Canapés

The word Canapé comes from the French word for sofa, drawing on the analogy that the garnish sits atop the bread as people do on a couch. Canapés are a type of hors d’oeuvre served on a base of toast or bread, with a spread made of butter, cream cheese, or mayonnaise. The canapé is topped with cured meats, cooked seafood, or a salpicon (diced or minced ingredients bound with a sauce). Garnishes of fresh herbs are added to complete the canapé. The base includes bread, crackers, croustades, vol au vent, and vegetable slices. Canapés are cut into a variety of shapes including round, triangle, square, and rectangular.