Save me from Canapes

Tonight was the last official night of my working year - a big anniversary event for a client!  So pleased that it is now all over but it did get me thinking about the best canapes. 

Essentially at these events, we all have a drink and we need something to soak up the alcohol.  Yes, I know it is business but it is December and everyone is winding down so we are (if we drink) going to have a few drinks, maybe even a couple.  So what are the best canapes?

Well firstly,

1. They need to be eaten with one hand while holding a glass!  This might mean, they need to be a one bite wonder or easy to hold. 
2. Nothing squidgy or squirty - yes, I know we don't want anything too dry (as you can't talk) but you also don't want to be scraping white sauce off your dress (which incidentally I left in a hotel room on Friday morning but TMI lol)
3. Nothing you can't identify - or rather, nothing most average people can't.   If people don't know what they are, then they are not going to eat them and you are going to be faced with scared and slightly annoyed servicing people endlessly circling the room.
4. Nothing most people are allergic too - no nuts and not disguised shellfish (nothing ruins an evening more than anaphylatic shock)
5. Mixture of substantial and bird food - not everyone drinks and for that matter, not everyone eats so cater for everyone.

So what would a jaded (and last night, hungry and a little tipsy) PR person recommend you serve?  When I am at an event, what makes me do a little jig of joy and position myself close to the kitchen entrance?   I would suggest:

1. Spring rolls or samosas- very easy to eat and if done well (and that to me, includes duck) are glorious - lovely crispy and filling!
2. Mini quiches - I hear you groan but a good mini quiche (not one of the budget supermarkets) with flaky pastry and a lovely filing - is the ideal one bite wonder
3. Something on a stick - Nothing common (lol) but roast beef and horseradish or fig and proscuitto or even sausages in a mustard glaze.  Not trendy but so good.
4. Salmon - everyone knows what is its and loves it, quiches (not obsessed at all) or even Blinis
5. Something based on potatoes - lord if it has to be wedges (of a modest size) no problem but rostis or gnocchi.  Lord, anything which soaks up the booze and tastes good.

Just a few ideas and there are many more but if you remember the first few rules then sorting out the rest is pretty easy

L x