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Find out moreChristmas is the perfect time for entertaining, and nothing makes a gathering feel more special than an impressive spread of canapés. Sophisticated sweet or savoury festive bites are perfect for Christmas cocktail soirées, or as a light starter for dinner parties.
Blinis are small fluffy pancakes that make a classic canapé base and can be topped with almost anything. A festive favourite is smoked salmon and cream cheese – perfect for Christmas topped with fresh herbs, a touch of lemon, or even a dollop of caviar for extra luxury.
Spread creamy goat’s cheese on crisp crostini and top with tangy cranberry sauce or grapes that you’ve roasted in the oven for 15 minutes. The sweet and savoury combination is a festive delight. Add some fresh thyme or rosemary for the perfect finishing touch.
Miniature prawn cocktails in crisp lettuce leaves or small cups are a nostalgic and elegant option. Make an easy, tangy Marie Rose sauce by mixing mayonnaise and tomato puree to set off the succulent prawns.
Fresh figs wrapped in prosciutto offer a delicious balance of sweetness and saltiness. They’re easy to assemble and add a touch of sophistication to your festive spread.
For extra flair, garnish your canapés with festive touches like ruby red pomegranate seeds, finely chopped chives, a sprig of rosemary, or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A few thin slices of radish, some edible flowers, or a dusting of parmesan can elevate any canapé.
A Christmas classic, smoked salmon on blinis with a smooth cream cheese mousse is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Here’s an easy recipe that will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
12 mini blinis (store-bought or homemade)
100g smoked salmon, thinly sliced
100g cream cheese
50g mascarpone cheese
2 tbsp double cream
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped dill
Dill sprigs for garnish
Cracked black pepper (optional)
Lemon zest (optional)
Method:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mascarpone, and double cream. Beat until light and fluffy. Stir in the lemon juice and chopped dill, then season with black pepper.
Warm the blinis in the oven or microwave. Once ready, pipe or spoon a generous swirl of cream cheese mousse onto each blini.
Gently fold or roll the smoked salmon and place it on top of the mousse.
To serve, top with a sprig of fresh dill for a pop of colour. You can also add a touch of lemon zest, a dollop of red salmon caviar, or edible gold flakes for a festive finish.