Cheese canapés to impress your guests this Christmas

If you’re planning a Christmas get-together this year, greet your guests with something delicious: a Snowdonia Cheese canapé or two. From Red Storm canapés to pancetta, Cheddar and cranberry croquettes, and fig and Rock Star pinwheels, these easy-to-make nibbles will get your party off to a very stylish start.

Red Storm Canapes​

Method

1. Spread a Spelt & Natural Yoghurt Cracker with Pear, Date & Cognac Chutney.​
2. Top with a generous slice of Red Storm and garnish with a small sprig of rosemary.

Pancetta, Cheddar & Cranberry Croquettes​

Ingredients

• 125g pancetta​
• 40g unsalted butter​
• ½ nutmeg, grated​
• 1 tsp mustard powder​
• ½ tsp smoked paprika​
• 90g plain flour​
• 300ml whole milk​
• 3 tbsp cranberry sauce, plus extra for serving​
• 100g Black Bomber Cheddar, grated​
• 2 eggs, beaten​
• 75g panko breadcrumbs​

Method

1. Cook the pancetta for 8-10 mins until crisp and golden. Set aside.​
2. Melt the butter until foaming, add the nutmeg, mustard powder, paprika and 40g of flour. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until you have a smooth, thick sauce.​
3. Remove from heat and stir in the cranberry sauce, Cheddar and pancetta. Place in bowl then cover and chill in the fridge until cold and solid.​
4. Form the mix into torpedo shapes weighing about 25g. Gently roll in the flour, then the egg then the breadcrumbs. Arrange on a lined baking tray and put in the fridge for 30 mins.​​
5. Cook in a deep pan of oil for 4-5 mins until crisp and golden.​
6. Serve with extra cranberry sauce for dipping.​

Fig & Rock Star Pinwheels

Ingredients

• Fig & Apple Chutney​
• Rock Star​
• Fresh thyme​
• Light brown sugar​
• Pre-prepared puff pastry​
• Egg​

Method

1. Unroll the puff pastry and place on parchment paper on large tray. Spread the Fig & Apple Chutney on top.​
2. Crumble the Cheddar evenly on top of the puff pastry. Spread the brown sugar and thyme evenly as well.​
3. Gently roll the pastry into a tight log and place in the freezer for 20 mins.​
4. Remove from freezer and slice the pastry to create 1 inch circles.​
5. Beat an egg in a small bowl then lightly brush each pastry. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.​

📸 @anna_janeka