Dutch Home and Living Weihnachts-Adventskalender Tag 2

Pomegranate Pistachio Crostini

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: About 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 36 slices French baguette (cut into 1/4-inch slices)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
• 2 oz dark chocolate, grated

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Bread:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the baguette slices on an ungreased baking sheet and brush the tops with melted butter. Bake for 4-6 minutes or until lightly toasted. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

2. Mix the Spread:
   In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, orange juice, and honey until smooth and creamy.

3. Assemble the Crostini:
   Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled toasts. Top each with pomegranate seeds and chopped pistachios. Finish with a sprinkle of grated dark chocolate for a festive touch.

4. Serve:
   Arrange the crostini on a platter and serve immediately for a stunning and flavorful appetizer.

Salmon Mousse Canapés

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 3 dozen

Ingredients:

• 2 English cucumbers
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 lb smoked salmon or lox
• 1 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp lemon-pepper seasoning
• 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
   Peel strips from the cucumbers to create a decorative edge. Slice them into 1/2-inch rounds. Use a melon baller to scoop out a small well in the center of each slice, being careful not to cut through the bottom.

2. Make the Salmon Mousse:
   In a food processor, blend the cream cheese, smoked salmon, milk, lemon-pepper seasoning, and dill until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
   In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold it into the salmon mixture.

3. Assemble the Canapés:
   Pipe or spoon the mousse onto the cucumber slices. Garnish each with a sprig of fresh dill for a festive finish.

4. Chill and Serve:
   Refrigerate the canapés until ready to serve. For best results, chill for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions

These appetizers pair beautifully on a platter, balancing the sweet, tart notes of the crostini with the creamy, savory flavors of the salmon mousse. Perfect for a holiday cocktail party or the first course of a Christmas feast, they’re as visually stunning as they are delicious.

Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for more festive treats in our Advent Calendar series! 🎄