Easy New Year's Eve Canapes

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by a sudden influx of guests on New year's Eve and even on New Year's Day. Here are a few canapes you can make ahead of time and keep ready for guests. The recipes are simple and easy to double in quantity.

Garlicky Shrimp Cocktail

Ingredients -

• 1/2 kg of shrimp, cleaned and deveined
• 10 – 12 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp chilli flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method -

• Heat the butter in a frying pan and add the chilli flakes and garlic.
• Fry for 30 seconds before adding the shrimp.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the shrimp are cooked through and pink.
• Serve with the sauce given below.

Cocktail Sauce

Ingredients -

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp Tabasco sauce
• 2 tsp mustard sauce

Method -

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
• Chill for 1/2 hour before using.

Stuffed Button Mushrooms

Ingredients -

• 20 large button mushrooms
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• Dried oregano, rosemary and mint
• salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp grated parmesan

Method -

• Wipe the mushrooms clean with a kitchen cloth. Remove the stems and finely chop them.
• Saute the chopped stems in a little olive oil for 10 minutes or until all the liquid released evaporates.
• Cool the mixture and mix it with the breadcrumbs, dried herbs, salt and pepper.
• Scoop the mixture into each mushroom top and sprinkle a little parmesan on top of each.
• Lay them out on a tray and bake in an oven at 180°C for 10 minutes.
• Serve warm.

Easy Bruschetta

This is less of a recipe and more of a suggestion as to the flavour combinations that can put on top of toasted slices of baguette bread. A classic favourite is a finely chopped tomato which has been tossed with finely chopped basil, salt, pepper and olive oil.

Other combinations also involve topping the toasted bread with a piece of cheese, olive and maybe a slice of salami. If need be, hold it together with the help of a toothpick.