Literally translated, “Amuse Bouche” means “happy mouth.” Traditionally, these tiny bite-size treats are sent out by the chef to whet diners’ appetites before the main meal.
Here are 10 easy, palate-pleasing ideas for your next get-together.
1. Camembert Bonbons Thinly slice an apple or pear; spread slices with softened blue cheese and sprinkle with chopped nut.
2. Sage Shortbread with Goat Cheese Shape a teaspoon of goat cheese into a ball and roll it in freshly chopped chives.
3. Gazpacho with Herbed Walnuts Fill shot glasses with your favorite soup
4. Bacon, Lettuce & Grape Canapés Rinse and pat dry seedless grapes; cover them with blue cheese and roll them in nuts
5. Award-Winning Crab Cakes Mix up your favorite crab cake recipe and make tiny, 1-inch cakes instead of larger ones; Top with a dollop of tartar sauce.
6. Seared Scallops With Lime Jalapeño Aioli Sear plump, juicy sea scallops in butter with a sprinkle of fresh thyme until they’re lightly browned; top with a 1/4 teaspoon of caviar and serve.
7. Grape Cappers Salad Skewer grape tomatoes and bite-sized pieces of fresh mozzarella cheese; drizzle with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
8. Citrus & Basil Kissed Crab Salad Cut a cucumber into 1” thick rounds; use a teaspoon or a melon baller to scoop out most of the center (don’t hollow it out completely, you need a bottom to hold the filling); fill each round with your favorite seafood salad
9. Baguette With Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers & Basil Slice a baguette into 1/4-inch thick slices; brush the slices with olive oil and grill the bread until it’s golden brown and crisp; top each slice with thinly sliced avocado and chopped, toasted pine nuts.
10. Smoked Salmon on Sourdough with Caper-Dill Relish Spread thinly sliced smoked salmon with goat cheese; sprinkle with chopped, fresh asparagus and finely grated lemon zest.
