Very easy starters (Starters)

Member Name: clairestevens

Product:	Starters
Date:	18/01/08 (596 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy, fairly cheap

Disadvantages: Erm...none!

I'm going to share my two favourite starter recipes with you. They are very easy to prepare but you always get lots of 'oooohs' of appreciation!

Smoked Mackerel Pate
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Preparation time - 10 minutes
Cooking time - 0 minutes
Cost per portion - about 50p
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 packet of smoked mackerel fillets (usually 2 to a pack)
2 dessert spoons of creme fraiche
juice of half a lemon

Chuck everything in a food processor and blitz for ten seconds. If you don't have a food processor, mash the fish with a fork, then stir in the creme fraiche and lemon juice. Continue stirring until everything is well combined. Serve with triangles of toast.

This pate also works well in sandwiches, but be aware that it smells VERY fishy if you're planing on taking sandwiches to work or school!

Tomato and mozzarella salad
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Preparation time - 10 minutes
Cooking time - 0 minutes
Cost per portion - about £1
Serves 4

Ingredients

1 bag rocket (I think they're usually about 150g)
5 fresh ripe tomatoes (plum tomatoes are best)
150g mozzarella or mini mozzarella balls
Olive oil
Fresh basil

On four small plates, divide up the bag of rocket. Then tear the mozzarella into 50p piece sized pieces and sprinkle over. Either slice or cube the tomatoes and place those over the rocket too. Drizzle with a little olive oil and serve with a few basil leaves.

Enjoy!

Summary: Give these a go