Victorian Tea Rose Appetizer (Print View)

Savory salami and pepperoni shaped like roses served in porcelain teacups with garnishes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ 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 (optional)
05 - Edible flowers such as pansies or violets (optional)

→ Board Accompaniments (optional)

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

# Method:

01 - Place 6 salami slices in a slightly overlapping row on a clean surface, each slice overlapping about one-third of the previous. Roll from one end into a tight spiral, then stand upright and gently loosen slices to mimic rose petals.
02 - Repeat the rolling and loosening process with 6 pepperoni slices to create pepperoni roses.
03 - Make a second set of each type, yielding 3 salami roses and 3 pepperoni roses in total.
04 - Optionally, line the base of each porcelain teacup with a basil leaf or baby arugula for added freshness.
05 - Carefully position each rose inside a teacup, adjusting petals to appear full and natural.
06 - Optionally, insert a small edible flower into the side of each rose for extra visual appeal.
07 - Place teacups on a serving board surrounded by crackers, cheeses, and fruits as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks impressive enough to make guests think you spent hours in the kitchen when you really just spent 25 minutes folding meat.
  • There's something deeply satisfying about creating these little spirals—it's meditative and fun at the same time.
  • It works for nearly any occasion, from casual weeknight grazing to fancy dinner party openers.
02 -
  • The overlap is everything—if your slices aren't overlapped properly, the spiral will fall apart when you roll it, so take your time with this step.
  • Cold meat rolls much more easily than room temperature meat, so if you're struggling, pop the slices in the fridge for 10 minutes first.
  • Your roses will look more organic and appealing if you don't obsess over perfect symmetry—slight irregularities make them feel handmade and intentional.
03 -
  • Work on a clean, dry surface and keep your hands cool by washing them just before you start rolling—this prevents the meat from getting sticky.
  • If a petal tears while you're loosening it, don't panic; you can always tuck it under another layer or use it as part of the next rose.
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