Easy Cucumber Salmon Tomato Canapes

 Cucumber Salmon Tomato Canapes are the perfect appetiser for any occasion!

        They are the simple solution for a healthy snack or lunch, an appetiser, or a summer treat with drinks at Happy Hour!

With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats in no time at all.  

They take just 15 minutes from prep start to yum delish. 

You can make them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, making them a convenient option for busy hosts. 

    

    

Cucumber Salmon Tomato Canapes

You Will Need:

 1 long telegraph cucumber

2 thin spring onion stems

1 (210 gram) can of salmon, drained

1/2 cup aioli

1 tablespoon tomato sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

 Halved cherry tomatoes for garnish

Fresh coriander leaves and violas for plate decoration

To Make: 

1. Cut the cucumber into thin slices.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the salmon, aoli, tomato sauce, one stem of chopped spring onion, salt, and pepper.

3. Top each cucumber slice with a spoonful of the salmon mixture.

4. Top with a cherry tomato half, cut side upwards. 

 Sprinkle more chopped spring onion on the top.

 5. Garnish the place with fresh coriander leaves and viola flowers.

 6. Serve and enjoy!

Interesting Facts About Cucumber

Cucumbers belong to the gourd family and are widely cultivated for their edible fruit. 

Yes, fruit! It is not a vegetable.

· Cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making them a hydrating and refreshing snack.

· They are low in calories but high in beneficial nutrients like Vitamins A, B1, B6, K and C.

· Cucumbers can aid in weight loss, improve digestion, and promote overall hydration.

· They are commonly used in salads, pickles

and even skincare products due to their soothing properties.

· Cucumbers come in different varieties and shapes, which include slicing cucumbers, pickling cucumbers, seedless cucumbers and Apple cucumbers.

Apple cucumbers have a pale greenish-white thin skin and can be eaten like an apple!

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White Chocolate Cherry Tart

 Celebrate a birthday, or any special occasion or simply delight your guests, with this delectable dessert.

The tart has a soft chocolate pastry base.

Teamed with a white chocolate custard filling and soft red (jar or canned) cherries hiding throughout it.

It is moist and delicious!

You won't need the juice from the cherry jar or can for this recipe, so I always save it by straining it into a glass.

Topped up with ice-cold water you'll get a lovely refreshing drink as you prepare the tart.

         

                

White Chocolate Cherry Tart

For The Pastry:

175 grams ( 6.17 ounces) of plain flour

4 Tablespoons of caster sugar

2 Tablespoons of cocoa powder

125 grams ( 4.40 ounces) of butter, chilled and cubed

1 medium egg yolk

1 Tablespoon cold water

In a food processor, pulse the flour and the cocoa to combine. Add the butter and pulse to the crumbling stage.

(if you don't have a food processor you can rub the butter into the flour/cocoa using clean fingers)

Next, add the sugar, then the egg yolk, and water.

You want the pastry to come together in a dough, so add more water if needed.

Press into a 23 x 23cm  (9 x 9 inch)

    Chill for 30 minutes while the oven preheats to 200 degrees Celsius  ( 392 Fahrenheit) 

Bake for 20 minutes.

Set aside to cool while you make the filling.

Reduce temperature to 140 Celsius ( 284 Fahrenheit) now.

For The Filling: 

2 medium eggs, plus the yolk from the pastry

1 teaspoon vanilla essence or paste

200 grams (1 and 1/4 cups) of white chocolate melts

500 ml (2 cups) double cream

250g pitted jar or can of cherries, drained

In a pot whisk together eggs, the egg yolk, and vanilla until combined.

Heat the cream until just steaming, lower the heat, then stirring constantly add the egg mixture. When it is slightly thickened, remove it from the heat and add the chocolate.  

Stir until the chocolate is melted.

Place the drained cherries over the chocolate pastry, and carefully pour over the custard.

Any excess custard can be baked in ramekins to be served with extra cherries and cream.

(I had two ramekins of excess custard)

Bake for 40 to 50 minutes.

Cool completely in the tin.

Cut into pieces to serve.  

Yield: 6 large or 9 small servings.

Printable recipe HERE

Grab a cuppa, and visit

 my Fine Art America gift store

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All about Airplants & A quick Shell DIY

  Air plants, also known as Tillandsia, are fascinating plants that don't require soil to grow. 

They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves, making them unique and ideal for indoor or outdoor decoration.

1. Light

Air plants prefer bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they can get sufficient sunlight without being exposed to direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.

2. Water

To water your air plants, mist them with a spray bottle 2-3 times a week. 

You can also soak them in room temperature water for 20-30 minutes, then shake off excess water and let them dry upside down to prevent water from pooling in the base of the plant which will cause rot

3. Air Circulation.

Air plants need good air circulation to thrive. Place them in an area with good airflow, such as near a fan or open window. This will prevent mould and rot from developing on the leaves.

4. Temperature

Keep your air plants in a room or outdoors with temperatures between 50-90 degrees Fahrenheit (-1 to 32 degrees Celcius). 

They can tolerate quite broad temperatures.

5. Fertilization

Feed your air plants with a water-soluble orchid or bromeliad fertilizer once a month. Mix the fertilizer at half strength to prevent burning the plant's delicate leaves.

***

With proper care and attention to their specific needs, air plants can thrive and add a touch of nature to your indoor or outdoor spaces. 

My outdoor space has a clear-cover roof over the seating area for year-round use.

(No snow in my part of New Zealand).

It has a tropical feel with the throw cushions, cane couch and tropical gardens.

So I decided an air plant in a shell would be the perfect addition to the outside decor.

It is a very easy DIY to create.

 DIY An Air Plant Shell

You will need:

A large shell

A small air plant

Coconut fibre

To make:

Soak the plant in water for 20m minutes and drain upside down.

Line the shell with coconut fibre.

Place the air plant in the hole.

Place on your shelf, table, coffee table or outdoor table.

Discover Four Fascinating Varieties of Airplants

1. Tillandsia Ionantha

This is one of the most common varieties of air plants, known for its vibrant green leaves that turn a beautiful shade of red when it blooms. It is a small plant that is perfect for terrariums or small containers.

2. Tillandsia Xerographica

With its striking silvery-grey leaves that curl elegantly, the Tillandsia Xerographica is a popular choice for home decor. It is a larger air plant that can stand alone as a statement piece.

3. Tillandsia Bulbosa

The Tillandsia Bulbosa has a unique shape with its bulbous base and curly tendrils. It thrives in humid environments and adds a whimsical touch to any room.

4. Tillandsia Streptophylla

This air plant has thin, twisting leaves that give it a delicate and wispy appearance. It is a slow-growing plant that produces a stunning flower spike when mature.

There are many more varieties of air plants to explore, each with its own distinct characteristics and charm. 

Whether you're a seasoned airplant enthusiast or a beginner looking to add some greenery to your space, there is a Tillandsia out there for you!

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