Holiday inspirations

Hors d'oeuvres
Let's get started! When I cater weddings or events here at the inn, I like finger type foods, bite sized. I think it is easier for guests to mingle not having to deal with forks. For the holidays I journeyed through the garden for twigs of pine and holly with the red berries. I used several sizes/heights of trays for a really nice presentation. It doesn't take a large variety just plenty depending on the number of guests. Here are three winners!

Feta phyllo cups
Baked miniature phyllo shells pitted kalamata olives, halved
1 4oz pkg. crumbled feta cheese 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
3 oz cream cheese 1/2 tsp.olive oil
1 egg 1/4 tsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tsp lemon juice 1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp. flour Dashes of cumin, ground red pepper

Cream together the first five ingredients. Fill cups just to the top. Bake @ 325° for about 15 minutes.

Mix together the oil, olives and herbs. Top cups with a touch of the mixture.

Crab salad in cucumber cups

4 cucumbers 1/4 cup mayonnaise
4 teaspoon wasabi paste 2 tbls. fresh lime juice
6 radishes small container of alfalfa sprouts
1/2 lb. jumbo lump crab meat salt and pepper

Use English cucumbers if available. Cut into 1 inch slices using a fluted cookie cutter if you choose. Either way scoop out seeds and center so there is hollow for the filling. Slice radishes in very thin strips. Combine wasabi paste, mayonnaise, lime juice,radishes, salt/pepper to taste. After the mixture is well blended gently fold in the crab so as not to break it down. Fill cucumber rounds with mixture and top with alfalfa sprouts.

I nestled in whole radishes for color. Green and red aceepts made a beautiful tray

Kick up deviled eggs

Boil eggs and let cool. Peel cut and remove yolks. For the yolk mixture, I use bottle ranch dressing, stone ground mustard, horseradish, a squeeze of wasabi paste, salt/pepper. Blend together until creamy. Fill egg whites with the mixture. Plate on serving tray. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper. I tucked in sprigs of holly berry branches for color and fun.

Next time Christmas Eve Soup and Salad!