Nov 24, 2008

Ham Spread and Olive Canapés

The thrifty 1930s were the heyday of canapés—those dainty bites of toasted white-bread cutouts canopied with savory toppings—but we think it's high time for a revival. The following favorite was inspired by a recipe found in James Beard's classic book Hors d'Oeuvres and Canapés (M. Barrow, 1940).

Credit: James Oseland

12 1/4"-thick white bread slices,
preferably Pepperidge Farm Very Thin Sliced Bread
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1/2 lb. thin-sliced ham, finely chopped
3 tbsp. mayonnaise
1 tbsp. sweet relish
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp. ground mustard, such as Coleman's
12 kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1. Heat oven to 400˚. Using a 2" round cookie cutter, cut out 24 circles from bread slices. Brush both sides of each circle with butter and transfer to a baking sheet. Toast bread in oven, turning once, until light golden, about 10 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine ham, mayonnaise, relish, salt and pepper to taste, and mustard in a small bowl. Spread about 1 tbsp. ham spread on each toast circle and top each with half an olive.

MAKES 24 CANAPÉS