Shrimp appetizers

Shrimp Appetizers: Vol-au-vent with Cream Cheese and Shrimp

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12 appetizers

In the culinary world, shrimp appetizers are often considered refined delicacies, perfect for impressing at any occasion. These small culinary jewels, known as vol-au-vent, combine unique textures and flavors, offering a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. In this recipe, we will explore how to prepare a delicious appetizer with cream cheese and shrimp, ensuring that each step is easy to follow, even for those less experienced in cooking.

Ingredients needed:

*For the cream cheese:*
- 200 g sour cream
- 200 g mascarpone cheese
- 300 ml thicker yogurt
- 2 green onions
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- a pinch of sweet paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 100 g smoked salmon, diced

*For the vol-au-vent:*
- 300 g shrimp, peeled
- 1 teaspoon butter
- 1 package puff pastry (about 500 g)
- 1 egg, for brushing

Step by step: Preparing the appetizer

1. Cream cheese: Start by preparing the cream cheese. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt with the sour cream and mascarpone until the mixture becomes smooth. This mix will be the delicious base of your appetizer.

2. Straining the mixture: Transfer the cheese mixture into a cheesecloth or a fine mesh. Tie it well with a string and let it drain in a cool place, ideally in the refrigerator overnight. This process will help achieve a denser and richer cream.

3. Adding flavors: The next day, unfold your cheesecloth and place the cream obtained in a bowl. Add finely chopped fresh dill, finely chopped green onion, grated lemon zest for a touch of freshness, sweet paprika, and diced smoked salmon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, then refrigerate the cream to firm up slightly.

4. Preparing the pastry: Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator. It is important to work with cold dough to shape it easily. Roll it out on a floured work surface, then use a round cutter to cut out circles. From half of the circles, cut the center with a smaller cutter, creating a ring.

5. Baking the vol-au-vent: Place the whole circles on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush each circle with beaten egg and place a cut-out circle on top, brushing it with egg as well. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes or until the vol-au-vent are golden and puffed. Let them cool completely.

6. Preparing the shrimp: In a skillet, melt the butter and add the shrimp. Sauté them over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and tender. Make sure not to overcook them, or they will become rubbery.

7. Assembling the appetizer: When the vol-au-vent have cooled, fill them with the previously prepared cream cheese using a pastry bag or a spoon. Top each serving with a shrimp and, if desired, garnish with a thin slice of cucumber for a fresh contrast.

8. Serving: Serve the appetizers cold or at room temperature, enjoying the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Useful tips for a perfect result:
- Ensure that all ingredients are fresh, especially the smoked fish and shrimp.
- If you don't have smoked salmon on hand, you can experiment with tuna or other types of smoked fish.
- The cream cheese can be customized with other herbs like basil or tarragon, depending on your preferences.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These vol-au-vent are an excellent source of protein due to the cheeses and shrimp, and the herbs add a note of freshness and vitamins. Each serving contains approximately 180-200 calories, depending on the serving size and the amount of sour cream used.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry is an excellent choice to save time.
- How can I replace the shrimp? You can try chicken or fried vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- What are the best drinks to pair with this appetizer? A dry white wine or a cocktail with lime and mint would perfectly complement this appetizer.

Final notes:
These vol-au-vent with cream cheese and shrimp are not just an appetizer but also a culinary experience that will bring a smile to your guests' faces. Don't hesitate to experiment with the ingredients and personalize them according to the occasion. Whether you serve them at a party, an elegant dinner, or simply at home, these appetizers are sure to be a guaranteed success!

 Ingredients: For the cheese cream: 200g sour cream 200g mascarpone cheese 300ml thicker yogurt 2 green onions 1 bunch of fresh dill a pinch of sweet paprika salt and pepper 100g smoked salmon 300g shrimp 1 teaspoon butter 1 package of puff pastry 1 egg for brushing

 Tags:  shrimp wind_comes yogurt unt puff pastry