Today, Alex is all about the little bites: hors d'oeuvres. She starts with pork spare ribs just glazed with a gooey soy and vinegar sauce that create the kind of finger licking you just need a million napkins for. Next, Chinese noodles mixed with a tangy dressing and topped with vibrant scallions. Alex calls this next dish her "oceanic french fry" -- fried squid and topped with a tangy lemon sauce. Plus, tender spears of asparagus blanched and tossed with sesame oil and sesame seeds. It's nutty, earthy, crunchy, and fresh.
Instead of a full meal, try some hors d'oeuvre instead, courtesy of Fritz Sonnenschmidt. Smoked Salmon and Salmon Roe on Crispy Pancakes w/ Horseradish Cream and Pickled Onions; Goat Cheese Canape w/ Sweet Peppers; BBQ Serrano-Wrapped Shrimp; Endive w/ Red Pepper Mousse.
Mary Berg elevates classic party recipes to easily turn out a tray of handy hors d'oeuvres. She kicks up the standard shrimp ring with her Grilled Shrimp Cocktail, served with three dunkable dips for the spicy cocktail sauce fan, the milder herb aioli enthusiast and a crowd-pleasing mix of both. Mary pairs it with her bubbly cocktail, the Grown-Up Float, featuring frozen sorbet and sparkling wine. Rounding out the party platter is a couple of grab 'n go's made for mingling, including a Sausage Roll Wreath with homemade pork and pancetta and Charcuterie Board Popovers that turn a cheese board into pleasant parcels stuffed with meats and cornichons.
What is your favorite - cheese and crackers, deviled eggs or pigs in a blanket? Would you prefer them as hors d ’oeuvres, appetizers or starters? Actually is there really a difference? And can their origins be traced? You bet! If that’s enough of a tease then join Jim O’Connor for the main course on The Secret Life of Hors D’Oeuvres.