Prep time:

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time:

Serves: 8

For the basket:

40g Parma ham (approx. 2 slices)

For the labneh:

100g Greek natural yoghurt

1tsp sea salt

For the Jerusalem artichoke crisp:

1 small Jerusalem artichoke

a little rapeseed oil (for brushing)

For the herb oil (optional):

1 bunch soft herbs (e.g. basil, parsley, coriander)

100ml rapeseed oil

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

Make the labneh:
Mix yoghurt with salt. Spoon into muslin cloth, place in a sieve over a bowl. Refrigerate overnight to strain. For firmer labneh, tie the muslin and suspend over a bowl.

Prepare the herb oil (optional):
Chop herbs and add to oil in a jar. Leave overnight to infuse. The longer it sits, the more vibrant and flavourful it becomes.

Make the Parma ham baskets:
Preheat oven to 165°C (fan). Cut each slice of Parma ham into 4 pieces. Lightly oil a 5cm square of foil and layer 2 pieces of ham on top. Press into a small ovenproof egg cup or mini Yorkshire pudding mould. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Cool and set aside.

Make the Jerusalem artichoke crisp: Peel and finely slice the artichoke.Brush with oil and bake slowly at 80°C overnight, or use a dehydrator

To assemble:
Spoon a little labneh into each Parma ham basket. Drizzle with herb oil or grate fresh truffle over the top. Garnish with a Jerusalem artichoke crisp or a fresh herb leaf.

Simpler variations:
Quick version: Parma ham basket + labneh + truffle shavings.

Seasonal twist:
Use herb oil and a fresh leaf garnish.

No dehydrator?
Use a vegetable peeler to make thin artichoke ribbons and fry until crisp.

We were delighted to visit Nicci and Sophie at Home Gurr’own to shoot this issue’s festive canapé recipes – their signature inventive take on a traditional small bite – a brilliant example of their flair for creativity which has made them so in demand as wedding and event caterers.
Using organic principles, the team at Home Gurr’own grow many of the vegetables, herbs and edible flowers used to create their wedding and event menus. They also rear animals which are free to roam their idyllic smallholding – think Gloucester Old Spot pigs, Southdown sheep, chickens for eggs and bees for honey and mead. Any ingredients that they aren’t able to produce themselves, are sourced from the surrounding countryside to ensure the menus are always unique, fresh and local. To find out more see homegurrown.co.uk, call 07747 816541 or follow them on Instagram @homegurrown


  • words:
  • pictures: David Merewether

Mega Mexican beef tacos

Few things bring a dish to life quite like a great spice blend. Dust Bros’ Mega Mexican is packed with bold, warming Mexican flavours, making it the perfect partner for these indulgent beef tacos. Combined with sweet peppers, onion and...

Soft boiled egg, blue cheese & walnut salad

Simple ingredients, beautifully brought together, can make for the most satisfying dishes. This soft-boiled egg, blue cheese and walnut salad is a celebration of contrasting flavours and textures, with creamy avocado, rich local blue cheese and crunchy walnuts finished with...

Lemon pepper Parmesan fries

Great cooking starts with great ingredients, and few things transform a dish quite like the right seasoning. In collaboration with Dust Bros, makers of small-batch spice blends and sister brand to the much-loved Benenden Sauce, we’ve gathered a selection of...