Hors D Oeuvres RecipesThe French love to start their meal with a 'little something' to wet the appetite. These Hors d oeuvres recipes or appetizers, are to do just that - to stimulate the gastric juices before eating the main course. 
In the French home it is usually something simple such as ham or garlic sausage, tunny fish, smoked fish, sardines, olives, salads or fresh raw vegetables beautifully prepared in a light herb vinaigrette. The most important thing about the horsdoeuvres is that the food is of excellent quality and fresh. The French housewife chooses her produce carefully using her eyes and her sense of smell. She will only buy what is fresh. The quality is always good and she never throws anything away, nothing is ever wasted in her kitchen. For a formal meal the hors d oeuvres are usually arranged in individual dishes but for a family meal they can be arranged attractively on individual plates. White dishes are best as they present the wonderful colours of the meat and vegetables whereas a patterned dish is likely to be confusing. They are arranged attractively but simply - French food is never over garnished. We love a simple salad such as salad nicoise which is the classic hors d oeuvre of the south of France. It is easy to prepare and light and appetising before a main meal. This is just one example for you as I'm sure you will have your favourite meats and vegetables, so you can choose something you love. Of course, they all make a lovely light meal on their own with some crispy bread to accompany them, so they can serve you in different ways as well as their traditional way.
So the next time you wonder what on earth can I give them as an appetizer, you will now have some ideas for simple but delicious hors d oeuvres for either your family meal or for entertaining your friends.
Can be made with any cooked fish but especially delicious made with smoked haddock. This is a hot one to add to your hors d oeuvres recipes!
More Salad RecipesFor more ideas on starters and hors-d oeuvres you will find lots of recipes for salads on my French salads page which will give you lots of ideas and most are easy and very economical to make. DressingsMaking your own dressings is not only easy but is economical and so much better for you. Here are some you will love!French Dressing Recipe or Vinaigrette This French dressing recipe or vinaigrette is so easy to make at home and will enhance all your hors d oeuvres, salads and crudites. It is far superior to any you buy at the supermarket and costs very little to make. Mayonnaise Recipe This mayonnaise recipe will give you a far more superior mayonnaise to accompany your hors d oeuvres recipes, salads and crudites. You will find it an easy recipe to make at home with amazing results - just wait until you hear all the compliments when you present this at your table! Party giving should be enjoyable and having the right appetizer selection will help. Take a peep at Best Made Appetizers where you will find some delicious Italian Appetizers. Not only are hors d oeuvres recipes good for your family meals but also for entertaining. They make wonderful starters at parties and wedding receptions. Want some ideas for weddings, then take a look at Outdoor wedding ideas where you can plan the perfect outdoor wedding any time of year! Return from Hors d oeuvres recipes to French Recipes to Love Home page |