Celebrating with Kumquat Canapés A Tribute to Food Heroes

Introduction

I recently celebrated a special occasion and what better way to get the party started than with these delightful Kumquat Canapés? Not only are they delicious, but they also make for a pretty display. Inspired by a recipe by Gretta Anna Teplitzsky, a renowned Australian chef often referred to as the Julia Child of Australian Cooking, these canapés pay homage to my food heroes. As I was making them, I couldn’t help but think about the impact these culinary icons have had on my own cooking journey. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these delectable canapés and the stories behind them.

The Gretta Anna Canapé

Gretta Anna’s original recipe called for kumquats, rare roast beef, and mint. While I opted for store-bought rare roast beef slices and substituted rocket for mint, the combination of flavors still worked beautifully. The tanginess of the kumquat paired perfectly with the slightly metallic and salty taste of the roast beef. The rocket added a peppery note, and for an extra kick, a dollop of horseradish would be a fantastic addition.

The Nigella Canapé

For the Nigella Kumquat Canapé, we venture to Italy, where we combine the tangy kumquat with spicy chili salami and fresh basil. This combination creates a mouthwatering burst of flavors. The sharpness of the kumquat cuts through the richness of the salami, while the chili adds a fiery kick. The basil brings a herbaceous and spicy element to the canapé, resulting in a true Italian delight.

The Sabrina Canapé

No culinary tribute would be complete without including Sabrina Ghayour, a talented chef known for her Middle Eastern flavors. While I still have many recipes to try from her cookbook, Persiana, I couldn’t resist making a canapé inspired by her. The Sabrina Canapé features creamy hummus, fragrant dukkah, zingy kumquat, and fresh coriander. This Middle Eastern bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, with the hummus providing a creamy and earthy base for the vibrant kumquat, crunchy dukkah, and refreshing coriander. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly!

The Floyd Canapé

When it came to naming the fourth canapé, I drew inspiration from the Mexican flavors of avocado, tequila, and chili. Keith Floyd, a charismatic and adventurous chef, seemed like the perfect fit for this canapé. The Floyd Canapé consists of avocado marinated in tequila, sprinkled with salt, and served with radish, pickled chili, a slice of kumquat, and a garnish of mint. It’s a deconstructed take on guacamole, with the kumquat standing in for the traditional lemon or lime, and the radish adding a satisfying crunch.

Celebrating the Blogiversary

As I mentioned earlier, May marks the month of my blogiversary. Retro Food for Modern Times will turn four, and I am thrilled to celebrate this milestone. To commemorate the occasion, I am planning a themed party with the letter D. I am full of anticipation for the festivities and can’t wait to share the details with you!

Conclusion

These Kumquat Canapés have not only added a burst of flavor to my celebration but have also served as a tribute to my food heroes. From Gretta Anna’s French-inspired flavors to Nigella’s Italian influence, Sabrina’s Middle Eastern delights, and Floyd’s adventurous spirit, each canapé represents a different culinary journey. I encourage you to explore the flavors and recipes of your own food heroes. Who knows what delicious creations await you? As for me, I will continue to be inspired by these culinary icons as I embark on new cooking adventures.