Sometimes a sampling of little bites makes for a  more interesting evening than a single main course. The Spanish have this perfected with their culinary tradition of tapas and pintxos. We decided quite a while a go to celebrate the New Year (on Paris time) and to do so by tasting our way around the world, in small bites. This year was no different. The seafood themed plates started with skewered shrimp and ended with Salt and Pepper Calamari.

Way better than scrambled eggs! L’Oeuf Parfait, sautéed porcini mushrooms and parmesan cream is a serious upgrade to your brunch eggs. This absolutely perfect egg is slow cooked to perfection. You can also enjoy it as an appetizer or with a side salad for a light lunch. I’m sure you’ll think it is eggcellent! 

This recipe combines sharp, creamy blue goat cheese and ripe Anjou pears in a lovely savoury flan or timbales. The Anjou pear is also called the Genovian pear (in Italy), and perhaps that is a good example of the transferability of the language of cooking. A timbale in French cuisine is a sweet or savoury, custard-like recipe that is cooked in a cylindrical pan or bottomless dish (flan ring). In Italian, the same dish is called a Timballo.

This recipe for Fougasse with Tomatoes, Olives, and Peppers is a hearty appetizer that your guests will love. Fougasse is a flat bread that you find in both sweet and savoury versions.

Devilled eggs might be one of the easiest appetizers to make. A bit old fashioned, this classic recipe was all the rage when our mothers were younger. However, the addition of truffle takes the recipe to a heightened level of sophistication. Truffled Devilled Eggs

Crispy, flaky Filo pastry parcels hide a delicious seafood secret of buttery salmon and prawns with a tart and creamy lemon butter sauce.

A dish of potted salmon might sound a little more British than French, but David’s idea was to create a pink-on-pink meal. The potted salmon appetizer led off the evening paired with a rosé from Mirabeau Wine.

This quick and easy dip is hard to share, but worth it for all to enjoy. Have someone who doesn’t think they like Artichokes try it, they will be pleasantly surprised and… hooked! Serve it warm, as an appetizer with pre-dinner drinks, accompanied by breadsticks, thin slices of French bread, tortillas or crunchy raw vegetables.

A quick and delicious appetizer bread that’s easy to make and even easier to eat! A savoury delight with salted olives, rich smoky duck breast and creamy bites of Gruyère. A must for your next dinner party.

l’apero with this fabulous and easy shrimp cocktail that is bound to delight everyone.