Three easy spreads for unexpected guests

Familiar situation? Friends call and say: “We’re nearby, we’ll stop by in half an hour!”. Or, better yet, your significant other simply forgot to let you know that you’re having guests over tonight. Then you stand in the middle of the room and think where to throw yourself. There’s no time to rush to the store, because you still want to clean up the house at least minimally (well, at least the hallway, so there’s somewhere to put your shoes), and also your head… let’s say it’s washed, although… well, you know how it goes. 🙈

When someone drops in unexpectedly, no one expects tables piled high with three hot dishes. However, you still want to feed and put something to a glass or tea. At such moments, spreads become a real salvation. They can apparently be made from absolutely anything you already have in your fridge or cupboards.

Today, I’m sharing three delicious versions of what you can usually find at home: one made from a simple cured sausage, another from a can of sardines, and the third is vegetarian, with preserved peppers. Now the most important thing is that there is bread at home!

1. Cured sausage spread with zinc

This combination may be surprising at first, but the saltiness of the sausage and the sweetness of the raisins create something perfect here. It is very reminiscent of luxurious restaurant pâtés, although it is prepared in a minute.

What you will need:

• 100 g cured, smoked or Fut type of sausage
• 1 small handful of raisins (about 30-40g)
• 1-2 tbsp. spoons of mayonnaise
• Fresh herbs (dill or parsley – both for taste and decoration)

Production: Soak the raisins briefly in warm water to soften them a little. Peel the sausage (if the skin does not peel off, just cut it off) and cut into large pieces. Put the sausage, pressed raisins and mayonnaise in a food processor (blender). Grind everything until you get a smooth, spreadable mass. Taste it with herbs – it will be both more beautiful and tastier!

2. Saturated sardine and egg spread

Canned fish in the cupboard is a real “golden fund”. Together with eggs, they turn into a great, filling snack.

What you will need:

• 1 can of canned sardines (preferably in olive oil)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• Optionally: a squeeze of lemon juice, 1 tsp. a teaspoon of mayonnaise or tomato sauce (if you want an extra zing)
• For decoration: a handful of capers

Production: If your sardines are preserved in high-quality olive oil, put everything in the blender together with the oil. If it is in brine or inferior oil, drain the liquid and add 2-3 tablespoons of good olive oil you have to the fish. Add the peeled boiled eggs and mix well. Taste it: if the sardines were good, the flavor is usually not lacking, but if you want brightness – squeeze lemon juice or add a teaspoon of mayonnaise/tomato sauce. Garnish with capers when serving.

3. Bright roasted peppers and walnut spread

A soft, creamy and very beautifully colored spread that is adored by vegetarians (and not only them).

What you will need:

• 3-4 pcs. grilled peppers preserved in oil (from a jar)
• 150 g cream cheese (eg Philadelphia type, classic)
• 1 handful of walnuts (about 40 g)
• 1 small clove of garlic
• For decoration: a few pieces of nuts left behind

Production: Tip: It is always a good idea to lightly toast the walnuts in a dry, heated pan without oil before using them. This way they will become much more crispy and start to smell fantastic! Drain the peppers very well, you can even lightly press them with your hand so that the excess liquid does not turn the spread into a runny soup. Place the peppers, cream cheese, a handful of toasted nuts and garlic in a blender. Mash everything until smooth, and decorate the top with the remaining chopped nuts.

That’s it! By the time your friends climb the stairs or park in the yard, your table will already be smelling of three different snacks, and the hallway will be perfectly decorated. All you have to do is toast the bread!