I have been having a blast cooking from a new acquisition, French Appetizers by
Marie Asselin. Full of easy-to-prepare appetizers both sweet and savory, this
book provides all that you need to plan a stress-free event, learning how to
enjoy the cocktail hour in the French way.
The book is divided into seven sections: Basics and Condiments, Small Bites, Savory Cakes and Tarts, Bread Sandwiches and Toast, Terrines, Sweet Bites, and Drinks. Everything you need to plan a party is in this book, all of it doable no matter your level of cooking skill. I have only had this book for a brief time, and it is already well thumbed.
From the tapenade that I’m sharing with you here (there are two other tasty tapenades that you’ll want to try as well), to the Marinated Mushrooms, Chicken and Olive Meatballs, Baked Croque Monsieur, Spiced Madeleines with Salted Caramel Sauce, this book has everything. How does a Salted Butter Caramel sound to you? Trust me, it is as delicious as it sounds
In addition to recipes for tasty cocktails, you will also learn how to make fruit and flower syrups to enhance your own beverages. Besides Simple Syrup, there are syrup recipes for Blackberry Lavender, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Chamomile, Orange Verbena, and Strawberry Hibiscus. If you’re getting the idea that this is a book that you cannot do without, you’re right.
As soon as you are able, run, don’t walk to your local bookstore, or favorite book-buying Internet source, and pick up a copy for yourself; you may also consider mom for Mother’s Day. You will thoroughly enjoy both cooking and nibbling from this book.
The book is divided into seven sections: Basics and Condiments, Small Bites, Savory Cakes and Tarts, Bread Sandwiches and Toast, Terrines, Sweet Bites, and Drinks. Everything you need to plan a party is in this book, all of it doable no matter your level of cooking skill. I have only had this book for a brief time, and it is already well thumbed.
From the tapenade that I’m sharing with you here (there are two other tasty tapenades that you’ll want to try as well), to the Marinated Mushrooms, Chicken and Olive Meatballs, Baked Croque Monsieur, Spiced Madeleines with Salted Caramel Sauce, this book has everything. How does a Salted Butter Caramel sound to you? Trust me, it is as delicious as it sounds
In addition to recipes for tasty cocktails, you will also learn how to make fruit and flower syrups to enhance your own beverages. Besides Simple Syrup, there are syrup recipes for Blackberry Lavender, Raspberry Rose, Lemon Chamomile, Orange Verbena, and Strawberry Hibiscus. If you’re getting the idea that this is a book that you cannot do without, you’re right.
As soon as you are able, run, don’t walk to your local bookstore, or favorite book-buying Internet source, and pick up a copy for yourself; you may also consider mom for Mother’s Day. You will thoroughly enjoy both cooking and nibbling from this book.
Black Olive and Lemon Tapenade
1 cup oil-packed pitted black olives (such as Kalamata), drained (about 5 ounces)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon drained capers
2 anchovy fillets*
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 clove garlic, chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Add all the ingredients to a food processor or use a hand blender. Process or blend until finely and evenly chopped, scraping down the sides if needed. The tapenade will be quite thick and chunky. For a smoother, creamier texture, add an additional 2 tablespoons olive oil and process until desired consistency.
1 cup oil-packed pitted black olives (such as Kalamata), drained (about 5 ounces)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon drained capers
2 anchovy fillets*
1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest (about 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 clove garlic, chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Add all the ingredients to a food processor or use a hand blender. Process or blend until finely and evenly chopped, scraping down the sides if needed. The tapenade will be quite thick and chunky. For a smoother, creamier texture, add an additional 2 tablespoons olive oil and process until desired consistency.
*I used a teaspoon of anchovy paste.
Another fabulous spread is Olive Cheese Spread, one of the most popular recipes on the blog! Try it!
This post contains affiliate links.
Disclaimer: I received a
complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest
review.
