Quick And Easy Canapés To Make Ahead For Events

This seems an odd post to write when life is on hold and events and gatherings seem a glorious memory of the past? However I decided to write this post with suggestions ‘Quick And Easy Cold Canapés To Make Ahead Of Events’ after a conversation with a friend last week.

She was telling me how she had to cancel the annual Christmas family meal. But that she was still determined to make Christmas special. We never go out at Christmas, it’s been a rule since the boys were little, that we have the day at home. Anyone is welcome here but we go nowhere.

Thus it occurred to me that there will be so many people wondering just how to make Christmas a little special?

For me it’s all about being home with family. However we aim for Christmas Dinner to be a bit of an event, but not an effort. A lot of that is down to preparation.

Easy Canapés To Make Ahead

For me the key to making quick and easy canapés is choosing something we will all love. Our teens adore canapés, and feel its a bit of an event which is perfect for a midday snack on Christmas Day, or preparing for a dinner party when life gets back to normal.

However, we are trying to have themed food evenings at the weekends to make more of an event of eating together. For me, part of getting through this is making food fun whether it’s smoothie making, a curry night, Chinese or Saturday afternoon canapés.

Also making your canapés in advance is a great idea, especially if it’s for an event. As I was making this little lot, I had a teenage boy trying to help, to be more acurate, he was trying to pick at the ingredients.

Making ahead allows you to to enjoy a glass of fizz and feel relaxed as you serve, rather than harassed and trying to tidy up as the family digs in!

Shopping List For Quick Easy Canapés

• 1 French Stick
• 2 Panini’s
• Low fat cream cheese
• A Handful of cherry tomatoes
• Sliced cucumber
• Caviar (Optional but we buy a great one from Amazon for £12.00 and our teens love it!)
• Parma ham
• Salami
• Smoked cheese
• Mozzarella
• 2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Mint leaves to garnish

How Many Canapés Should You Serve Per Person?

The general rule is between 6 and 8 per person. However if you make you canapés on French stick do consider they may be larger than regular canapés, so factor about 4 per person.

How To Make Quick And Easy Canapés

Start by slicing the French stick into thin slices.

Next slice the panini’s into 2 and then cut into small 1inch squares.

Now put the olive oil into a bowl and grind in some salt to season.

Lay the bread out on a baking tray and brush it with the salt and olive oil before placing into a hot oven at 140° for around 10 mins, you want the bread to go crispy but still be soft in the middle. Take out and allow too cool.

whilst the bread is cooling prepare all of your topping on a board ready to build.

Once cooled, start building your canapés, now you can just freestyle it and build what works for you. Or these are the combinations that we like. Which I also find are perfect quick and easy canapés to make for impatient teens!

Easy Canapé Suggestions

• Cream cheese with a little caviar, garnished with a small mint leaf.
• Mozzarella sliced with salami and tomato.
• Mozzarella sliced with salami and cucumber.
• Cream cheese, smoked salmon and slice cucumber.
• Mozzarella and tomato garnished with a small mint leaf..
• Cream cheese wrapped in parma ham.
• Just caviar ( just for our boys)