Avocado Prawn Fennel Cocktails Recipes

Steps:

• To make the rouille, use a pestle and mortar to mash chilli and garlic to a smooth paste. Bring the saffron to a simmer with 4 tbsp of water. Stir saffron water, garlic and chilli into the mayonnaise and put in the fridge, until ready to use.
• Cut the fennel into quarters, remove the cores and use a Japanese mandolin or sharp knife to slice as thinly as possible. Bring a pan of water to the boil and blanch the fennel for 1 min until just wilted. Drain and tip into iced water. Drain again and use a cloth to wring out all the excess water, then leave in the fridge.
• To assemble the dish, season the fennel with the sugar, salt, a decent grinding of pepper and the lemon juice. Cut most of the prawn tails in half, saving a whole one for each serving. Mix the chopped prawns into the fennel, then add the chopped chervil and tarragon and enough rouille to bind everything together (about 6-7 tbsp). Half-fill 6-8 martini glasses loosely with the fennel mix. Place the mixed leaves on top, then a whole prawn tail, then drizzle with the fennel juices that will have collected at the bottom of the bowl. Serve straight away with a wedge of lemon.

Steps:

• Put the fennel in a large bowl of ice-cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice. Leave for at least 30 mins to crisp up. Drizzle more lemon juice on the avocados to stop them browning. Whisk together all the ingredients for the Marie Rose sauce in a bowl with seasoning. Set aside to chill in the fridge.
• Just before serving, drain the fennel and toss with the remaining lemon juice, dill and some seasoning. Layer the lettuce, avocado, fennel and crab in 4 x half-pint glasses - or tumblers or jam jars. Add a spoonful of sauce to each, then repeat the layers until the glasses are full, finishing with the Marie Rose sauce. Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper over each cocktail and serve with lemon wedges and toast, if you like.

Steps:

• Mix the avocado in a bowl with the lemon or lime juice. Add the tomatoes to the bowl with 2 tbsp chives and the Tabasco, then season to taste.
• Divide the prawns between 12 glasses or glass dishes. Spoon over the avocado mixture. Mix the fromage frais with 1 tbsp chives, then season to taste. Spoon over, then sprinkle with the remaining chives. You can now chill for up to 2 hrs before serving. Brush the baguette slices with olive oil and toast on the barbecue to serve alongside.