Christmas Appetizers

Small festive treats to spark your appetite

When we talk about appetizers, what comes to mind is a celebration or a party around a good table. Starters have evolved over the years, going from the classic canapé on a slice of bread to more elaborate creations, like a butter puff pastry or tartlets with fine herbs.

Much like tapas, which are usually simple dishes (though they can reach more sophisticated levels in so-called gastrobars), appetizers are small portions to whet your appetite, as a snack before the main meal, and can be served either hot or cold. And on the side, you cannot forget a beer, a wine, a sparkling wine or a vermouth.

Let your imagination carry you away and prepare these three creations to delight your party guests. Bon Appetit!

Duck Breast Orange

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 1 orange, zest and juice
• 50 ml of soy sauce
• 50 ml of vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon of refined corn flour thickened with a little water
• 1 duck breast

Step by step preparation

1. Add all of the sauce components to a saucepan on the stove. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
2. Remove some of the fat of the duck breast and cut, without reaching the meat, drawing diamond shapes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat a pan (without any oil) and place the duck fat side down. Keep on high heat for 2-3 minutes before turning, then sizzle for another two minutes. Remove and let the meat stand a couple of minutes before cutting into thin slices.
4. Place some sauce in a spoon with a slice of duck on top. Garnish with a little rosemary and/or fresh thyme and orange zest.

Cod “a la Vizcaína”

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 1 onion
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 slice of bread
• 1/2 teaspoon choricero ​​pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
• 50 ml of water
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 200 g desalted skinless cod
• All-purpose flour
• Salt

Step by step preparation

1. Chop the onion and garlic, heat a little olive oil in a pot, and simmer over low heat.
2. Add the crumbled bread and wait until it browns before adding the choricero pepper and the tomato sauce. Stir and add the water and a little salt. Cook the sauce over medium heat for about 20 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, cut the cod into bite-sized pieces and remove the excess water with a paper towel.
4. Flour the cod lightly, shaking off the excess. Heat a little oil in a pan and grill the pieces of cod evenly.
5. Pour the sauce through a strainer. Place in the clean pot again and add the pieces of cod. Cook for about 5 minutes over low heat, seasoning with extra salt if necessary.
6. Serve very hot in small casserole dishes.

Mini vegetable quiche

Ingredients for 8 servings

• 1 shortcrust pastry
• 1/2 onion
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 zucchini
• 50 g grated cheese (Maasdam, Gouda, Cheddar or similar)
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml of liquid cream
• Salt and black pepper

Step by step preparation

1. Chop the onion, carrot and zucchini.
2. Heat a little olive oil in a saucepan and fry the onion over low heat. Add the carrot and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the zucchini and sauté 5 more minutes. Remove and let cool.
3. Beat the eggs with the cream and add the grated cheese and the cold poached vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cut discs of shortcrust pastry and put them in the mini tartlet trays.
5. Fill with the egg and vegetable mixture and place in the oven, preheated to 180º C (with bottom heat) and cook on the bottom rack for 15 minutes.
6. Cool before unmolding and serving.

‘Harmonies in Flavors and Fragrances’ by Juan Muñoz Ramos.

Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, when smiles flood our communities. The atmosphere, music and attitude of people bring us to a special place.

Well, look what a beautiful moment we can create just with simple canapés in a gathering with friends or family, but never missing the elegance at the table or in the products. To talk about elegance and finesse is to talk about Acqua Panna and, next to it, a cava of the highest quality, such as Finca La Siberia Gran Reserva Pinot Noir. It will always have a better flavor when paired with a smooth Acqua Panna.

Make it a perfect meal with our  Tuna Empanadas… find the step-by-step recipe here!

End this amazing meal with a Black Forest Cake, click here to see the complete recipe.