Recipe Title: Fancy Vol-au-Vent
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Robiola (soft cheese) | 30g |
Fresh parsley | 6 sprigs |
Fresh cream (liquid) | 2 tbsp |
Fine salt | to taste |
Black pepper | to taste |
Robiola (soft cheese) | 30g |
Smoked salmon | 30g |
Fresh thyme | to taste |
Capers | to taste |
Russian salad (prepared) | 60g |
Shrimp | 6 pieces |
Cocktail sauce | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Vol-au-Vents
Start by purchasing pre-made vol-au-vent shells to save time, or prepare them yourself if you prefer. Arrange the vol-au-vent shells on a clean surface, ready to be filled. The beauty of this dish lies in the fillings, so focus your efforts on crafting delicious creamy layers for each shell. -
Herb Cream Filling
For the first filling, prepare a creamy herb mixture. Begin by finely chopping the fresh parsley. In a small bowl, combine the Robiola cheese and fresh cream, mixing them together until smooth. Add the chopped parsley, along with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to ensure the flavors meld together. Using a piping bag, carefully fill three of your vol-au-vent shells with this herb-infused creamy mixture. -
Shrimp Cocktail Filling
Next, move on to the shrimp cocktail filling. Start by placing a teaspoon of cocktail sauce at the bottom of each vol-au-vent shell. Follow by adding the shrimp, which should be pre-cooked, peeled, and deveined. You can either chop the shrimp or leave them whole, depending on your preference. After placing the shrimp in the shell, drizzle another spoonful of cocktail sauce on top and garnish with extra shrimp, keeping them intact for a stunning presentation. -
Smoked Salmon Filling
For the third filling, finely chop the smoked salmon and mix it with a portion of the Robiola cheese. This mixture will offer a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the delicate vol-au-vent shells. Fill the remaining vol-au-vent shells with the salmon and cheese blend, ensuring each one is packed with this indulgent filling. -
Russian Salad Filling
The final filling is a refreshing and creamy Russian salad, a delightful contrast to the savory components. Spoon about a tablespoon of Russian salad into the remaining vol-au-vent shells, filling them to the brim with this tangy, textured treat. -
Optional Gelatin Topping
If you want to add a glossy finish to your vol-au-vent, consider using gelatin. To do so, dissolve a gelatin cube in hot water according to the instructions on the package. Once the gelatin has fully dissolved, drizzle it over the tops of each vol-au-vent. This step adds an elegant touch and a shiny finish, making the appetizer even more visually appealing. -
Chill and Serve
Once all the vol-au-vent shells are filled and topped with the gelatin (if desired), place them in the refrigerator to set the gelatin and allow the flavors to develop. After an hour or two of chilling, the vol-au-vent appetizers will be ready to serve.
These elegant, bite-sized delights are perfect for a special occasion, offering a variety of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed at a holiday gathering or a fancy dinner party, these vol-au-vent creations are sure to impress your guests.
Enjoy your fancy vol-au-vent!