Mediterranean Finger Foods

Mediterranean nations include Italy, Spain, Greece, Egypt, Morocco, Lebanon and Turkey. The temperate, sunny climate of the area is ideal for growing a wide variety of crops and for pasturing farm animals. European Mediterranean cuisine gets much of its flavor from fresh herbs and wine while African Mediterranean cuisine is distinguished by its combination of spices. The Mediterranean cuisine of both continents is famous for its meze--small appetizer-like dishes, many of which are finger foods. Mediterranean meze work as well for a light lunch as they do for entertaining guests. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Dips

Mediterranean cuisine includes a great variety of dips and spreads. From southern Europe comes tapenade, a rich, flavorful spread usually made with olives, capers, anchovies and lemon. From Greece and North Africa come dips such as hummus (chickpeas and tahini), harissa (hot pepper spread), baba ganouj (eggplant and tahini) and ful mudamas (fava bean puree). Serve dips with crackers, pita bread, flat bread or a rustic loaf bread.

Crostini

Originally, crostini were a tasty way to use up stale bread. But the recipes were so delicious, they became an Italian favorite. Basically, crostini is sliced, crusty bread topped with cheese, vegetables, bean dip or anything else that strikes your fancy. Some recipes even use chicken livers.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms are usually baked with a bread or cheese filling, then drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Many recipes include minced fresh herbs or chopped vegetables. Many people who do not usually like mushrooms do like stuffed mushrooms.

Zucchini Pinwheels

To make this appetizer, use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to thinly slice a medium or large zucchini lengthwise. Evenly spread a thin layer of your favorite dip, pesto, herbed cream cheese or goat cheese along most of the length. If you wish, you may add fresh herbs or spices or other vegetables. Carefully roll the zucchini slice into a bite-sized pinwheel.

Fennel

Fennel--or finocchio--is a celery-like vegetable with a sweet licorice-like flavor. It is believed to act as a digestive aid and breath freshener. For this reason, Italians and Italian Americans often serve fennel stalks or fennel slices before or after a meal.

Fruit

A Mediterranean food spread will usually include fresh fruit or dried fruit. Turkish cuisine is especially well known for its wide variety of dates. Fresh fruits well suited to the Mediterranean climate include grapes, peaches, strawberries, berries, oranges, melons and figs.

Bread and Olive Oil

Bread and olive oil is the Mediterranean version of bread and butter. Extra-virgin olive oil is the highest quality, but you will find much variation in flavor even among oils of this grade. Experiment with products from various regions to become more familiar with the nuanced flavors of olive oils.