
Velvet & Smoked Canapes
By Andrea McGurran
Published 14 April 2026
Velvet & Smoke Canapes is a two-part symphony for the senses: one bite whispers of forest and flame, the other sings with garden vibrance. Crafted for those who want every appetizer to feel like a conversation. Ingredients: For the Smoky Rolls: •8 ribbons of smoked beef or lamb •½ cup whipped goat cheese blended with cracked pepper •½ tsp truffle oil (optional — for the mystique) •A touch of Dijon or black garlic mustard For the Pink Clouds: •1 cup baby blinis (tiny pancakes) •½ cup beetroot cream cheese spread (blend goat’s cheese, roasted beets & lemon zest) •A few rosemary tips for fragrance •Ruby pearls — pomegranate seeds or pink peppercorns Method - compose the edible scene: 1.Wrap the Smoke: On a clean board, spread the truffled cheese mixture on smoked meat slices. Roll into scrolls of flavor; anchor each with a pick so they hold their promise. 2.Whip the Velvet: On each little blini, swirl a cloud of beet-cream using a piping bag. It should look as if it blushed itself into being. 3.Grace and Balance: Garnish blinis with rosemary or edible flowers; perch the meat rolls alongside — opposites that attract. 4.Serve Cool, Not Cold: These bites reveal their layers when slightly warmed to room temperature. Flavor mood: Smoky depth, creamy tang, floral top notes. Pairing: Perfect with chilled rosé, sparkling sake, or a dry gin aperitif.

Cheesy Monterey Garlic Bread
By Yael Neville
Published 4 May 2026
This tasty and easy to make Cheesy Monterey Garlic Bread takes minutes to make and is full of flavor. Makes: 24 slices Preparation Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Ingredients: •1 foot-long, thick French-style bread •60 g soft unsalted •¼ tbsp. dried parsley •1 garlic clove, finely minced •1/8 tsp. kosher Sliced Monterey cheese Method: 1.Pre-heat oven to 200 ºC. 2.Cut the bread in half¸ laterally. 3.Soften the butter 4.Mix the soften butter with the garlic and salt. 5.Bake the bread until slightly crispy and golden on top. 6.Remove the bread from the oven. 7.Gently spread the butter mix onto the two interior sides of the bread. 8.Let the butter mix seep into the bread 9.Put the cheese slices on top. 10.Put the bread back into the oven. 11.Grill on high for 1 minute. 12.Lightly sprinkle the dried parsley onto both cheese sides of the bread. 13.Cut into ½ inch slices. 14.Rest a few minutes to cool slightly. 15.Serve warm. Yael’s Tips: 1. Melting butter with a bain-marie will help soften without scorching. 2. If some butter has liquefied, you can mix this in with a spoon to create an even consistency. 3. Avoid using microwave oven to soften the cheese. It produces a not-so-pleasant flavor and texture in some cheeses. ENJOY!

Garden Pinwheels with Lemon Herb Whipped Feta
By Andrea McGurran
Published 20 April 2026
Garden Pinwheels with Lemon Herb Whipped Feta is a vibrant, elegant appetizer with all the colors and brightness of the Mediterranean coast. Preparation time: 25 minutes Ingredients: For the Lemon Herb Whipped Feta •¾ cup crumbled feta cheese •¼ cup Greek yogurt •1½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil •1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice •½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest •1 small garlic clove, minced •1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill •1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano •Fresh black pepper, to taste For the Pinwheel Filling •1 roasted red bell pepper, finely diced •½ small cucumber, seeds removed and diced •¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped •¼ cup finely sliced baby spinach or arugula •1 tablespoon chopped sun dried tomatoes •¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For Assembly •3 large spinach or sun dried tomato tortillas (10 inch size) •Olive oil for brushing •Pinch of sea salt and extra herbs for garnish Method: 1.Make the Whipped Feta •In a food processor, combine feta, yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and garlic. •Blend until smooth and creamy. •Stir in dill, oregano, and black pepper. Chill for 10–15 minutes. 2.Prepare the Filling •In a small bowl, mix roasted pepper, cucumber, olives, spinach, and sun dried tomato. •Dry the vegetables to get rid off moisture. 3.Assemble the Pinwheels •Lay a tortilla on a clean surface. •Spread a generous layer of whipped feta evenly to the edges. •Scatter the vegetable mixture across in a thin layer. •Roll it tightly into a tight log. •Repeat with remaining tortillas. 4.Chill & Slice •Wrap each roll in parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. •Slice crosswise into 1 inch rounds. 5.Finish & Serve •Brush lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and a touch of flaky salt if desired. •Arrange on a platter with olives, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Chef’s Notes: •Substitute with whipped vegan feta or ricotta for a dairy free option. •For a more filling version, include chickpeas or grilled chicken. •Excellent make ahead appetizer — stays fresh up to 24 hours when chilled and covered. Serving Suggestion: •Serve these pinwheels alongside bowls of hummus, tzatziki, or marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean mezze spread. •Pair with crisp white wine or citrus-infused sparkling water.

