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Classical French Cuisine

Appetizers Mastery

63 lessons · 5 quizzes · Certificate of completion · Chef Eric Arrouzé

Hors d’Oeuvres Mastery

Hors d’Oeuvres Mastery explores the refined world of small-format dishes designed for receptions, events, and elegant service. In this course, you will learn how to prepare and present a wide range of hors d’oeuvres, combining classic techniques with contemporary approaches.

From canapés and verrines to open sandwiches, tapas, dips, spreads, and the use of roes and caviar, the course emphasizes balance, texture, and visual appeal. Attention is placed on both flavor development and thoughtful presentation.

Throughout the training, you will build a structured understanding of how hors d’oeuvres function within professional catering, hospitality, and entertaining contexts. As a result, you will gain confidence in creating polished small dishes suitable for a variety of occasions.

For a complete culinary foundation, we also recommend Food Safety 101, which supports proper handling and hygiene when preparing appetizers and small plates.

Foundations of Hors d’Oeuvres

First, you will explore the history and role of hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. This section clarifies terminology, service styles, and the distinction between hors d’oeuvres, amuse-bouche, and plated starters.

Canapés, Verrines & Open Sandwiches

Next, the course focuses on structured small-format preparations such as canapés, verrines, and open sandwiches. You will learn how to balance components, manage textures, and assemble visually refined bites.

Tapas, Dips & Spreads

Building on these techniques, you will explore tapas traditions, dips, and spreads. This section highlights flavor pairing, simplicity, and adaptability for informal and professional service alike.

Roes, Caviar & Application

Finally, you will learn how to work with different types of roes and caviar. The course covers selection, handling, and presentation, allowing you to incorporate refined elements into your hors d’oeuvres with confidence.

Learn more about Chef Eric’s professional culinary training →

Course content

  1. Course Ebook
  2. Recipe Evaluation Card
  3. Party Planning Guide
  4. Introduction to Appetizers
    1. Quotes for “Mise en Bouche”
    2. History of the French Appetizers
    3. Understanding Appetizers
    4. Vocabulary
    5. Kitchen Brigade
    6. Garde-Manger in Brigade
    7. Trou Normand
      1. Quiz Introduction to Appetizers
  5. About Hors d’Oeuvres
    1. Hors d’Oeuvres vs Appetizers
    2. Party Planning – Hors d’Oeuvres and Drinks
    3. Amuse-Bouche – Amuse Gueule
    4. Quiz Hors d’Oeuvres Quiz
  6. About Canapés
    1. Canapés
  7. Recipes to Practice Canapés
    1. Smoked Salmon Canapés with Dill
    2. Prosciutto Canapés with Cornichon Skewers
    3. Blue Cheese Canapés with Pecans & Grapes
    4. Beef Tenderloin Canapés with Grainy Dijon
    5. Crab Canapés with Cumin
    6. Cannellini Bean and Smoked Tuna Canapés
    7. Beef Tenderloin Potato Canapés
  8. About Verrines
    1. Verrines
  9. Recipes to Practice Verrines
    1. Chilled Pea Soup Latté
    2. Tahitian Scallops Tartare
    3. Fresh Crab Aspic with Grapefruit Mousse
  10. About Smörgåsbord & Smørrebrød
  11. Recipes to Practice Smörgåsbord & Smørrebrød
    1. Smoked Mackerel Smorrebrod
    2. Gravlax Smorrbrod
    3. Sun Over Gudhjem
    4. Quiz Canapés – Verrines – Sandwiches Quiz
  12. About Tapas
    1. Tourists Don’t Miss your Culinary Visit!
    2. Spain: The World of Tapas!
    3. Canned Fish and Seafood
  13. Recipes to Practice Tapas
    1. Paprika Spiced Almonds
    2. Marinated Olives
    3. Spanish Tuna Salad on Bread
    4. Chicken Liver with Cherry Glaze
    5. Garlic Pan Fried Bread and Chorizo
  14. About Dips and Spreads
  15. Recipes to Practice Dips and Spreads
    1. Roasted Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Dip
    2. How to Roast and Peel Bell Peppers
    3. Guacamole
    4. Baba Ghanoush
    5. Stuffed Mushrooms Tapenade
    6. Hummus
    7. Salmon Duo Rillettes
    8. Quiz Tapas, Dips and Spreads Quiz
  16. About Roes and Caviar
    1. About Caviar
    2. The Different Types of Caviar
    3. How to…Caviar?
    4. Are Other Roes Caviar?
  17. Recipe Using Roes or Caviar
    1. Buckwheat Blinis with Smoked Salmon
    2. Boil Eggs VIP
    3. Quiz Roes and Caviar Quiz

Cook it: recipes for this course

Crab Canapés with CuminRecipeCrab Canapés with CuminBeef Tenderloin Potato CanapésRecipeBeef Tenderloin Potato CanapésProsciutto Canapés With Cornichon SkewersRecipeProsciutto Canapés With Cornichon SkewersSmoked Salmon Canapés with DillRecipeSmoked Salmon Canapés with Dill
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