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Portobello Crostini
Portobello mushrooms are so dense this makes for a very substantial hors d'oeuvre. If you can't find taleggio, substitute port salut or Albray.
Warm Goat Cheese Tarts with Rosemary & Fig Preserve
I have a weakness for tarts and this is one of my favourites. The combination of goat cheese and figs on a buttery, flaky base makes a brilliant first course of lunch. Dish with salad greens.
Tomato Prawn Bruschetta
Bruschetta are so versatile that you can use your imagination for toppings and hardly go wrong. Substitute shrimp, crab or cooked scallops here and they'll be delicious. Skip the seafood altogether and add grated parmesan, asiago or manchego.
Smoked Salmon & Avocado Tartare on Crispy Won Tons
These were inspired by a dish I enjoyed at a restaurant in Portland, Oregon. They look as good as they taste. The combination of the pink salmon and the pale green avocado is delicate and fresh, the flavour rich and luscious. Making the crispy the won tons is actually really easy, but in a pinch, you can use a good-quality tortilla chip.
Asparagus, Chèvre and Parmesan Filos
This has been a favourite hors d'oeuvre since it first hit the cocktail party circuit. The combination of melted chevre, asparagus and crispy filo is a slightly decadent delicious teaser. I often add a bit of prosciutto for another layer of flavour.


