Canapés à la Française

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into thin rounds 1 baguette, sliced into thin rounds
• 200g (7oz) Brie cheese, sliced 200g (7oz) Brie cheese, sliced
• 200g (7oz) Camembert cheese, sliced 200g (7oz) Camembert cheese, sliced
• 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto, sliced 100g (3.5oz) prosciutto, sliced
• 100g (3.5oz) saucisson, sliced 100g (3.5oz) saucisson, sliced
• 1/2 cup tapenade 1/2 cup tapenade
• 1/2 cup rillettes 1/2 cup rillettes
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish
• Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish Fresh tarragon leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 12g (6g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (1g sugars)
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden.
3. 3.
   Remove the baguette slices from the oven and let them cool slightly.
4. 4.
   Spread a layer of tapenade on half of the baguette slices and a layer of rillettes on the other half.
5. 5.
   Top the tapenade-covered slices with slices of Brie cheese and garnish with fresh thyme leaves.
6. 6.
   Top the rillettes-covered slices with slices of Camembert cheese and garnish with fresh tarragon leaves.
7. 7.
   Place a slice of prosciutto on top of each Brie-topped slice and a slice of saucisson on top of each Camembert-topped slice.
8. 8.
   Arrange the canapés on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Brie cheese — Remove the rind before slicing for a smoother texture.
• Camembert cheese — Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before slicing for easier handling.
• Prosciutto — For a crispier texture, you can briefly pan-fry the prosciutto slices before placing them on the canapés.
• Tapenade — If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix the tapenade with a small amount of cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
• Rillettes — You can make your own rillettes by slow-cooking pork or duck with herbs and spices until tender, then shredding the meat and mixing it with fat.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different combinations of toppings to create your own unique canapés.
• Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra touch of flavor.
• Serve the canapés with a side of mixed greens or a refreshing cucumber salad.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought tapenade and rillettes.
• To make the canapés ahead of time, prepare the toppings and toast the baguette slices, then assemble them just before serving to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Arrange the canapés on a decorative platter or wooden board to create an inviting display. Serve them as a pre-dinner appetizer or as part of a cocktail party spread. Encourage your guests to try different combinations of toppings and savor the flavors.

Presentation advice

Garnish the platter with sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme and tarragon, to add a pop of color. Place small bowls of additional tapenade and rillettes on the side for guests to add more if desired. Serve the canapés on elegant cocktail napkins or small plates for a sophisticated touch.