Blini Appetizers

Blini Appetizers

Blini Appetizers

Blini Appetizers

December 15, 2024 by Kimberly

Tiny pillows of heaven! These fluffy blini with a creamy ricotta base and versatile toppings bring bold flavors and cozy vibes. Perfect for casual nights or fancy parties!

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

40 min

SERVES

20 blini

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Imagine a table full of vibrant, delicious little bites that disappear as soon as you serve them! These foolproof blini are soft, golden mini pancakes topped with a silky ricotta cream that goes with anything. Whether you’re hosting a cozy brunch or an elegant dinner party, these creative toppings take your appetizer game to the next level. From smoky and herby to sweet and nutty, there’s a flavor for everyone. It’s all about the balance of textures, flavors, and a little drizzle of oil magic!

Prepare the blini as mini pancakes, then spread a dollop of the ricotta cream on top and add your chosen toppings. You can serve them pre-assembled for easy grabbing or turn it into a fun DIY setup where everyone can mix and match their toppings. Perfect for any vibe – casual or fancy! You can also prepare the batter and ricotta cream in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The blini pancakes can also be made ahead of time since they’re typically served cold.

Store the blini and ricotta cream separately in airtight containers. Keep the blini in the fridge for up to 2 days. The ricotta cream stays fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Blini Appetizers
Blini Appetizers
Blini Appetizers
Blini Appetizers

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
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Blini Appetizers

Blini Appetizers


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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 40 min
  • Yield: 20 blini

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • pan
  • spatula
  • cooling rack
  • piping bag (optional)
  • kitchen knife
  • cutting board


Ingredients

Units Scale
BATTER
  • 90 grams all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 125 milliliter buttermilk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • oil for frying
RICOTTA CREAM
  • 250 grams ricotta
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • salt & pepper to taste
BLINI TOPPING 1
  • walnuts
  • shallot
  • oil for frying
  • honey
  • chili oil
  • fresh thyme
  • red pepper flakes
BLINI TOPPING 2
  • fresh fig
  • gorgonzola
  • truffle oil
  • chives
  • black pepper
BLINI TOPPING 3
  • cooked salmon
  • red onion
  • capers
  • olive oil
  • fresh dill
  • black pepper
BLINI TOPPING 4
  • pastrami
  • cornichons
  • walnut oil
  • fresh parsley
BLINI TOPPING 5
  • radishes
  • cress
  • basil oil

Instructions

  1. First, we’re making the blini batter. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth, then let it chill for like 5-10 minutes. Once the batter’s had its lil rest, heat up a pan with a bit of oil or butter and spoon in small circles of batter. I usually use 3/4 of a tablespoon. Here’s the pro tip: when you see those cute little holes popping up on the surface, it’s time to flip them. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and gorgeous. Boom, your blinis are born. Pop them on a cooling rack to chill out – no soggy bottoms here.
  2. Grab a bowl and mix the ricotta cream. For this, stir together ricotta, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper until it’s smooth and creamy. Then load it into a piping bag if you’re feeling fancy, or just keep a spoon handy for the easy aesthetic.
  3. Once your blinis are cool, dollop or pipe some ricotta cream onto each one. Get creative – a little swirl, a casual blob, whatever your heart desires. Now they’re ready for toppings.
  4. For Blini topping 1, toast the walnuts in a pan without adding additional fat. Take them out and let them cool. Thinly slice the shallots into delicate rings and fry them in a bit of oil until crispy. Set aside to cool. Add half a walnut onto the blini, as well as about 1 tsp of the crispy onions. Finish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of pink peppercorns. Toss on a few fresh thyme leaves and finish with a few drops of chili oil for a spicy kick that ties it all together.
  5. For Blini topping 2, slice fresh figs into eighths. Place one fig wedge on the ricotta cream, then crumble some blue cheese on the other side – as much or as little as your vibe calls for. Add a few drops of truffle oil, sprinkle with freshly ground pepper, and garnish with a touch of chopped chives to seal the deal.
  6. For Blini topping 3, flake some cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and nestle it onto the ricotta cream. Slice red onions into thin strips, then scatter a few pieces on top along with some capers. Add a few drops of olive oil, a grind of fresh black pepper, and finish with a couple of dill sprigs.
  7. For Blini topping 4, tear thin slices of pastrami into strips, roll them into little spirals, and press them onto the ricotta. Diagonally halve some cornichons and place one half on the blini. Drizzle a few drops of walnut oil for a rich, nutty twist. Top it all off with a sprig of fresh parsley for a classy finishing touch.
  8. For Blini topping 5, thinly slice radishes into delicate rounds and place two slices on one side of the blini. On the other side, gently press on a little bunch of radish cress for that pop of green. Finish with a few drops of basil oil for a fresh, herbaceous flair.
  9. Serve these cute appetizers on a platter and watch them disappear in seconds.

