Victorian Tea Rose Appetizer (Printable Version)

Savory salami and pepperoni folded into elegant rose shapes served in porcelain teacups with fresh garnishes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 18 large, thin slices salami
02 - 18 large, thin slices pepperoni

→ Garnishes

03 - 6 small porcelain teacups
04 - Fresh basil leaves or baby arugula for lining cups (optional)
05 - Edible flowers such as pansies or violets (optional)

→ Board Accompaniments (optional)

06 - Assorted crackers
07 - Mild cheeses, e.g., brie, havarti
08 - Grapes or berries

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Arrange 6 salami slices in a slightly overlapping straight line on a clean surface, with each slice covering one third of the previous slice. Starting at one end, roll the slices tightly into a spiral, then stand upright and gently loosen petals to resemble a rose.
02 - Repeat the rolling process using 6 pepperoni slices to create a pepperoni rose.
03 - Prepare a second set of salami and pepperoni roses so you have 3 of each in total.
04 - Optionally, line the base of each porcelain teacup with a basil leaf or a few baby arugula leaves.
05 - Place each salami or pepperoni rose inside a teacup, adjusting petals for fullness and natural appearance.
06 - Optionally, insert a small edible flower beside each rose for extra elegance.
07 - Arrange the teacups on a serving board surrounded by crackers, mild cheeses, and fresh fruits as desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • No cooking required, which means you can make these while catching up with someone in your kitchen.
  • They look like you spent hours on them, but take only minutes once you get the rolling technique down.
  • Served in teacups, they spark conversations and make people smile before they even taste them.
02 -
  • If your salami or pepperoni starts to crack or tear as you roll it, the slices were likely cut too thickly or stored too cold. Let thin slices sit at room temperature for ten minutes before rolling and they'll behave much better.
  • The magic happens in the unrolling of those petals. Don't rush this part—it's the difference between a spiral and something that genuinely looks like a rose blooming.
03 -
  • If you want to add a whisper of flavor, lightly brush the salami slices with a mixture of good olive oil and freshly cracked black pepper before rolling them. The oil helps the slices move smoothly against each other and the pepper adds a subtle sophistication.
  • Practice your rose-rolling technique on a few slices before you commit to your full batch. It's a skill that improves dramatically after the second or third attempt, and your confidence will show in the final result.
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