What comes before your main course ??? APPETIZER LAH !!!!

Canapes may be defined as bite size open-face sandwiches. The variety of possible combinations is nearly unlimited. Most canapes consist of three parts base, spread and garnish.

Base:

Many of these items, such as crackers and melba toasts can be purchased ready made, but bread and toast croutons are the most widely used and offer the lowest food cost, though they require more labor. Untoasted bread for canapes should be firm enough to allow the finished product to be handled easily. It may be cut thick and flattened slightly with a rolling pin to make it firmer. Toast is, of course, firmer and it gives a pleasing texture and crispness to the canapes.

Spread:

Canapes spreads may be as simple as butter or softened cream cheese, but it is better to use a more highly flavored spread because, sharp or spicy flavors spread are better to stimulate one persons appetite. The spread should be thick enough so that it clings well to the base and so that the garnish sticks to it without falling off. The spread is needed so that the base doesn't get soggy due to soaking up moisture from the filling of the canapes.

Garnish:

The garnish of a canapes is a decoration item or combination of items placed on top of the spread so that it beautifies the overall looks, its like a girl wearing make-up, foods need their make-up too. It may be a major part of the canapes, such as a slice of ham or cheese or it may be a small tidbit that is selected for colour, design, texture or flavor accent, and such a pimiento cutout, a slice of radish, a caper or a dab of caviar. Even the spread can be used as a garnish. For example, you may make a canapes with mustard butter spread and slice ham and then decorate the ham with a border or design of mustard butter piped on with paper cone.

Lets take a look at the appetizers in the food industry

future chef in the making =D