  • Cook Time: 40 min

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Finger Food Beef Wellington

Finger Food Beef Wellington

Finger Food Beef Wellington

Finger Food Beef Wellington

December 1, 2023 by Kimberly

Enjoy the fancy version of Beef Wellington in bite-sized form. Enjoy tender beef wrapped in buttery batter and create a delicious and premium snack. Perfect for adding a touch of class to any gathering or occasion, a simple yet sophisticated treat that everyone will enjoy.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

45 min

SERVES

16 bites

DIET

omnivore

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

Take your event to the next level with these mini beef wellingtons, as a symphony of flavors unfolds with every bite, seamlessly blending mushrooms, Parma ham and a touch of Dijon mustard. This exquisite combination offers a sophisticated taste sensation in each delicious, finger-friendly parcel – perfect for adding a touch of gourmet flair to your party or event.

Present these delicious Beef Wellington finger foods at your Christmas party or on Christmas Eve, for example. These beef bites can be enjoyed on their own or with my spicy Cumberland sauce for an extra festive kick. With their delicious flavors, these canapés will enhance your Christmas party and are an irresistible and perfect addition to your festive table.

To ensure optimum freshness, keep Beef Wellington wrapped in plastic wrap, beeswax cloths, aluminum foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If you plan to store them for longer, freeze them in an airtight container, making sure to separate the layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy the Wellingtons, reheat them in the oven to keep the batter crispy. Defrost frozen Wellingtons in the fridge before reheating to ensure they retain their delicious texture.

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Finger Food Beef Wellington
Finger Food Beef Wellington
Finger Food Beef Wellington
Finger Food Beef Wellington

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

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Finger Food Beef Wellington

Finger Food Beef Wellington


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 35 min
  • Yield: 16

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • sharp knife
  • chopping board
  • food processor if necessary
  • small bowl
  • small pan
  • kitchen basting brush

Ingredients

Units Scale
MUSHROOM FILLING
  • 1 shallot
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 180 grams mushrooms
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley
  • 3 tbsp port wine (or any other red wine)
  • salt
  • pepper
INDIVIDUAL INGREDIENTS
  • 1 store-bought puff pastry
  • 200 grams beef fillet
  • 100 grams prosciutto di parma
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 egg
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the mushrooms and shallot into very small pieces or pulse briefly in a food processor. Finely chop the parsley. Cut the puff pastry into 16 equal squares and tear the Prosciutto di Parma into 16 pieces. Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk it.
  2. Start by heating a large pan over medium heat and add the chopped mushrooms without any fat. Let them cook until all the water has evaporated and they start to brown slightly. This step keeps them from turning mushy later. Once they’re lightly browned, add a tablespoon of butter and stir. Add the chopped shallot and fry together until the shallots are soft. Deglaze the pan with three tablespoons of red wine and let it reduce for about 5–8 minutes until no liquid remains on the bottom. Stir in the chopped parsley, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
  3. While the mushroom mixture cools, heat another pan with one tablespoon of butter and quickly sear the beef fillet on all sides so that it’s browned on the outside but still raw inside. Take it out of the pan, let it rest briefly, and cut it into 16 equal pieces.
  4. Now assemble the parcels: place a piece of Prosciutto on each puff pastry square, leaving a small border around the edges. Spoon about half a teaspoon of the mushroom mixture onto each piece of ham, then place a piece of beef on top. Brush the beef with a little mustard, then roll up the pastry and seal the edges well.
  5. Place all the pieces on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the fridge while you preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). When the oven is ready, take them out, make a few diagonal cuts on top of each piece, and brush with the beaten egg.
  6. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp. If the beef pieces are very thin, they might not stay medium in the center but they’ll still be incredibly tender and melt in your mouth. Serve warm, ideally with Cumberland sauce.
  • Cook Time: 35 min

