5 unusual appetizers that will decorate any festive table

When making a menu for a holiday, we want to prepare original and unusual dishes. After all, in this case we can please our guests, treat them with something interesting. And appetizers occupy a special place. If you are tired of the usual dishes, we at joy-pup offer recipes for unusual appetizers for a festive table.

Tartlets with avocado mousse and shrimp

These crispy tartlets will be a real find for lovers of seafood and fresh vegetables. Delicate avocado mousse with a light citrus accent goes well with shrimp.

Ingredients:

• Ready-made tartlets
• 2 avocados
• 200 g boiled shrimp
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt, pepper to taste
• Olive oil for serving

Preparation:

• Peel the avocado and mash it into a puree, add garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
• Boil and peel the shrimp.
• Fill the tartlets with avocado mousse and decorate with shrimp on top.
• Pour olive oil for flavor.

Eggplant rolls with cheese and nuts

These light eggplant rolls with soft cheese and nuts filling will be an alternative choice for those who appreciate tasty and healthy snacks.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggplants
• 150 g soft cheese (e.g. ricotta or cream cheese)
• 50 g walnuts
• 1 clove garlic
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Preparation:

• Cut the eggplants into long slices and fry on both sides in olive oil.
• Mix the cheese, chopped nuts, garlic and herbs.
• Spread the mixture on each piece of eggplant and roll up. Secure with a skewer.

Mushroom and Cheese Quesadillas

Mexican appetizers are always popular, and small quesadillas are ideal for a holiday.

Ingredients:

• 4 wheat tortillas
• 200 g mushrooms (champignons)
• 150 g grated cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 onion
• Olive oil for frying
• Guacamole sauce or sour cream for serving

Preparation:

• Finely chop the onion and fry in a frying pan until golden brown, add the mushrooms and simmer until done.
• Put the filling on half of each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese and fold in half.
• Fry the tortillas on both sides until crispy. Serve with guacamole sauce or sour cream.

Smoked salmon and cream cheese canapes

These small but exquisite canapes are a great choice for fish lovers. Smoked salmon and creamy cream cheese are a classic but always a winning combination.

Ingredients:

• 200 g smoked salmon
• 150 g cream cheese
• 1 baguette
• 1 cucumber
• Lemon for serving
• Dill

Preparation:

• Cut the baguette into small slices and lightly toast.
• Spread cream cheese on each slice of bread.
• Place salmon slices on top, garnish with a cucumber slice, dill and a lemon wedge.

Baked dates with cheese and nuts

The combination of sweet dates with salty cheese and crunchy nuts is an ideal snack for gourmets.

Ingredients:

• 12 large dates
• 100 g soft cheese
• 50 g walnuts
• Honey for serving

Preparation:

• Make a small cut in the dates and remove the pits.
• Stuff them with soft cheese and sprinkle with chopped nuts on top.
• Bake in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes.
• Serve with a little honey.

To be continued…