Amuse-bouche is becoming the hottest trend in foods and
entertaining. If you enjoy offering your guests interesting fare
that always gets raves you should consider learning about the
seduction of amuse-bouche.
WHAT IS AMUSE-BOUCHE?
The word amuse-bouche is a french expression, literally
translated "mouth-amuser". And no wonder - amuse-bouche are
snappy, single bite creations which combine intense taste
sensations in an artistic form.
Amuse-bouche is different from your typical hors d'oeuvres. It
is most often offered when guests are seated at the table.
Amuse-bouche not only offers guests something to taste while
waiting for the dinner, but also sets the 'flavor' of the
evening. The amuse-bouche should compliment the dinner as well
as give guests a sample of the quality of the meal to come.
WHAT CAN I MAKE FOR AMUSE-BOUCHE?
Amuse-bouche concentrates on flavor; often combining simple,
intense flavors alongside rich, multi-faceted ones. The focus is
on savoring and appreciating the full flavor of a single bite;
much as you savor the intensity of a shot rather than having a
full cup.
The amuse-bouche can be a combination of bite size, single
ingredient bites arranged artfully on a plate or a combination
of flavors offered as one serving on a Chinese spoon. You may
also choose a rich, flavorful soup (such as vichyssoise)
presented in a shot glass along with a spoon.
The key to a good amuse-bouche is quality ingredients. Whether
you're offering simple mandarin slices alongside a savory salmon
mousse or a skewered shrimp with a complex marinade, you will
want to use the highest quality and most decadent ingredients
you can obtain.
PRESENTATION
Second only to quality ingredients and full flavor is
presentation. Amuse-bouche follows the French tradition of
artistic presentation. Find amuse-bouche ideas online and take
note of the visual presentation. While not complex, the
resulting impression is one of style and attention to details.
Garnish sparingly and preferably use a simple white plate for
optimum presence.
If you are so inclined you may wish to entertain your guests
with a variety of amuse-bouche at an evening gathering rather
than simply a prelude to a sit down dinner.
You may also choose to compliment your amuse-bouche with a well
chosen wine. Some recipes will indicate a suitable wine or you
can base your selection on the dominating flavor of the
amuse-bouche.
There are several fine recipe books to guide you as you begin
exploring the pleasures of amuse-bouche, but let your creative
spirit shine as you take inspiration from the simple pleasures
of flavor and entertaining and create your own unique
'mouth-amusers' for your guests.
About the author:
You too, can manoeuvre in the unfamiliar waters of gourmet
cuisine, with just a few well-learned techniques that are easy
to master, and build a repertoire of literally hundreds of
dishes and deserts. Let Geoffrey set you on the path today, to
gastronomical delights!
http://www.free-recipe-books.com