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Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil

Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil

Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil

Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil

December 2, 2023 by Kimberly

This creamy, festive soup feels like Christmas in a bowl – silky Parmesan, a hint of truffle, and pure comfort. It’s the perfect starter to warm hearts this holiday season.

This website uses affiliate links which may earn commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.

TOTAL TIME

30 min

SERVES

4 portions

DIET

vegetarian

EVERY RECIPE DESERVES

A Little Love Letter

The holidays are all about bringing people together, and what better way than with a soup that tastes like Christmas itself? Creamy Parmesan meets the luxurious touch of truffle, creating a dish that feels both festive and comforting. Whether it’s served as the starter for your Christmas dinner or enjoyed during a cozy evening by the fireplace, this soup is the perfect way to spread warmth and joy. It’s indulgent, simple to make, and guaranteed to be a holiday favorite.

Serve this festive soup as the opening act for your Christmas dinner or alongside a beautiful cheese board for a cozy holiday gathering. Pair it with fresh baguette slices or crispy garlic croutons to complement its creamy texture. For an elegant finish, drizzle a touch of truffle oil and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling apple cider for a complete holiday experience.

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it smooth and creamy. This festive treat is best enjoyed fresh, so savor it while the holiday magic lasts!

Hi, I'm Kimberly!

Hi, I'm Kimberly.

A hopeless romantic when it comes to food. Every recipe I share is a love letter to food itself. I’m so glad you’re here. Make yourself at home and stay a while.

Love,
Kimberly

Kimberly the Zett Signature

If you want to get to know me better,
click here!

 

 

Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil
Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil

LET’S MAKE A PIECE OF HAPPINESS

Print
.tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-8b200edd { position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding-top: 56.3%; } .tasty-recipe-responsive-iframe-container-8b200edd iframe { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0; } clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil

Parmesan Soup with Truffle Oil


  • Author: Kimberly
  • Total Time: 30 min
  • Yield: 4 mains / 8 starters

Description

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • cheese grater
  • two medium pots
  • fine mesh strainer
  • hand blender

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 shallots
  • 1-2 garlic cloves
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp risotto rice
  • 200 grams parmesan (or grana padano)
  • 300 milliliter vegetable stock
  • 300 grams heavy cream
  • 70 milliliter dry white wine
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • truffle oil
  • fresh parsley

Instructions

PREPARATIONS

  • Slice the shallots into thin rings.
  • Peel the garlic and cut it into thin slices.
  • Finely grate the Parmesan.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Melt butter in a pot and sauté the risotto rice, shallots, and garlic for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they look glossy and smell amazing.
  2. Add broth and white wine to the pot, bring it to a boil, and let it reduce over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the liquid is halved.
  3. Pour in the cream, toss in the grated Parmesan, and stir gently over the lowest heat until the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat – it’s all about that smooth, creamy vibe.
  4. Once the risotto rice is soft, blend the soup with a hand blender until it’s silky smooth.
  5. Strain the soup through a fine mesh strainer into another pot. You’ll end up with a little clump of risotto and Parmesan left in the sieve that can be tossed and don’t forget to scrape off the bottom of the strainer for extra flavor! Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve with a few drops of truffle oil and a sprinkle of chopped parsley.
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 25 min

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