Christmas canapés can be tricky at such a crazy time of year. It’s also hot which inspires an appetite for all things oceanic. Riding the wave of the Ocean Festival we have put together a great catch of quick and easy recipes using various seaweed varieties available at the Co-Op.
These Christmas canapés are great for entertaining as they can usually be pre prepared predominantly or totally, allowing you to sit, eat and enjoy with your guests. The simple ideas won’t soak up your time and energy and the toppings will add a special touch to your tasty table fare.
Christmas Canapé Accompaniments
Wakame
Seaweed is delicious enough to fly solo. Simply place in a bowl of boiling water and allow it to soften for about 10 minutes. Drain, squeeze out excess moisture and chop. Eat. That’s it!
Total cost for a non-member is $3.10.
Nori sesame butter
(makes half cup servings)
Half cup of unsalted butter at room temperature
2 teaspoons each of white and black sesame seeds
Half a teaspoon of toasted nori, finely chopped
Salt to taste
Spread butter onto work bench and sprinkle with seeds, nori and salt. Finely chop until combined then place onto wax paper at the edge closest to you. Fold the paper then roll into a cylindrical shape. Seal both ends, wrap in beeswax storage sheets and chill until solid. Refrigerate for two weeks or freeze for three months to use as required.
Total cost for a non-member is $2.90.
Nori Salt
2 toasted Nori sheets and 1 tablespoon of salt
Using a spice mill, transform nori sheets into powder then mix with salt.
Total cost for a non-member is $1.70.
Simple Christmas Canapé Recipe
Pickled cucumbers with seaweed and sesame
4-6 servings
2 lebanese cucumbers cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
3 tablespoons of rice vinegar
1 tablespoon of agave nectar
1 tablespoon of Rice wine or sake
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds
1 teaspoon of salt
1/3 cup of Arame
Combine cucumbers with salt and leave for 10 minutes then rinse, drain and remove as much excess liquid as possible.
Soak arame in warm water and leave it covered until soft/5 minutes then drain and remove all excess moisture.
Whisk to combine vinegar, agave and rice wine then add cucumber, seaweed and sesame. Yum!