Hors d'Oeuvres

"Hors d'Ouvres" - known in our house simply as "Nibbles" (sounds like the name of a cat) - is a French term that means literally "outside the work" [where "work" is used in the sense of "the main event".] It is the term frequently used to describe a selection of goodies provided by the host to whet guests' appetites before the main meal begins. We certainly use it in this way, and we often sit down with a plate of Nibbles and a cocktail while dinner is cooking. It is a sociable activity, helping us to relax and catch up on what each of us has been doing during the day.

Here is a typical example, presented on those beautiful Faience de Gien plates that Fiona and Juan gave me at Christmas-time:

On the plates here we see two types of Saucisson Sec (the French equivalent of Salami); some Cipolle Borretane (Italian-style onions pickled with balsamic vinegar); some Silverskin cocktail onions; and some mixed olives - plus my latest favourite garnish, the Celeriac leaf.

And here's a photo of another, more Summery, selection, taken some while ago:

That one has Cornichons (small gherkins), Kalamata olives, and home-grown Radishes and cherry Tomatoes.

Here's another option - Extra Virgin Olive Oil, with bread for dipping, and more Radishes, with salt for dipping them in

More Radishes...

Without a doubt the best Nibbles, from the gardener's point of view, have to be the home-grown ones, like these crunchy finger carrots:

Or a bowl of bite-sized tomatoes:

Perhaps some of the very tiniest new potatoes with some black pepper and a knob of butter?

Or maybe just some fresh peas, picked moments previously in the garden just outside our door?

Can't you just hear the soft "pop" noise as you snap them open??

So friends, what is YOUR favourite nibble? Please tell me!