Amuse-Bouche to Please — Des amuse-bouches à croquer

December 17, 2008

amuse bouche potato nest apple crab filling

Potato Nests with Crab and Apple Topping

“It’s next week, I tell you!” I told P. looking at the calendar hanging by the kitchen door.

“Incroyable !”

This is really the way we feel this year. Christmas next week? I don’t think we have been as little prepared for Christmas as we have this year. Preparing for bébé’s arrival has taken every bit of our energy and time — and thoughts. Take for example the following: I am unable to remember where I put things, sometimes even the point of a conversation, stopping myself in the middle of a sentence.

It’s funny, really!

With food, though, things seem to have stayed somewhat on track, at least consistent. I don’t forget to prepare food, and to eat — quite on the contrary. I did not think much about it at first, but I have even started to freeze some dishes to keep us going during the first days we will spend with bébé. Then, food ideas have kept flooding my mind too, making me wish I had more time, and ability to eat, the many things I really want to cook.

I made these amuse-bouches for example, for one of the videos kindly shot by the people at How2Heroes. Ah..oh…yes, please, be indulgent, it’s my first cooking video experience — with, on top, a pregnant woman’s brain.

These potato nests are filled with flavors. They are light and refreshing, wonderful before starting a festive meal. In only one mouthful, you can taste crispy potatoes with a finish made of fried leeks, sweet and juicy apple and pomegranate, silky crème fraiche, and refreshing crab. The bonus? All the steps can be made ahead of time, and assembled at the last minute.

They will be on the menu for our Christmas, should we be home that day – unless bébé decides to arrive then, and feast with us.

Well, we shall see about that. In the meantime, I ate these treats this afternoon. Excellent as a snack for a gourmande pregnant woman!

I promise!

amuse bouche potato nest apple crab filling

Potato Nests with Crab and Apple Topping

(For about 20 pieces)

You need:

  • 2 potatoes (baking or Yukon Gold are fine) peeled and grated, about 7 to 8 oz
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • 1 egg, beaten lightly
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Freshly grated red peppercorns, to taste
  • 1 oz melted butter
  • 1/2 cup crab meat (lump)
  • 1/2 organic green apple, grated or cut in small sticks
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
  • 1 scallion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chopped coriander
  • 1/2 tablespoon chopped chives + more to decorate
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Crème fraîche, to serve

Steps:

  • Preheat your oven at 420 F (210 C).
  • In a bowl, combine the grated potatoes with the egg and nutmeg. Add the parsley and season with salt and red peppercorns (or black pepper).
  • Take a mini muffin pan (I used a silicone one, all molds are 1.5 inch) and grease it with cooking spray. Take a small amount of the grated potatoes in your hands. Squeeze out the excess juice and press it down at the bottom of each mold, to make a nest.
  • Add 1/2 teaspoon butter in each mold.
  • Cook for 25 minutes, or until brown. Remove, unmold and let cool.
  • In the meantime, in another bowl, combine the crab with the apple and lime juice. Add the olive oil, coriander, scallions and chives. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Fill each potato nest with the crab preparation and add a drop of crème fraiche on top. Top with a few pomegranate seeds. Decorate with chives or fried leeks.
Le coin français
Nids de pommes de terre, garnis de crabe et de pomme verte

(Pour environ 20 amuse-bouches)

Ingrédients :

  • 2 pommes de terre, pelées et râpées, environ 200 g
  • 1 càs de persil haché
  • Pincée de sel
  • 1 oeuf, battu légèrement
  • 1/2 càc de muscade fraichement râpée
  • Baies roses, ou poivre noir
  • 15 g de beurre fondu
  • 80 g de chair de crabe
  • 1/2 pomme verte, râpée ou coupée en bâtonnets très fins
  • 2 càs de graines de grenade
  • 1 oignon tige, haché finement
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 càs de ciboulette hachée + brins pour servir
  • 1 càs d’huile d’olive
  • 1 càs de jus de citron vert
  • Sel
  • Crème fraîche, pour servir

Etapes :

  • Préchauffez le four à 210 C.
  • Dans une jatte, mélangez les pommes de terre râpées avec l’oeuf et la muscade. Ajoutez le persil et assaisonnez de sel et de baies roses concassées ou de poivre noir.
  • Graissez un moule à mini muffins (chaque petit moule mesure 4 cm) (le mien est en silicone). Pressez l’équivalent d’une petite cuiller de pommes de terre au fond de chaque moule de façon à fomer un petit nid, en vous assurant d’enlever l’excédent de liquide (pressez les pommes de terre entre vos doigts).
  • Ajoutez une 1/2 càc de beurre fondu sur chaque nid.
  • Cuisez pendant environ 25 minutes, ou jusqu’à ce que les pommes de terres soient bien dorées. Retirez du four, démoulez et laissez refroidir.
  • Pendant ce temps, dans un autre bol, mélangez le crabe, la pomme, le jus de citron vert. Ajoutez l’huile d’olive, l’oignon tige, la ciboulette, la coriandre. Assaisonnez de sel et de poivre.
  • Remplissez chaque nid de pommes de terre avec cette préparation au crabe. Ajoutez un peu de crème fraiche et une ou plusieurs graines de grenade. Décorez avec un brin de ciboulette, ou du poireau frit.
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Tagged as: Appetizers , Fish , Gluten Free
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48 Comments »

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  1. beautiful bea. you are so close… enjoy the rest of the time and congratulations again!

