
   • Serve warm or at room temperature.

You can vary the ingredients by using different types of cheese or adding extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Enjoy!

A simple yet flavorful creation that mimics the colors of the French flag, these skewers are both visually appealing and refreshingly delicious.

Ingredients

• 250 grams cherry tomatoes
• 250 grams mini mozzarella balls (mozzarella pearls)
• Fresh basil leaves (about 30, depending on the number of skewers)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic glaze or cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cocktail sticks or small skewers

Instructions

1. Preparation:
   • Wash the cherry tomatoes and let them dry.
   • Drain the mozzarella balls.
   • Wash the basil leaves and pat them dry.
2. Assemble the Skewers:
   • Start with a basil leaf, folding it slightly if needed to fit better on the skewer.
   • Next, thread a mozzarella ball onto the skewer.
   • Finish with a cherry tomato.
3. Serving:
   • Arrange the skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and, if desired, balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!
4. Extra Tips:
   • Variations: Feel free to add other ingredients, such as olives, roasted red peppers, or prosciutto, for added flavor and variety.
   • Make Ahead: These skewers can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
   • Presentation: For a colorful presentation, use a mix of different colored cherry tomatoes (e.g., yellow, red, and orange).
   • Dressing: For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
   • Garnish: Garnish the platter with additional basil leaves or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

Smoked Salmon Rolls with Cream Cheese

This recipe is designed to yield approximately 20 to 30 rolls, depending on the size of the salmon slices and how thickly you spread the cream cheese mixture.

These elegant rolls combine the refined flavor of smoked salmon with the creaminess of cream cheese, enhanced with dill and lemon zest.

Ingredients

• 200 grams smoked salmon (slices)
• 200 grams cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: capers or thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, finely chopped dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
2. Assemble the Rolls:
   • Lay out the smoked salmon slices on a cutting board or clean work surface. If the slices are quite large, you can cut them in half to create smaller rolls.
3. Prepare the Salmon Rolls:
   • Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each slice of salmon. For added flavor and texture, you can add a few capers or thin strips of cucumber at this stage.
   • Carefully roll up each salmon slice. You can leave the rolls whole for a “bite-sized” option or slice them into smaller pieces for a delicate appetizer.
4. Serving:
   • Arrange the salmon rolls on a serving platter. For an elegant touch, garnish with a small sprig of dill or a twist of lemon zest. Enjoy!

Gougères

These airy cheese puffs, made with Gruyère or Comté cheese, are a classic French appetizer that pairs perfectly with a glass of wine.

(about 20 puffs)

Ingredients:

• 125 ml (1/2 cup) water
• 60 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, cubed
• A pinch of salt
• 75 grams (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 70 grams (2/3 cup) grated Gruyère or Comté cheese
• A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• Freshly chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and prepare:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the dough (pâte à choux):

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally until the butter is fully melted and the mixture begins to simmer.
• Add the flour all at once, stirring quickly with a wooden spoon. Continue stirring until the dough pulls away from the sides of the pan and forms a smooth ball (about 1-2 minutes).
• Remove the pan from heat and let the dough cool for 2-3 minutes.

3. Incorporate the eggs:

• Add the eggs one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and slightly shiny.
• Mix in the grated cheese, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using), stirring until well combined.

4. Shape the gougères:

• Use a piping bag or spoon to place small mounds of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• If desired, sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for garnish.

5. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the gougères are golden brown and puffed.
• Avoid opening the oven door during baking, as this can cause them to deflate.

6. Serve:

• Let the gougères cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm as a delightful pairing with wine.

Enjoy these classic French cheese puffs!

Avocado and Cashew Cream Toast

Avocado & Cashew Cream on Toast: A refined symphony of textures and flavors, where plant-based creaminess and sweet figs meld together on a crispy stage. A stylish, sustainable choice for any moment.

Ingredients:

• For the cashew cream:
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 20 minutes
  • 2-3 tablespoons water (for blending)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the avocado toast:
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 4 slices of bread (sourdough or multigrain works well)
  • A handful of microgreens or fresh herbs (such as basil or cilantro)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Olive oil for drizzling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cashew cream:

• Drain the soaked cashews and place them in a blender or food processor.
• Add 2-3 tablespoons of water, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a bit more water if needed to reach a spreadable consistency. Set aside.

2. Prepare the avocado:

• Mash the avocado in a small bowl, adding salt and pepper to taste.

3. Toast the bread:

• Lightly toast the bread slices until golden brown.

4. Assemble:

• Spread a layer of cashew cream on each slice of toast.
• Top with the mashed avocado.
• Garnish with microgreens or fresh herbs, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy this rich and creamy avocado and cashew cream toast!

Cheese: A selection of French cheeses is a must. Think of Brie, Camembert, Comté, Roquefort, and Chèvre. Offer a variety of textures and flavors to create a broad palette for tasting.

Charcuterie: Thinly sliced meats such as saucisson (dry sausage), jambon de Bayonne (cured ham), and pâté are popular choices.

Olives: A bowl of mixed green and black olives, either stuffed or marinated, adds a salty and savory element to the spread.

Nuts: Roasted nut varieties like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios provide a crunchy texture and are a great source of energy.

Crudités: Small bowls of sliced veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber, radishes, and cherry tomatoes with a dipping sauce provide a fresh and light option.

Bread: Different types of bread, such as baguette, focaccia, or rustic country bread, are essential for dipping or as a base for the other items.

Tapenade and spreads: Assorted spreads such as olive tapenade, aioli, or a tomato-basil spread serve as delicious dips or spreads for bread.

Cornichons and pickled onions: Small pickles and pickled onions add a tangy, crunchy contrast that pairs well with the richer flavors of cheeses and charcuterie.

Fruit:

Watermelon: Cubes of watermelon are refreshing and hydrating, and can also be served with feta and a sprig of mint for a delicious combination.

Grapes: Clusters of grapes are a classic choice that pair well with cheese boards and charcuterie.

Figs: Fresh figs offer sweetness and a lovely texture that goes well with cheese, especially goat or blue cheeses.

Peaches and nectarines: Thinly sliced or served in wedges, they add a sweet and juicy option that complements savory bites like ham.

Cherries: Easy to eat, cherries bring beautiful color and sweetness to your apéro.

Berries: A mix of berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries adds a decorative and flavorful touch, working well with both sweet and savory bites.

Apples and pears: Thinly sliced apples or pears provide a crisp, sweet addition, especially tasty with a layer of cheese or wrapped in a slice of ham.