
This collection of recipes brings together three savory appetizers perfect for entertaining. The Cheese Beer Spread combines sharp cheese, beer, and spices for a bold, creamy dip served in a hollowed cheese shell. The Canapés Lorraine are delicate toasted rounds topped with a rich cheese and egg mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. Finally, the Mushroom Relish offers a tangy, spiced sauté of mushrooms, lemon juice, curry, and butter. These retro-style bites represent a nostalgic approach to party snacks from the mid-century kitchen, where bold flavors and creative presentation were key.
Ingredients
Cheese Beer Spread
- 1 Edam cheese ( or Elsem cheese, about 2 lbs)
- ¾ cup beer
- ½ tsp dry mustard
- ¼ lb unsalted butter
- ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp grated onion
Canapés Lorraine
- 1 tsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- ⅓ cup hot milk
- 1 tsp Kirsh
- ⅓ lb sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 egg (separated)
- 4-6 rounds white bread (small, thinly sliced)
- paprika (for garnish)
Mushroom Relish
- 12 bread cubes (diced, lightly buttered)
- ½ lb fresh mushrooms (finely chopped)
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ tsp curry powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
Cheese Beer Spread
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Shell
- Cut a 2-inch circle from the top of the cheese. Scoop out the middle, leaving about a ¾-inch shell.
Step 2: Blend the Spread
- In a blender, combine the scooped cheese, butter, beer, mustard, onion, and Worcestershire. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
- Spoon the mixture back into the hollowed cheese shell and chill until firm before serving with crackers.
Canapés Lorraine
Step 1: Make Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in hot milk. Cook until thickened.
Step 2: Add Flavor & Egg Yolks
- Remove from heat and stir in horseradish and grated cheddar. Mix in egg yolks until smooth.
Step 3: Beat Egg Whites
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the cheese mixture.
Step 4: Toast & Bake
- Toast rounds of bread lightly, spread the cheese mixture over them, place on a buttered baking sheet, dust with paprika, and broil until puffed and golden.
Mushroom Relish
Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms
- Heat melted butter in a skillet, add mushrooms, curry powder, lemon juice, and salt. Sauté for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Toast Bread Cubes
- Toast bread cubes in a buttered pan until golden brown.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve the relish warm in a bowl, garnished with toasted cubes on top.
Tips
- Substitute dark beer for a richer flavor in the cheese spread.
- Use Gruyère or Fontina instead of cheddar for a creamier Canapés Lorraine.
- Add chopped parsley to the mushroom relish for freshness.
- Serve all three recipes together on a party platter for variety.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.4gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.6mg
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