Appetizer Cake (Anna Olson)

Appetizer Cake: A Delicacy for Celebrations

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 3-4 hours
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn't love an appetizer cake that impresses guests at a party or festive meal? This appetizer cake recipe, inspired by Anna Olson's style, combines delicious textures and flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. It is a recipe that brings together various chicken and egg salads, a flavorful cheese pesto, all wrapped in slices of bread, creating a mosaic of colors and tastes. Let's get to work!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Salad:
- 120 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 120 g mayonnaise
- 60 g chopped green onion
- 15 ml lemon juice (plus extra to taste)
- 15 g poppy seeds
- 300 g chicken breast (cooked, cooled, and finely chopped)
- 40 g walnuts (crushed and lightly toasted)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Egg Salad:
- 8 large eggs (hard-boiled)
- 160 g mayonnaise
- 80 g green olives (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons red onion (finely chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Pesto:
- 30 g basil leaves
- 40 g parsley leaves
- 2 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 45 ml olive oil
- 450 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 2-3 tablespoons sour cream

For the Bread Layer:
- 2 slices of white bread
- 2 slices of whole grain bread

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken Salad:
1. In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese with the mayonnaise. This mixture will form the creamy base of the salad.
2. Add the crushed walnuts, poppy seeds, green onion, and lemon juice. Mix well to combine the flavors.
3. Incorporate the finely chopped chicken breast. It is essential that the chicken is well cooked and cooled to avoid affecting the salad's texture.
4. Taste the mixture and adjust with salt, pepper, and, if necessary, more lemon juice for a pleasant acidity. The consistency should be thicker so that it doesn’t run.

2. Preparing the Egg Salad:
1. Grate the boiled eggs on a large grater and add them to a bowl.
2. Mix the eggs with the mayonnaise, chopped olives, and red onion. Again, adjust the taste with salt and pepper.
3. Ensure the salad has a similar consistency to the chicken salad.

3. Preparing the Cheese Pesto:
1. In a blender or food processor, add the basil leaves, parsley, and garlic. Blend until you obtain a smooth paste.
2. Add the olive oil and blend again. Then, incorporate the cream cheese and sour cream. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. You can adjust the consistency with more sour cream if desired.

4. Assembling the Appetizer Cake:
1. Prepare a springform pan and line the interior with plastic wrap. This step is crucial for easily removing the cake after it has chilled.
2. Trim the edges of the bread slices (the crust) and arrange them in the pan, alternating white and whole grain bread for a pleasing visual effect.
3. Start with a layer of bread slices, followed by all the chicken salad, which you press down well.
4. Add another layer of bread, followed by the egg salad. Continue with another layer of bread.
5. On the bread layer, spread the cheese pesto, saving a few tablespoons for decoration. Cover everything with a final layer of bread.
6. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to set and meld the flavors.

5. Serving:
1. Once the cake has chilled, invert it onto a platter with the bottom side up.
2. Use the reserved cheese pesto to decorate the cake. You can also add a few basil leaves for a fresh look.
3. Serve it sliced, alongside a green salad or vegetable chips for a crunchy contrast.

Practical Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before combining them to facilitate blending.
- Use fresh bread for the best results; stale bread can affect the cake's texture.
- If you prefer other types of cheese, you can experiment with feta cheese or goat cheese in the pesto.
- The appetizer cake pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail.

Nutritional Benefits:
This appetizer cake is rich in protein due to the chicken and eggs, while the nuts add healthy fatty acids. The cheese and eggs contribute to calcium intake, and the vegetables add essential vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Yes, turkey provides a healthy and delicious alternative.
- How can I make the cake spicier? You can add some chopped chili pepper to the chicken salad or in the pesto.
- Is it possible to prepare the cake a day in advance? Absolutely! The cake keeps excellently in the refrigerator, and the flavors will intensify.

Conclusion:
This appetizer cake is not just a recipe but a culinary experience that brings friends and family together. With each slice, you will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So put on your apron and enjoy the joy of cooking!