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Serves: 6

150g large prawns

1 baby gem lettuce

1 avocado

Dressing

1 small dill pickle, finely chopped

1tbsp 1 red onion, minced

100g mayonnaise

1tbsp tomato ketchup

1tsp lemon juice

½tsp garlic, minced

2 drops Tabasco sauce

salt and pepper, to taste

(or cheat and use bottled Thousand Island dressing)

Dainty prawn cocktails served in shot glasses. You can be polite and use a fork to eat them, or down in one.

  1. Mix all but 6 prawns into dressing.
  2. Shred the lettuce and line each shot glass with a tiny handful.
  3. Carefully spoon prawns on top of lettuce, then top with a large prawn and a few slices of avocado.

Wine+

Prawns have a subtle sweetness and pair beautifully with rosé wines. We’ve gone for a sparkling pink fizz from the Loire Valley in France. The Society’s Saumur Rosé Brut NV is excellent value at £11.50 from The Wine Society. Made from the Cabernet France grape, its packed full of fresh strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant flavours. The acidity will balance the prawns and creaminess of the dressing perfectly.

Savoury gingerbread & local Camembert (Winnie’s Wheel)

To make this canapé you can use shop-bought gingerbread, but I prefer something a bit more savoury.

Parma ham basket with labneh, truffle or herb oil & Jerusalem artichoke crisp

A complex canapé with multiple elements, but the wow factor lies in the surprisingly simple-to-make basket.

Chilli beef, mozzarella & chilli jam bruschetta

A super easy canapé that can be elevated with homemade bread and chutney or simplified using shop-bought ingredients. The flexibility makes it ideal for both casual gatherings and more polished events.