We decided the most helpful thing we could do this week would be to give you a hand in the kitchen at your Christmas party. To our joy, Felicity Cloake, who does those brilliant, obsessive-in-a-good-way recipe features in The Guardian, agreed to show us a few dead-easy party canapés.
‘There’s no need to be too inventive at Christmas,’ says Felicity. ‘When you’ve got people coming for drinks, you simply want classics that will make them feel festive. But that doesn’t just mean crisps and mince pies.’ These snacks are delicious, Christmassy and, crucially, can be knocked up when you’re a bit giddy and wearing a crown out of a cracker.
Chicory boats with Stilton, pecans and port drizzle
Ingredients for about 25 servings
- 100ml port
- 50g caster sugar
- Black pepper
- Two heads of chicory, leaves separated
- 100g Stilton, crumbled
- 100g pecans, roughly chopped
‘These work well for a smaller drinks party. Nuts and blue cheese is a classic combination, and the port reduction gives it a Christmas twist – you could add cloves or orange peel, too, if you like. If you’re not keen on the bitterness of chicory, use cos lettuce hearts instead.’
Scandinavian salmon pate
Ingredients for about 50 servings
- 150g cream cheese
- 100g crème fraîche
- 75g smoked salmon trimmings
- 2 tbsp finely chopped dill
- Good squeeze of lemon juice
- 1tbsp roughly chopped capers (optional)
- Rye crackers, to serve
‘Smoked salmon is ultra-Christmassy, and this makes a nice change from blinis. I used Ryvita – much underrated – or the Peter’s Yard crispbreads are very good. If you can’t find dill, use chives or even parsley.’
Sticky Chinese sausages
Ingredients for about 18 servings
- 250g cocktail sausages
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice
- 1tbsp sesame seeds
‘People just go mad for these. I have a Christmas party every year and make a few trays, and there are never enough. When you’re drinking you really want something hot, savoury, salty, slightly sweet…’