    Comment by Aran — On December, 17th, 2008 at 6:09 pm

  2. Wow! Super video can’t wait to see more, you’re a natural!

    Comment by Bron — On December, 17th, 2008 at 6:25 pm

  3. Wow a christmas baby maybe!! My son and daughter-in-law had a little girl last week, so we didn’t really know what we were doing either. congratulations, enjoy your christmas…don’t forget when it is :-)

    Comment by Anne — On December, 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

  4. Stunning! You are such an artist Bea!

    Comment by Marija — On December, 17th, 2008 at 6:27 pm

  5. these look gorgeous! enjoy the holidays!

    Comment by kat — On December, 17th, 2008 at 6:28 pm

  6. These look beautiful. Here’s to a happy holiday and a healthy baby!

    Comment by Hayley — On December, 17th, 2008 at 6:38 pm

  7. Great video Bea!! I think I would have frozen and become mute!!
    Great holiday recipe!

    Comment by Tartelette — On December, 17th, 2008 at 7:10 pm

  8. Very cool video! Was nice to see uo in action.

    Comment by Nurit - 1 family. friendly. Food. — On December, 17th, 2008 at 8:37 pm

  9. Délicieuse recette, fraîche et pleine de saveurs ! Un plaisir de te voir et de t’entendre également ! ;)

    Comment by Vanille — On December, 17th, 2008 at 9:34 pm

  10. These looks so cute. I love crab and apple. This will be served on my next party. Thanks Bea.

    Comment by sabrina — On December, 17th, 2008 at 10:16 pm

  11. Bea, these potato nests are like a gourmet spin on latkes! Perfect for Hanukkah :)

    Comment by Donna — On December, 17th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

  12. Your photos are always stunning, and these are no exception! They look like perfect little bites for a tea party. I’ll keep these in mind…

    Comment by Cooking for Seven — On December, 17th, 2008 at 11:43 pm

  13. Love the recipe and your video — you are a pleasure!

    Comment by Haley W. — On December, 17th, 2008 at 11:48 pm

  14. Time passes really fast… Those Amuse-Bouche look delightful!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

    Comment by Rosa — On December, 18th, 2008 at 1:26 am

  15. Très original! Ta recette est parfaite pour les apéros prochain que l’on veut chaque année plus beaux!

    Comment by pompelpot — On December, 18th, 2008 at 1:32 am

  16. It really has come up fast this year. I can not believe that Christmas is in 7 days!
    Wonderful food as always.

    Comment by peabody — On December, 18th, 2008 at 4:39 am

  17. Bea, I’m also in shock about Christmas being next week, and there is no bébé in my “equation”! Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas, and all the best to the little one. :)

    PS – the video is really nice. You did great!

    Comment by Suzana — On December, 18th, 2008 at 4:52 am

  18. Merci pour cette recette, il est très possible que je la teste dans les prochains jours ,)

    Comment by Botacook — On December, 18th, 2008 at 5:40 am

  19. pas etonnant que les anglophones craquent pr notre accent …. Super cette video ! bonne continuation !

    Comment by corinne — On December, 18th, 2008 at 8:43 am

  20. Tout ce que j’aime ! et encore de superbes photos ;-) bonnes fêtes

    Comment by Elsa — On December, 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am

  21. The recipe and the photos are just beautiful, as usual.. so no wonder about it.
    It was really nice watching the video, it was a little bit like meeting you.
    So thanks for that, you’re a pleasure for eyes and ears!
    All the best to you and bébé!

    Comment by Lisa — On December, 18th, 2008 at 9:40 am

  22. I have never had the crab and apple combination, it sounds and looks wonderful.
    I have a notorious short term memory at the best of times.

    Comment by Erin — On December, 18th, 2008 at 10:14 am

  23. J’en prends quelques-uns immédiatement et je te pique la recette!

    Bonne chance pour l’arrivée de Bébé et un merveilleux Noël aux heureux futurs parents!

    Comment by Miss Diane — On December, 18th, 2008 at 10:23 am

  24. brilliant! thank you! Merry Christmas!

    Comment by Terri Schmitt — On December, 18th, 2008 at 10:31 am

  25. You did a great job on the video! I did a cooking video for the first time this past August…so funny! It’s now a family classic.

    Comment by Julia — On December, 18th, 2008 at 11:32 am

  26. I made a very similar recipe last week for my Xmas party and it was a hit. The toppings were less elabotated, since I wanted to make a quick thing, but I loved it. Good luck with bebe!

