Canapés

Canapés are small appetizers ideal for aperitifs or buffets. They can be prepared with various bases (such as slices of baguette, crackers, or savory biscuits) and garnished according to your imagination. Here’s a basic recipe for simple but tasty canapés:

Ingredients

• Baguette or other bread of your choice
• Soft butter or cream cheese
• Smoked salmon
• Capers
• Chives
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon (for juice)

Preparation

1. Start by cutting the baguette into thin slices, about 1 cm thick.
2. Lightly toast the bread slices in the oven or on a grill to make them crispy.
3. Once cooled, spread a thin layer of soft butter or cream cheese on each slice.
4. Cut the smoked salmon into small pieces and arrange them on the bread.
5. Add a caper or two on each canapé.
6. Finely chop some fresh chives and sprinkle over the canapés.
7. Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper on each piece.
8. Finally, squeeze some lemon juice over each canapé for a touch of freshness.

Italian variations:

• You can replace the smoked salmon with bresaola and add a touch of arugula and Parmesan shavings for a truly Italian taste.
• Another option is to use Sardinian Carasau bread as a base, add some fresh diced tomato, buffalo mozzarella, and a drizzle of Genoese pesto.
• Or, you can create a vegetarian version by spreading some Taggiasche olive paté on the bread and garnish with pieces of sun-dried tomatoes in oil.

Curiosity

Canapés are a classic of French cuisine, and the name comes from the French “canapé,” meaning “sofa,” referring to the fact that the ingredients are “sitting” atop the bread base as if they were on a mini-sofa. The versatility of canapés makes them perfect for any occasion, allowing you to play with flavors and create combinations to suit the tastes of your guests.