Savory Cognac-Infused Tomato Canapés with Spiced Crisps
Elevate your appetizer game with these Savory Cognac-Infused Tomato Canapés. Each crispy base, made from a flavorful blend of flour, olive oil, and Courvoisier VS Cognac, is topped with a sumptuous compote of caramelized plum tomatoes, dark raisins steeped in cognac, and a medley of herbs. The gentle heat of freshly cracked black pepper complements the sweetness of the tomato compote, delivering an extravagant bite that will impress your guests. Prepare the raisin infusion and tomato topping a day in advance for maximum flavor, while the delicate crisps are best made fresh. These canapés are ideal for upscale gatherings, holiday parties, or as a special treat during a cozy evening in.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 cup (All-purpose, for making crisps)
Raw sugar
1/2 teaspoon (For the crisps and flavor balancing)
Coarse sea salt or kosher salt
1/2 tablespoon (For seasoning crisps and topping)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For flavoring crisps)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (2 for roasting tomatoes, 1 for crisps)
Courvoisier VS Cognac
5 tablespoons (3 for soaking raisins, 2 for the dough)
Water
3 tablespoons or more as needed (To form dough consistency)
Cornstarch
as needed (For dusting and rolling dough)
Dark raisins
2 tablespoons (Soaked in Cognac overnight)
Plum tomatoes
5 large (Quartered and seeded for roasting)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning tomatoes)
Raw sugar
1 teaspoon (For caramelizing tomatoes)
Thyme
1/2 tablespoon (Fresh, for seasoning)
Rosemary
1 teaspoon (Chopped, for seasoning)
Lemon
1/2 (Zest for added freshness)
Ground almonds
2 tablespoons (For adding richness to the topping)
Fine dry breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (For texture in the topping)
Green onion
1 (Minced, plus some for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, raw sugar, coarse salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Incorporate the olive oil and Courvoisier VS into the dry ingredients. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a stiff yet sticky dough.
4
Transfer the dough to a cornstarch-dusted work surface. Knead briefly until smooth, then shape it into a ball.
5
Divide the dough into two equal portions and allow them to rest uncovered for 15 minutes.
6
Take one portion of dough and place it between two sheets of parchment paper dusted with cornstarch. Roll it out until paper-thin.
7
Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a baking sheet. Repeat this process with the second portion of dough.
8
Bake each sheet for 15 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even browning.
9
Once baked, allow the crisps to cool on the sheet before breaking them into rustic pieces. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
10
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the dark raisins with 3 tablespoons of Courvoisier VS. Cover and let them steep overnight for intensified flavor.
11
When ready to prepare the topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly oil a baking sheet.
12
Arrange the quartered and seeded plum tomatoes cut side up on the baking sheet. Season with salt, pepper, and drizzle with olive oil.
13
Roast the tomatoes for 35 minutes. After that, sprinkle with raw sugar, thyme, and rosemary, then return to the oven for another 10 minutes.
14
After roasting, let the tomatoes cool for 10 minutes. Scrape the contents of the baking sheet into a blender, adding the soaked raisins with their liquid, lemon zest, ground almonds, breadcrumbs, and minced green onion.
15
Blend until the mixture is smooth and thick. Allow it to cool slightly, then transfer it to a bowl and refrigerate until ready to serve.
16
To serve, place 1 to 2 teaspoons of the caramelized tomato topping on each crisp. Finish with a sprinkle of minced green onion for a touch of freshness.
17
Enjoy the canapés within 3 hours of assembly for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Cognac-Infused Tomato Canapés?
They are gourmet appetizers consisting of a cognac-infused tomato and raisin compote served on homemade spiced crisps.
What type of cognac is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for Courvoisier VS Cognac for both the dough and the raisin infusion.
How long should the raisins be soaked?
For the best results and intensified flavor, the dark raisins should be steeped in cognac overnight.
Can the tomato topping be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the raisin infusion and the tomato topping a day in advance for maximum flavor development.
How thin should I roll the crisp dough?
The dough should be rolled out between sheets of parchment paper until it is paper-thin.
What is the oven temperature for baking the crisps?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for baking the crisps.
How long do the spiced crisps need to bake?
Bake each sheet for 15 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through for even browning.
What is the roasting temperature for the plum tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be roasted at 350°F (175°C).
How long do the tomatoes roast in the oven?
The tomatoes roast for an initial 35 minutes, then for another 10 minutes after adding the sugar and herbs.
How should I prepare the tomatoes for roasting?
The plum tomatoes should be quartered and seeded, then placed cut side up on a lightly oiled baking sheet.
Is this appetizer recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it uses plant-based ingredients like tomatoes, raisins, nuts, and olive oil.
What herbs are used in the tomato compote?
The recipe uses fresh thyme and chopped rosemary to season the roasted tomatoes.
What gives the tomato topping its rich texture?
Ground almonds and fine dry breadcrumbs are blended into the tomato mixture to add richness and thickness.
How long can I store the homemade crisps?
The baked and broken crisps can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
What type of flour is used for the crisps?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour to create the base for the spiced crisps.
Why is cornstarch used in this recipe?
Cornstarch is used for dusting the work surface and parchment paper to prevent the dough from sticking during rolling.
How do I know when the dough is the right consistency?
You should add water gradually until you achieve a dough that is stiff yet slightly sticky.
Does the dough need to rest before rolling?
Yes, after dividing the dough into two portions, let them rest uncovered for 15 minutes.
What is the process for creating the final tomato topping?
After roasting, the tomatoes are blended with soaked raisins, lemon zest, ground almonds, breadcrumbs, and minced green onion.
When should the canapés be assembled?
For the best flavor and texture, assemble the canapés within 3 hours of serving.
How much topping should go on each crisp?
Place about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the caramelized tomato topping on each rustic crisp piece.
Can I substitute the dark raisins?
While dark raisins are recommended for their flavor profile, you could try other dried vine fruits, though the taste may vary.
What provides the fresh citrus note in the topping?
The zest of half a lemon is blended into the topping to add a touch of freshness.
How are the canapés garnished?
The assembled canapés are finished with a sprinkle of minced green onion.
What kind of salt is best for the crisps?
The recipe suggests using either coarse sea salt or kosher salt for seasoning.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes after roasting them?
No, the recipe instructions say to scrape all contents of the baking sheet directly into the blender.
Why is raw sugar used in the recipe?
Raw sugar is used in the dough for balance and on the tomatoes to help them caramelize during the final stage of roasting.
Can the crisps be made in advance?
Yes, the crisps are best made fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
What type of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for both the dough and the tomato seasoning.
Are these canapés suitable for formal events?
Yes, they are ideal for upscale gatherings, holiday parties, or any special occasion.