An Appetizer to Welcome the New Year

There are so many reasons that I love to celebrate New Years Eve. One of them is that it doesn't require the preparation of a huge banquet meal like Christmas does! Of course I do love cooking, especially for my friends and family, but spending an entire day in the kitchen can be exhausting. Now, I would never dream of hosting a party and neglecting to serve food any kind. For New Years, I love to serve up tasty, creative appetizers that suit the mood of the party.
Champagne is an integral part of New Years celebrations, if you ask me. For this reason I like to prepare foods that compliment the champagne that I serve to my guests. My guests tend to enjoy sweeter champagnes over dryer types, so this year I'm going to prepare a delicious fruit-centered appetizer to play it up. (If you/your guests prefer a dry champagne, I recommend a seafood appetizer to compliment it - like smoked salmon!)

Berry Tartlets are delicious, elegant, and sure to please a crowd. Here's how I do it.

First, I'm going to come right out and admit that I don't usually make my own pie crusts for this. They can be purchased at your local grocery store and are relatively inexpensive. I prefer the smallest size so they are easiest to eat. Simply follow the directions on the package they come in. The recipe below makes about 12 tartlets.

Preheat oven to 400F
Lightly coat twelve 2.5 inch muffin cups with cooking spray

INGREDIENTS
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
12 ounces of mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup whipping cream
1/3 cup lemon curd
1 tsp granulated sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract

METHOD
- In medium bowl combine the 2 Tablespoons sugar and cornstarch
- Stir into mixed berries along with the lemon juice (you don't need to thaw berries if they are frozen - it will mix well as you stir) 
- Spoon filling into pastry shells in muffin cups
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until the pastry is deep golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes. 
- Carefully remove tartlets from muffin cups and let cool completely
- In medium mixing bowl, combine whipping cream, lemon curd, the 1 teaspoon sugar, and vanilla. Beat with a wire whisk or with electric mixer until mixture mounds and is fluffy. Spoon a dollop onto each tartlet.


And you're done! I like to use some fresh sprigs of mint to garnish them, but presentation is up to you!

Winter outside - Summer in your dining room

Well folks, it has been snowing steadily for most of the day today and the wind is ice cold! As much as I am looking forward to the holidays, I can't help but reminisce fondly about the summer time on days like this one.

This got me thinking about what my favourite summer food - cucumbers! Personally I'm a huge fan of this particular vegetable and am occasionally teased by my family for trying to incorporate them into so many of my culinary creations. I admit this may have some truth to it, but they're available all year round and so delicious that I can't help myself!

Here is a tasty recipe for a cucumber-based side dish. Its especially good in the hot summer weather, but don't hesitate to enjoy it through the winter.

Cucumber Salad with Mint and Feta Cheese


INGREDIENTS

• 2 medium cucumbers (English work best because they have thin skins and few seeds)
• 1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

- If you wish, you can start by peeling the skin off the cucumbers. I usually skip this step but some people prefer it without the skin.

- Cut off the ends of the cucumber and then slice in half length-wise. Then slice each half into thin pieces. This step is not set in stone. You may cut the cucumber really however you think you want it to be when you eat it. Just make sure your slices aren't too big or it will be more difficult (or perhaps just messy) to eat. Place your slices in a bowl large enough to toss the ingredients.

- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice salt and pepper. Add this mixture to the cucumbers, tossing while you pour. Then add your feta cheese - the finishing touch! Serve immediately.

This is an easy recipe to play around with, so get creative! Enjoy :)