    Comment by Rita — On December, 18th, 2008 at 11:51 am

  27. Great videos Béa! Look out Rachel Ray! I see you use Herbamare as a salt substitute. It is a staple in our house as well. Yes, Christmas has crept up on us this year too. I’m only just now planning our menu for the big day. Can’t wait to hear news of the bébé.

    Comment by valérie-jeanne — On December, 18th, 2008 at 12:36 pm

  28. une idée raffinée et relativement simple, je prends!

    Comment by diane — On December, 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm

  29. Those look wonderful! I just love your photography. So much eyecandy here. Added a link to your lovely blog. :)

    Can’t wait to try the vanilla pots de creme!

    Comment by Lauren — On December, 18th, 2008 at 9:45 pm

  30. They look delicious and festive! I love your how-to video et encore plus, j’adore votre accent!

    Comment by Kelli — On December, 19th, 2008 at 2:23 am

  31. je te rassure je ne suis pas enceinte et j’oublie tout , in my case it’s the Ageing process , j’adore ces petits crab cake en Thailande et tu les a magnifiquement Françisé (je dirais même Alsaçisé !!!)

    repose toi un peu aussi
    Garance

    Comment by garance — On December, 19th, 2008 at 3:19 am

  32. Bea, if the baby decides to arrive on December 25, then we’ll share the same birthday!! Let us know, ok!! Promise!!
    Beautiful photos, as always, but I truly love the colours and details on these ones!! Wait, it’s the food too!! I wish I could have some of those right now…
    And if I don’t “see” you again until after Christmas, Joyeux Noel, and enjoy yourselves with bebe!!

    Comment by Christy — On December, 19th, 2008 at 4:12 am

  33. Absolutely gorgeous!!! Your food is to die for and your photography is amazing! I could only hope to style and shoot like you.

    Comment by MODman — On December, 19th, 2008 at 9:37 am

  34. Love, love your video! I hope to see you on TV soon!

    Comment by cherie — On December, 19th, 2008 at 3:28 pm

  35. These look beautiful and delicious!

    Comment by lisa (dandysugar) — On December, 19th, 2008 at 9:59 pm

  36. Wonderful idea. If I try this recipe, ill have to either substitute or omit the crab. How exciting that the baby is going to arrive soon! All the very best.

    Comment by anushruti — On December, 20th, 2008 at 12:43 pm

  37. great job on the video, Bea, it’s nice to see you in action!

    Comment by kalli — On December, 20th, 2008 at 4:42 pm

  38. bea, loved the video congratulations. i will be on the look out for more.merry xmas!

    Comment by valentina — On December, 20th, 2008 at 8:17 pm

  39. [...] I just love the name “amuse-bouche”. [...]

    Pingback by HeartSongs » Surfer Sunday 101 — On December, 21st, 2008 at 2:19 am

  40. Thanks so much everyone!

    Comment by Béa — On December, 21st, 2008 at 5:13 pm

  41. J’adore tes petites bouchées au crabe et encore si je pouvais les manger !

    Comment by b comme bon — On December, 22nd, 2008 at 3:04 am

  42. Béa, you have got really nifty hands!

    Comment by Mrs Ergül — On December, 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm

  43. I’ve just made 12 amuse-bouche — facile! Easy to watch and follow you on How2Heroes. Perfect fit for crab — so tasty! Saving 6 ..Merci and Congratulations!

    Comment by Elke — On December, 29th, 2008 at 3:36 pm

  44. [...] Host a cocktail party with fancy appetizers. 2. Cook on Sunday, eat all week. 3. Stop at one serving. 4. Try at least two new cuisines. 5. Make [...]

    Pingback by New Year’s Resolutions « In Good Taste — On January, 1st, 2009 at 9:24 pm

  45. [...] Béa of La Tartine Gourmande had recently posted a recipe (and some great pictures as usual) for Potato Nests with Crab and Apple Topping. They looked great to me. These are my efforts. Potato Nests with Crab and Apple [...]

    Pingback by Wood-fired! » A stolen kiss — On January, 5th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

  46. I made these for my husband’s birthday party yesterday and they were a total success. I barely managed to taste them (only two) as my guests could not have enough of them. They go really well with champagne! Thank you for this beautiful, yummy hors d’oeuvre.

    Comment by Khun — On January, 12th, 2009 at 2:37 pm

  47. [...] been looking forward to trying this recipe for Potato Nests with Crab and Apple Topping since Béa (of La Tartine Gourmande) posted it on her blog a few months ago, so when some friends [...]

    Pingback by potato nests with crab + apple topping « mustard and sage — On March, 2nd, 2009 at 1:04 pm

  48. I made these this weekend for a small gathering and was surprised how easy they are. The potato nests were a bit soft — I expected them to be a bit crunchier. The filling was tasty but the flavors were a bit too subtle. Next time, I’ll amp up the lime juice and the salt and pepper. Both both halves of the recipe are great to know about for future reference — I’m thinking about making larger potato nests to cradle vegetables for a summer buffet and the crab could easily stuff small tomatoes for a picnic.

    Comment by Macke — On May, 31st, 2009 at 4:13 pm

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