Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Spears with Balsamic Reduction

These little appetizers are so delicious and very simple to make. Some how I lucked out at the store and they had small, thin, tender asparagus instead of the normal stalks that can be quite woody. Try and get these if you can...

With only 3 ingredients this is such a great last minute cocktail party treat. You will need a bunch of asparagus, 12 slices of prosciutto and balsamic vinegar. I used this recipe from the Chef's Pencil and followed their Method as well. I did try to make the balsamic reduction but it didn't work (cheap vinegar perhaps?) so I used this balsamic glaze that I happened to have in the fridge. It's actually perfect if you don't want to worry about making the balsamic reduction.

It is a President's Choice product and available in Canada at the Loblaw stores (Zehrs etc)

Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon Blini with Caviar & Dill

These were very good, not too complicated to make if you buy store made puff pastry and look quite pretty and sophisticated.  Some people might not like the idea of caviar but you could always make some with and some without. A great little appetizer for New Year's Eve with some champers!

I basically followed this recipe although instead of creme fraiche I had to use plain Greek yogurt as the store was sold out just before Christmas. I thought the yogurt was just as tasty and slightly better for you too.

For the record, I am calling these blinis but they in fact are not traditional blinis at all! From OChef: "Blini are small, yeast-leavened, buckwheat pancakes that originally come from Russia. Classically they are served with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon". Also, one is a "blin" while 2 or more are "blini".