Easy Summer Appetizers

Easy Summer Verrine Recipes


Hello world!

I have been out of the blogging circulation lately. Not that I am hibernating its just that summer in Southern France is extremely hot. It makes you feel lazy. And even though I was born and raised in a tropical country I am only human being. This heat is truly unbearable. So do not crucify me (oooops that's the problem of watching too much Rome episodes) if I prefer to frolic in the cold blue water of Mediterranean from time to time or spend my entire day in the swimming pool instead of being in front of my computer.

Well, I am still here alive and kicking but very tanned :-). I maybe physically too lazy to do anything but my hunger for cooking and eating is still the same. So here's what my idle brain have concocted in the kitchen lately and this will be my submission to the Perfect Party Dishes blog event that I am hosting. These are easy and simple verrine recipes perfect for garden parties: Baby Zuccini Crips in Rosemary and Melon Mint Gaspacho. By the way you still have until August 15 to participate in this event.


Baby Zuccini Crisp in Rosemary
(for about 5-6 persons)

about 15 pieces of baby zuccinis
sprigs of fresh rosemary
3 tablespoons of olive oil
salt and pepper
1 small block of mozzarella

for the crisp
1/4 cup of cold butter
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of bread crumbs

Start by slicing the zuccinis. Put them in a bowl add about 1 teaspoon of salt. Let it stand for about fifteen minutes and squeeze out some water. Warm the pan add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté briefly the zuccinis with the rosemary for about 4-5 minutes. Cut the fire and add some pepper. Divide the zuccini on your verrine or any glass of your choice. Put a layer of the vegetable then add a layer of sliced mozzarella on the top. Put some olive oil on each of the verrine. Mix with your hands all the ingredients for the crisp until crumbly. You can add more nuts, parmesan or bread crumbs if needed. Preheat the oven at 180° celsius and bake it for about 15-20 minutes. It should be golden brown and crispy. Top your zuccini glasses with this mixture. You can prepare in advance, refrigerate and serve it only when the guests arrived.


Melon Mint Gazpacho
(for about 5 to 6 person)

1 ripe melon (I used the cavaillon variety very common in Provence)
a quarter of a small red onion (you need a very small amount only this could be optional)
2-3 sprigs of fresh mint
1 teaspoon of olive oil
a pinch of salt

Start by peeling and removing the seeds of your melon cut them and put them in your blender. Add the onion and mint leaves. Blend them together. Add the olive oil and the salt. Continue blending. Pour them on your verrine or glasses and decorate the top with a slice of melon and a mint leaf. Refrigerate before serving.



Other Appetizer Recipes:

Strawberry Gazpacho and Basil
Californian Citrus Couscous Salad
Chicken liver and Fig Bruschetta


30 comments:

tigerfish said...

Oh yes, the hot weather alway makes me feel sleepy. Just don't know why.
your drink as onion in them? That's new to me.

Jescel said...

this must be so refreshing..... i'd need this right about now. the heat in Miami is killing me..

Anonymous said...

Both of those look so refreshing and perfect for this awful, awful weather! And such gorgeous photos, too!

Manggy said...

It looks like she is in for one very sophisticated first birthday party! ;) Very elegant and refreshing Dhanggit!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

I love the idea of serving salads and appetizers in those little glasses. Really perfect for a party!

Anonymous said...

very beautifully presented, dhanggit. And I don't blame you for being absent, if I lived where you do I'd never be in front of the computer;)

bee said...

what gorgeous pics. i am so making this gazpacho.

Adam said...

The look of mint in that gazpacho is such a refreshing idea. I would love that on a hot day. I know exactly what you mean about it being hot and lazy... laying out in the sun is tough work :)

Little Corner of Mine said...

So beautifully presented. Can't wait to see the round up later!

Chef Jeena said...

These are all so beautiful, I would love to come to one of your parties. :-)

Gloria Baker said...

These are really nice and yummy Dhanggit!!! Heyy Dhanggit I will make a special recipe to the birthday's baby girl, probably I post next Monday or Tuesday, so I will say you when I make, today I bought some things that I needed to make! (you know I live at countryside) I hope the weather is better there, here is cold specially at night!! xxxGloria

Beachlover said...

oh! love your beautiful summer dessert!..make me wanna to grab a glass right now!!srupppplll!!

Jan said...

Wonderful appetizers, Dhanggit. They look so refreshing, perfect to combat the heat.

lubnakarim06 said...

Looks yuuuuuuuuuuuuummy

Alexa said...

Sounds like you live where I spent part of my childhood... I don't blame you about wanting to cool down at the beach. Your Summer recipes look so good and refreshing.:-)

Leslie said...

These look like good party food your upcoming party!

La Bella Cooks said...

The melon mint gazpacho made me feel cooler just by looking at it. Gorgeous photo and it truly sounds delicious. You have some great ideas!

Oggi said...

The baby zucchini crisp is pretty and looks yummy. I have been making melon mint "soup" since the start of summer, the sweet kind though, very refreshing to drink or eat. Our favorite year after year.:)

I prepared 2 sweet recipes for the Party Dishes and so far both were palpak.:D
I'll think of something in the next few days.

Susan from Food Blogga said...

Oh, those are the most appealing appetizers! I have to try the zucchini one since they're in peak now.

Anonymous said...

I'm so jealous! I want to frolick and swim too! lol! Your appetizers look so cool for the weather we're having here as well. I casn't wait to see all the entries for your event!

Lori Lynn said...

I love verrines! So pretty and sophisticated. Great party food. I think your crisp topping is genius.

Stay cool!

Kajal@aapplemint said...

OK firstly, for some strange reason i've been blocked out of your blogger site for some weird reason. I just cant seem to log on, i tried so many times, now i finally got a link from Zitas blog - wordpress. I've been trying to come read your blog for so long now, and finally i managed, u might want to check out your settings.

And now that i'm here ..wow ... thats one nice savoury verrines, i love food in glasses. Lovely presentation, gr8 to impress guests.

glamah16 said...

Great party starters. Tghis will be some roundup. I am working on a dish for you this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Oh, these starters look exquisite!
and you are having a party! I am so coming!

Deeba PAB said...

Alright Dhhangit...I'm throwing things into my case...headed your way. I'll have one of each please...verrine, terrines...oh, what fun. Stunning!!

daphne said...

I love the shot glass presentation. Will be a big hit at any party.

Glad I came here in time. Now I have to scramble to think of something to participate. =)

haze said...

refreshing appetizers! Thanks for the idea :D galeng !

Sunshinemom said...

The melon mint juice looks so soothing, I am going to make these soon!

Anonymous said...

"Zucchini"...I luv ur blog!
greetings from Italy

varicose veins said...

Very beautiful, And I do not blame your absence, if you where I live I have never in front of the computer.