Trick or Treat: Caviar recipes for Halloween

Trick or Treat: Caviar recipes for Halloween

It’s Halloween month! and what are you cooking? Pumpkins? We all love pumpkins for Halloween but have you ever tried Caviar? Yes! This year take a chance for trying new recipes and surprise your family, friends, or guests. Caviar is one of the top delicacies in the world, some people think Caviar can only be eaten at fancy restaurants but this is a huge myth. All types of Caviar Imported or domestic- are available to shop online and be delivered to your home. So, for this Halloween make sure to use Caviar in your recipes. There’s no excuse!

Before going ahead with the recipe’s ideas, let’s remember which types of Caviar exist so you can decide which one you would like to try for this event. Caviar is eggs or roe collected from the sturgeon family, traditionally sourced from the Caspian and Black Seas. There are many types of Caviar but you should know there are two main categories: Imported and Domestic.  When Caviar comes from its original source in Europe this product is Imported Caviar and its most recognized types are: Ossetra, Beluga and Kaluga.  When Caviar is farmed and produced in the United States, it is called Domestic Caviar. This type of Caviar is known for being more affordable without losing the Caviar experience. Try Paddlefish Caviar or Hackleback Caviar and find it out for yourself. At last, there’s still one more option: Fish Roe.  When we say roe, we are referring to all unfertilized eggs collected from marine animals. Salmon roe and the roe from whitefish, trout, cod, red caviar, ikura, and tobiko, etc. are considered “Caviar substitutes” and not Caviar. No matter which type of Caviar you choose, they’re all available in our online store. Visit House of Caviar and discover our selection of the greatest quality Caviar picked especially for you!

Beluga caviar

Now it’s time to cook!

These are three recipe ideas for you to try this Halloween using Caviar. Make sure to buy your favorite and the rest is up to you, be creative and enjoy.

Halloween Caviar Crackers

halloween caviar crakers

Ingredients:

  • Tortillas
  • Melted Butter
  • Crème fraiche
  • Halloween cookie cutters
  • Salmon Roe or Caviar 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and put it on a conventional bake. Using your cookie cutter, cut out as many shapes as you can from your tortillas. Use the melted butter to lightly coat tortillas. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until golden brown. Once your tortillas have cooled, add a dollop of crème fraiche and carefully place a spoonful of Caviar on top. Serve immediately and Happy Halloween!

Sweet Potatoes with Caviar

sweet potato with caviar

Ingredients:

  • 2 Sweet Potatoes
  • 2 Tablespoons of chopped Chives
  • 1/4 cup of  Crème Fraîche
  • Caviar

Slice 2 sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees F° until crisp, about 15 minutes, then cool on a rack. Mix 2 tablespoons chopped chives with 1/4 cup Crème Fraîche. Dollop on the potatoes and top with Caviar.

Four-Layer Caviar Dip

four layer caviar dip

Ingredients:

  • 6 large hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2  teaspoon kosher salt
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion, rinsed and dried
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
  • 2 ounces Black Caviar (such as Paddlefish)
  • Water crackers

Stir together chopped eggs, sour cream, mayonnaise, and salt in a medium bowl. Lightly grease a 6-inch ring mold with cooking spray. Spoon egg mixture evenly on the bottom of prepared ring mold. Top evenly with onion. Stir together cream cheese and chives in a bowl, and gently spread over onion; top with Black Caviar. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Unmold onto a serving plate or platter, and serve with crackers.

These recipes can be served as appetizers for a private party or family reunion. Which one was your favorite? If you want to keep digging on recipe ideas check Food and Wine, Food Network, or Yummly. And remember the best way to get Caviar is to buy it in a reputable store. Visit House of Caviar and discover our variety of fine food products. We’ll be looking forward to seeing you!

 

Hackleback vs Paddlefish Caviar

Hackleback vs Paddlefish Caviar

As demographics merge and desire for new taste experiences explode, it’s not surprising that the luxury food market in general and caviar in particular is trending. Along with this growing interest, there is an obvious shift in the caviar consumer base. According to annual sales and an ongoing Hackleback vs Paddlefish caviar dialogue; people are as interested today in these humble domestic varieties as the elite still are in the Beluga and Sevruga giants from the Caspian Seas. Frankly, this is not surprising since habitat loss, a decline in the most sought after sturgeon population and global bans have driven sale of these pricy fish eggs into a downward spiral.

As the caviar market continue to turn; people are experiencing the striking similarities in the appearance and flavor profiles of American Paddlefish and Hackleback caviars at extremely comfortable price points when compared to the elusive and expensive Caspian Sea Sturgeons.

And so it begins; the hackleback vs paddlefish caviar argument which is more often ignited by which caviar pairs best with the chef’s menu selections. Even so, the there are some significant differences between hackleback and paddlefish and the caviar they produce. These are primarily hinged on the variables of species, roe size, color and flavor profile.

Species of Hackleback vs Paddlefish

While Hackleback belongs to the Scaphirhynchus platorynchus sturgeon family; Paddlefish is a member of the Polyodontidae or basal Chondrostean ray-finned fish species. Although not a sturgeon, it is recognized as a cousin of the sturgeon species partly because like the ancient sturgeons, Paddlefish are also referred to as “primitive” with fossil records dating as far back as the late cretaceous period that substantiate this designation. And, while there are at least 27 Sturgeon species only six known Paddlefish genera existed of which four are already extinct.

The good news is that studies show advancements in technology relative to farming methodologies are designed to enhance rearing and propagation of these specimens. As such, these biotechnologies have already noticeably improved the reproduction capacity of both the Hackleback and Paddlefish populations as well as their survival rates.

Roe Size and Color

As the smallest of the sturgeon population, Hackleback caviar consists of small, black pearls that are often marketed as either Chattanooga Beluga, American Premium Black Caviar or simply Hackleback Caviar.

In comparison, the size of the Paddlefish produces fish eggs that are similar in appearance to Suvrega caviar pearls. They also range in color from light to a dark gray or shimmering golden brown hues.

Flavor Profile

When it comes to caviar, it all comes down to flavor. Whether you choose Hackleback caviar or Paddlefish caviar you are sure to enjoy the succulent and unique essence of either one.

American Paddlefish caviar is distinguished by a complex flavor profile that is at the same time earthy, silky and smooth with a subtle finish.

On the other hand, Hackleback caviar is often compared in flavor to the Caspian Sea Ossetra and of course; Suvrega caviar. It is known for its sweet, buttery flavor and a strong nutty finish. The shimmering beads of this caviar adds drama and decadence whether it is paired with the tartness of a crisp green apple or piled on toast points accompanied by crème fraiche.

You can experience the best imported and domestic caviar and a host of other luxury foods from around the world through House of Caviar and Fine Foods. We offer a wide variety of gourmet meats, vinegars, along with the finest Foie Gras, fresh or preserved truffles, and other specialty foods at our online store. Also, follow House of Caviar and Fine Foods on Facebook for delicious recipes and more ideas on ways to incorporate these delicacies into your lifestyle.