In the build-up to Christmas I really enjoy watching the cookery programmes specially produced for the event in the hope that I’ll pick up some tips. One of these for 2013 – Food & Drink Christmas Special BBC Two – was hosted by Michel Roux and featured Mary Berry demonstrating a number of her festive favourites. When I saw her doing these simple canapés I knew they would be gracing my Christmas celebrations too and they duly did, making appearances at parties and as pre-dinner nibbles on Christmas day.
These appetizers are simple to make requiring only four accessible ingredients and four steps, however be warned, they are a little fiddly and I would set aside half an hour for unhurried assembly.
The tricky part is the separation of the slices of ham from each other and then gently smearing them with some soft cheese without breaking them too much. Do not fret though as any damage is easily hidden when they are rolled up tightly. Patience is required so if you are rushed these are not the best option.
Mary Berry’s Canapés
You will need:
Thinly sliced Parma or Serrano ham
Soft goats cheese or any cream cheese
Rocket leaves
Dill Pickle (gherkins)
Method: (as per photo above)
1. Lay out slices of ham and thinly butter them with soft cheese
2. Sprinkle over some rocket leaves
3. Place a slice of pickle at one end
4. Roll up tightly and chill. To serve, cut each roll in two and stand them up on a plate.
These were universally enjoyed by children and adults and I’ve been asked for the recipe so that says it all really.
I do hope you get the chance to enjoy these and that you too had a wonderful Christmas. Looking forward to sharing another recipe with you in February. ‘Til next time, Sheila.
I have the same breaking Serrano problem when I try to wrap chicken breasts with it. Given the price of chicken breasts at the moment, It probably won’t be a problem for a while…
as starter or party dish is simple super idea. I didn’t think about serving Serrano ham with rocket, which gives to your dish that touch of freshness, which I’m looking for. I’m not sure where I can buy Dill Pickle (gherkins) but I’ll have a look over the weekend in my local supermarkets. Thanks for posting it.
Thanks for stopping by Alessandra and taking time to leave a comment. I have found it very easy to find jars of Dill Pickle in the larger Irish supermarkets, I do hope you find them. Your blog looks great 🙂 x