FINGER FOOD:
Bite-sized Snacks to Share with Friends

Katherine Gasparini, Editor

This beautiful little book, on glossy pages, spares no color with lots of tempting photographs. These small foods are rather like non-Spanish tapas, much Mediterranean influence however, and a lot of Asian touches. Several quick, little foods can make up a meal or a delightful snack with someone special. The book is divided into four groups of Finger Foods: Nibbles, Cold, Hot and Sweet. Here’s some of the quicker choices:

Olive Tapenade made with garlic, anchovies, capers, thyme, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil and a little brandy, if you wish.

Spinach Pate is made with butter, coriander cayenne pepper, garlic, scallions, almonds and sour cream.

Corn Salsa with Cumin. Make this with olive oil, jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes and cilantro.

Spiced Soy Crackers. These contain flour, soy flour, garam masala, paprika, olive oil and lemon juice.

Green Mexican Salsa made from tomatillos, onion, jalapeno chili, garlic, cilantro and lime juice.

Warm Cheese Dip. Fix this with butter, scallions, jalapeno chilies, cumin, sour cream and grated cheddar.

Parmesan Puff Straws. For these you need only puff pastry, butter, Parmesan and one lightly beaten egg.

Chicken Liver Parfait needs only butter, shallots, whipping cream, cognac, melba toasts and baby gherkins.

Smoked Salmon Breadbaskets call for sliced white bread, olive oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, fresh dill, horseradish sauce, some salmon roe and dill sprigs.

Spinach and Feta Triangles. Just gather olive oil, scallions, parsley, fresh dill, nutmeg, Parmesan, ricotta cheese, eggs, butter olive oil and phyllo pastry.

Basil Mussels. Cook them with butter, shallots and white wine. Make the Basil Butter with basil leaves, butter, garlic and dry breadcrumbs.

Mediterranean Twists are bread twists made from olive oil, onions, white wine, sugar, Italian parsley, anchovies Gruyere cheese, butter and phyllo pastry.

Toasted Figs in Prosciutto calls for butter, orange juice and sage leaves.

Feta, Arugula and Mushroom Bruschetta calls for Italian bread, garlic olive oil, butter and fresh basil.

For something sweet, yet simple, make Fennel Wafers from sugar, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, flour, olive oil, beer and anisette.

The author states, "Finger Food is fun food to share. Shake off the conventions of cutlery and dig into bite-sized snacks and dips, perfect for taking the edge off of hunger in any dimension."

© Marty Martindale, 2004, Largo FL