Mediterranean-style Olive And Anchovy Snackers

When it comes to entertaining guests, having a selection of easy hors d'oeuvres snacker ingredients in the pantry and refrigerator can make hosting a breeze. 

The last blog post was the delectably sweet Chocolate Snails, but this one is completely savoury!

These simple Mediterranean-style Olive And Anchovy Snackers are fabulous whether you're throwing a party or hosting a casual get-together.

 

Mediterranean-style snackers

Anchovies.

Stuffed olives.

Toothpicks or small cocktail sticks 

To Make:

Using an absorbent paper towel carefully wipe the olives and press the anchovies to remove excess salt and oil.

Cut each anchovy length way down the centre to get two from one slice.

Then roll each olive in an anchovie strip.

secure with a toothpick or small cocktail stick.

.

That's all you need to present a tasty hors d'oeuvre when unexpected guests arrive with minimal preparation.

Place on a platter that's mixed with other finger foods.

They are such a salt blast that it's advised to mix them up on a large platter with other savoury finger foods, mini crackers, breads or cheeses.

They really will be a tasty addition to the mix.

(Take that as a lesson of not serving on its own on a small plate like I did, because if you are not a complete salt freak - two of these will totally be your limit!)

Enjoy with your tipple of choice. 

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     #cocktails #canapes #starters #horsdoeuvres #partyfood

Easy Dark Chocolate Snails

Are you craving a sweet and indulgent treat? 

Then try these pastry chocolate snails! 

Made with readymade pastry, this recipe is quick and easy to put together, perfect for satisfying those dessert cravings in no time.

I made mine with my Grandchildren, and they really enjoyed making them.

Though the youngest cut hers slightly smaller than her brother's, they all baked well.

So definitely supervise the cutting and the use of a knife for safety's sake when making with the younger children.

To Make 'Dark Chocolate Snails' You Will Need

Ingredients:

  3 square sheets of readymade puff pastry (thawed)

113 grams (1 stick) of softened salted butter

75 grams (a little over 1/4 cup) each brown sugar and fine white caster sugar

3 Tablespoons dark cocoa powder

1/2 cup chocolate chips (best to use a smaller size as mine were a little bit too chunky).

 Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 392°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Place the 3 sheets of puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface.

3. Mix the soft butter, sugars, cocoa and chocolate chips together. 

4. Spread the chocolate mixture over the pastry with a metal spoon. Roll up the pastry tightly into a log, then slice it into even pieces to create the snails.

5. Place the snail's cut face up on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

7. Allow the pastry chocolate snails to cool slightly before serving.

Yield 22 snails.

Adaptions:

You can use normal cocoa powder instead of dark along with white chocolate chips if you'd like a lesser dark colour once baked or you simply prefer the lighter sweeter chocolate flavours.

 I used dark Belgian Chocolate.

These pastry chocolate snails are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day. 

Indulge in their dark deliciousness or make them for a Mother's Day (or for another special occasion) treat.

As this recipe yields 22, they are also fabulous and quick to make for a school bake stall or large gathering.

Once baked and cooled, the grandchildren's taste test verdict was 'These are so delicious, Nonna!'

They were a great school holiday baking activity.

Find the printable recipe HERE.

#chocolatesnails #pastryrecipes #pastrytreats #darkchocolate

How To Make A DIY Fruit Bowl Lightshade

 Are you looking to add a unique touch to your home decor?

 Why not make a DIY light shade from a metal fruit bowl? 

It's a simple and affordable way to personalise your space and create a stunning focal point in any room.

This project took just 15 minutes to create.

As I wanted a black shade which is the original colour of the metal bowl, I didn't need to paint it.

But you can paint yours any colour you like using quality spray paint.

(The metal fruit bowl was purchased from KMart in New Zealand, for 10 Dollars).

 Here's what you'll need:

· A metal fruit bowl

 (Choose a sturdy fruit bowl that will allow light to shine through).

· A screw-on light fitting 

(you can use a pendant fitting if desired)

.A drill

. 2mm drill bit

.29mm hole saw bit

· A light bulb

· Paint or spray paint (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Clean the metal fruit bowl thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue.

2. If you want to change the colour of the bowl, now is the time to paint it with your desired colour. Let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

3. Measure and mark the centre point where the hole for the light fitting will be.

4. Drill a pilot hole with a 2mm drill bit. Doing this helps centre and stop the slipping of the hole saw attachment when you drill it in the next step.

5. Using a 29mm hole saw attachment, carefully make a hole in the bottom of the fruit bowl.

6. Lightly sand the rough metal on the hole circle.

7. Hang the light shade in your desired location and add a light bulb to complete the look.

 Voila! 

 You now have a beautiful and unique DIY fruit bowl light shade to brighten up your space.

And who would have guessed this cool light shade was once a very cool fruit bowl in a past life?

     Upcycling fun at its best!

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#diylightshade #upcycling #upcycledlightshade #uniquelightshades #upcycled #diydecorideas #diydecor

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