Poached Egg Sandwich with Spinach, Tomatoes, Bacon and Parmesan

The alarm clock shot music through our room at 6 a.m. this morning, as if it was released from a cannon. It was too loud, too forgettable and persistent, fighting back every time I hit that large snooze button. I fought it. The song won.

My wife and I had a shoot to wake up for, hence the early wake-up call on a normally relaxed Saturday morning. She hurried off to start the coffee and pack the cameras as I drifted in and out of sleep for a few more minutes. A little bit longer. It was a losing battle but I was set on knocking out a few more zzz's. The alarm clock played the villain once again. 
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Small Bites

My wife and I were sitting around talking tonight about future events that we may possibly host. It doesn't matter the occasion and the venue is just a space to hold people. Let's be honest, besides the reason for having the event the food and drinks are the most important thing. They help bring everything and everyone together. They start conversations, which is important when you have a group of people who do and do not know each other.

The best solution to a party or cocktail event is simple finger foods and the less you have to deal with an oven the better. It's easy to grab something and walk around and talk.  It's easier still for the cook. You can plan ahead and prep ahead, sometimes a day prior. There isn't a lack of options either. You can run with a menu featuring crostinis, dips, tarts, kebabs and salads. Drinks can consist of punch, sangrias, cocktails and martinis. You're only limited by your imagination.

These are some of my favourite finger foods and appetizers. They always leave me filled with flavours dancing in my mouth and they definitely leave me wanting more. A little bit more. I've made and enjoyed: summer chickpea salad, prosciutto-wrapped bocconcini w/ pesto, grilled brie & tomato with arugula pesto on crusty bread, calamari w/ chile-lime salt, citrus salad, cantaloupe w/ serrano ham & basil, grilled corn, red onion & cilantro salsa, stuffed cherry tomatoes and the list really is endless.

Today I thought I'd share recipes for two of these great appetizers, Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes and Prosciutto-Wrapped Bocconcini which I've made in the past.



Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes


Serves: 8


Ingredients:
Cherry tomatoes, 2 pints
Avocado, peeled and diced
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 c. mayo (homemade or store bought)
8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
3 green onions, finely chopped
Season to taste

Preparation:
1. Cut a small slice across the top of each tomato and scoop out the pulp with a melon baller and discard pulp. Place tomatoes, cut sides down, on paper towels and let drain for 10-15 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, combine avocado and lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent discolouring. Stir gently and drain. Stir together mayo, bacon and green onions. Add the avocado mixture and stir gently until combined.
3. Spoon avocado mixture evenly into the tomato shells. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour. Season with salt & pepper to taste just before serving.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Bocconcini


Serves: 6-10


Ingredients:
8 prosciutto slices
24 mini-bocconcini balls
1/2 cup pesto
2 tbsp. salt & pepper

Preparation:
1. Cut prosciutto into 4"x4" slices or one-thirds.
2. Take half of a teaspoon of pesto and spread on the prosciutto. Top with a bocconcini ball and season.
3. Fold or roll the prosciutto-wrapped bocconcini.
4. In medium-high skillet, place prosciutto seam-side down and cook 2-3 minutes. Wait until crispy and cheese begins to melt.
5. Serve.

Here's a great cocktail to end the evening. The Happy Ending.


Happy Ending


Serves: 2


Ingredients:
2 shots brewed espresso, cooled
1/4 cup half & half
1/4 cup Frangelico
1/4 cup Grand Marnier
Cocoa powder, for dusting
Whipped cream
Shaved chocolate, garnish
Ice

Preparation:
1. Combine espresso, Frangelico, Grand Marnier in a shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into two glasses filled with ice.
2. Dust with cocoa powder and shaved chocolate over whipped cream and serve.

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The Market Watch

A trip through your neighbourhood Farmers Market brings you upon a cornucopia of fresh produce all grown within a short distance from your home. Tomatoes are in abundance and with more varieties than you can count. We're talking about tomatoes, tomatoes and more tomatoes! Corn, peppers, garlic and herbs are found at every vendor and around every corner. It's a great time to be a vegetarian, even if you're not.

For the first couple of months of Summer we're limited to greens and pepper varieties. Some, anyway. Within a short time you can fill an entire stand with peppers. It comes quick and plentiful. August comes in with a bang and leaves that way, with so many great options that we can keep our local farmers busy producing. There is a better selection of local goods at at Market than in any grocery store I've come across, and most of the produce found outside of the grocery chains doesn't have to be transported long distances and preserved for the time taken to reach its destination. Fresher goods and very little carbon footprint.

The Market has so many redeeming qualities. Besides supporting your local producers and getting the freshest possible options available, you also don't pay the price associated with supermarkets. You can get your entire produce shopping in one spot and the farmers are incredibly nice and informative. They can and will answer any questions you have, which is more than I can say for the big box store. And they take great pride in the items they sell. It's the best one-stop shop that is usually in your very own city or town. Nothing beats the sounds of live music and the smell of fresh flowers and eating local, sustainably grown produce.

I dropped in on the Cambridge Market today. I was driving by and noticed it so had to stop. It's like collecting cookbooks, if I pass one I have to stop. What about you? Do you prefer the Market, or is the convenience of doing all your shopping in once place too much to sway you? Do you stick with the same things or do you try new seasonal foods?

 Here are some pictures from the Markets I've visited recently. Maybe it will change your mind. Check out all the beautiful produce! It makes me hungry just looking at these pictures.