Appetizers

Festive appetizers with delicious creams and little swans

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

These sophisticated appetizers are perfect for serving at a party or festive lunch, and they are easy to make. With a variety of savory creams and playful shapes, they are sure to impress your guests.

A brief history
Appetizers have always been an essential part of gastronomy, created to stimulate the appetite before the main courses. In different cultures, appetizers have evolved into diverse forms and combinations, but they all share a common purpose: to bring people together, celebrate, and delight.

Necessary ingredients

*For the creams:*

- 200 g vegetable pâté
- 1 boiled egg
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 400 g sweet cheese
- 1 small grated onion
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon hot paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- 100 g telemea cheese
- 100 g salty cheese
- 2 eggplants
- 200 g mayonnaise
- 1 kg peppers (kapia peppers and bell peppers)
- 1/2 kg cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 kg radishes
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 onions
- 50 g sweet and hot paprika
- 1 pack fish roe (optional)

*For the swans and doughnuts:*

- 300 ml water
- 150 ml oil
- 200 g flour
- 9 eggs (smaller size)
- Salt

Step-by-step preparation

1. Pâté cream: In a bowl, mix the vegetable pâté well with a boiled yolk and 200 g soft butter. Add salt and pepper to taste. Using a piping bag, put the cream on sliced baguette pieces. This appetizer is simple but full of flavor.

2. Sweet cheese cream: Mix 400 g sweet cheese with salt, pepper, grated onion, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and if you like a bit of heat, add hot paprika. If the cream is too thick, you can add a little milk or 2 tablespoons of sour cream to bind it. Use this paste to fill the doughnuts and swans.

3. Salty cheese cream: Grate the telemea cheese and mix it with 100 g sweet cheese, pepper, grated onion, and 100 g butter. This savory mixture will be perfect for filling the kapia peppers. Cut the peppers into slices after filling them.

4. Eggplant cream: Roast the eggplants on the grill or in the oven until soft. Chop them finely and mix with onion and mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. Spread the cream on halved baguette slices.

5. Preparing the swans and doughnuts: In a pot, bring 300 ml of water, 150 ml of oil, and salt to a boil. When it starts boiling, add 200 g of chopped flour and mix vigorously until the mixture comes away from the pot's walls. Let it cool for an hour, then add the 9 beaten eggs, mixing until smooth.

6. Shaping the swans: On a baking paper, use the piping bag to create hearts, circles, and the number 2, which will become the neck of the swan. Bake at 200°C for 10-12 minutes, or until they rise and turn golden.

7. Assembly: After they have cooled well, cut the doughnuts in half and fill them with the prepared creams. For the swans, cut the top diagonally in half to create the wings. Fill the base with creams and attach the neck.

Serving suggestions
These appetizers can be beautifully arranged on a platter alongside fresh salads. You can serve with a refreshing drink, such as a light cocktail or a dry white wine.

Nutritional information
Each serving contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of cheese and butter used. These appetizers are rich in protein and healthy fats, while also providing a good amount of vitamins from the vegetables.

Frequently asked questions
- *Can I use other types of cheese?* Of course! You can experiment with different cheeses to achieve varied flavors.
- *Can I prepare the appetizers in advance?* Yes, you can prepare the creams a day ahead and keep them in the refrigerator. Assemble them just a few hours before serving.
- *How can I vary the recipe?* You can add olives or herbs to the creams for an extra flavor boost.

These appetizers are not only delicious but also a pleasant way to impress your guests. With a little patience and creativity, you will create an unforgettable festive meal!