Victorian Tea Rose Appetizer (Printable)

Savory salami and pepperoni shaped as roses in porcelain cups with optional herbs and edible flowers.

# Ingredient list:

→ 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 for decoration, optional

→ Board Accompaniments (optional)

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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Arrange 6 salami slices in a slightly overlapping straight line on a clean work surface, each covering about one-third of the previous slice.
02 - Starting at one end, tightly roll the salami slices into a spiral. Stand the roll upright and gently separate the edges to create petal shapes resembling a rose.
03 - Repeat the rolling process with 6 slices of pepperoni to form a second rose.
04 - Make a second set of salami and pepperoni roses to total three of each type.
05 - Optionally line the base of each porcelain teacup with a fresh basil leaf or a few baby arugula leaves.
06 - Place each rose carefully inside a teacup, adjusting petals to appear full and natural.
07 - Optionally tuck a small edible flower into the side of each rose for visual appeal.
08 - Arrange the teacups on a serving board surrounded by crackers, cheeses, and fresh fruits as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They look like genuine edible art—the kind of thing guests photograph before eating.
  • Zero cooking required means you can prep them while sipping tea yourself.
  • They taste savory and refined but come together in about twenty minutes, making you feel like a kitchen magician.
02 -
  • The thickness of your meat slices matters more than anything else—thin enough to bend without cracking is the sweet spot, so don't skip asking the deli counter for help.
  • Your roses need to be made at least an hour before serving, which gives them time to set and keeps them from unraveling when you move them into the cups.
03 -
  • Try prosciutto or coppa for variation—each cured meat brings its own personality to the rose shape, and mixing them on one board creates visual intrigue.
  • A light brush of quality olive oil mixed with cracked black pepper before rolling adds depth that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
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