Canapes & Nibbles

Just a little something to serve with drinks or before dinner

Anchoïade

This is a delicious snack with all the flavours of Provence to serve out of doors, either as a first course...

This is a delicious snack with all the flavours of Provence to serve out of doors, either as a first course at a barbecue or for lunch, or else on small croutons to se...

5 minutes

to cook

A picture of Delia's Anchoïade with Toasted Goats' Cheese Croutons recipe

Anchoïade with Goats' Cheese Croutons

It's true that, because of overkill, everybody is tired of sun-dried tomatoes, but now we can buy semi-drie...

It's true that, because of overkill, everybody is tired of sun-dried tomatoes, but now we can buy semi-dried tomatoes, called mi-cuit or sun blush, which are more squa...

20 minutes

to cook

Bloody Mary Tomatoes

Bloody Mary Tomatoes: Right image These look quite deceptive – I mean, what harm is there in a bowl of l...

Bloody Mary Tomatoes: Right image These look quite deceptive – I mean, what harm is there in a bowl of little tomatoes? But once swallowed, never forgotten! All the...

Bruschettas with Goats' Cheese

This recipe is simplicity itself, but it has a wonderful combination of flavours and a very crunchy texture.

Vegetarian

Crostini Lazio

Italian in origin, crostini are 'little crusts'. In France they are called croutons, but both are little...

Italian in origin, crostini are 'little crusts'. In France they are called croutons, but both are little rounds or squares of bread brushed with olive oil or butter...

A picture of Delia's Crostini with Anchovies, Roasted Vegetables and Mozzarella recipe

Crostini with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe was inspired not by a visit to Italy but by a trip to the Basque region of Spain to see anchovi...

This recipe was inspired not by a visit to Italy but by a trip to the Basque region of Spain to see anchovies being caught and packed.

45 minutes

to cook

Frijolemole

This rather exotic title simply means 'bean purée' – but a rather special one, made with chickpeas, chillie...

This rather exotic title simply means 'bean purée' – but a rather special one, made with chickpeas, chillies, fresh lime juice and coriander. It has a crunchy textu...

Vegetarian

Gruyere and Parmesan Allumettes

This recipe is courtesy of Mark Mitson and is an absolute winner to serve with drinks at Christmas or any t...

This recipe is courtesy of Mark Mitson and is an absolute winner to serve with drinks at Christmas or any time. I've never been keen on fiddly canapes, and these ar...

15 minutes

to cook

Little Croustades

These are simplicity itself and the filling comes from the supermarket. The croustades are made in mini ...

These are simplicity itself and the filling comes from the supermarket. The croustades are made in mini tartlet tins, which are available in trays of 12; what they ...

15 minutes - 20 minutes

to cook

Mexican Guacamole

The first time I ever used Tabasco (hot chilli sauce) was when I made my first guacamole. This spicy Mex...

The first time I ever used Tabasco (hot chilli sauce) was when I made my first guacamole. This spicy Mexican purée, made with fresh avocados, chillies and ripe toma...

Vegetarian

Mini Tarts with 3 Toppings

These are so easy and quick to make once you’ve assembled all the filling ingredients. They can be made ...

These are so easy and quick to make once you’ve assembled all the filling ingredients. They can be made ahead and warmed through in a hot oven for 3-4 minutes, or c...

18 minutes

to cook

Parma Ham, Pecorino and Rosemary Crisps

This recipe would be perfect for serving something home-made with pre-dinner drinks, and you can ring the c...

This recipe would be perfect for serving something home-made with pre-dinner drinks, and you can ring the changes with the type of cheese you use. Unfortunately sin...

12 minutes - 15 minutes

to cook

Parmesan Twists

These are a doddle to make and can be served plain with Parmesan, as in the picture, or with seeds, chopped...

These are a doddle to make and can be served plain with Parmesan, as in the picture, or with seeds, chopped anchovy or a mixture of them all. Just perfect for servi...

12 minutes - 15 minutes

to cook

Pickled Okra

This is one of my most favourite pickles. The recipe was given to me by a very talented artist, Deborah ...

This is one of my most favourite pickles. The recipe was given to me by a very talented artist, Deborah MacMillan, whose paintings (I have three) I am very attracte...

Pissaladiere

Just over the border of Italy, in the south of France, they have their own version of Pizza - Pissaladiere....

Just over the border of Italy, in the south of France, they have their own version of Pizza - Pissaladiere. This too is perfect for eating outdoors, perhaps cut int...

20 minutes - 25 minutes

to cook

Pistachio Sables

This recipe was kindly given to me by the Head Pastry Chef, Mark Mitson, at The Blakeney Hotel in Norfolk, ...

This recipe was kindly given to me by the Head Pastry Chef, Mark Mitson, at The Blakeney Hotel in Norfolk, where they are served in the bar with drinks, but only if yo...

13 minutes - 13 minutes

to cook

Quails' Eggs with Cracked Pepper and Salt

Quails' Eggs with Cracked Pepper and Salt: Left image Peeling boiled quails’ eggs is not my favourite jo...

Quails' Eggs with Cracked Pepper and Salt: Left image Peeling boiled quails’ eggs is not my favourite job so I usually rope in some help, but it’s worth it because ...

Vegetarian

Rillettes de Tours

This is famous around the Loire district of France and sold everywhere in charcuteries – sometimes in thick...

This is famous around the Loire district of France and sold everywhere in charcuteries – sometimes in thick chunks from a large terrine or packed into little pots. ...

Savoury Mini Muffins with Two Flavourings

For a fresh approach to party nibbles, I offer you these magic little savouries that can be served warm fro...

For a fresh approach to party nibbles, I offer you these magic little savouries that can be served warm from the oven or, if made in advance, frozen, defrosted and re-...

20 minutes

to cook

Vegetarian

Summer Crudités with Three Dips

This is a real celebration of summer – young, fresh salads and crisp vegetables served with three well-flav...

This is a real celebration of summer – young, fresh salads and crisp vegetables served with three well-flavoured dips.

Vegetarian

Taramasalata

Whatever happened to real taramasalata? Unfortunately, it has been eclipsed by the counterfeit, pink bla...

Whatever happened to real taramasalata? Unfortunately, it has been eclipsed by the counterfeit, pink blancmange-coloured variety that is mass produced. There must b...

A picture of Delia's Thai Pork Satays with Thai Peanut Sauce recipe

Thai Pork Satays with Peanut Sauce

My thanks to John Curtis, who was head chef at Norwich City Football Club, for this brilliant recipe. It...

My thanks to John Curtis, who was head chef at Norwich City Football Club, for this brilliant recipe. It has all the exotic fragrances and flavours of the East, yet...

15 minutes - 20 minutes

to cook

Tiny Cheese, Onion and Olive Scones

These are so moreish that I don't think your guests could possibly survive on just one. They are s...

These are so moreish that I don't think your guests could possibly survive on just one. They are simple to make and freeze superbly once cooked, provided you ...

10 minutes - 12 minutes

to cook

Vegetarian

Mincemeat Slices

These are a good alternative to mince pies made with pastry for those who (a) don't want to make pastry or ...

These are a good alternative to mince pies made with pastry for those who (a) don't want to make pastry or (b) are wholefood-minded. They are very speedy to make and t...

20 minutes

to cook