This is a recipe Deviled Ham Canape Appetizer. A recipe favored by Tweet Kimball, owner of the Cherokee Ranch in Colorado. A simple and easy canape appetizer that Tweet loved to serve to royalty.
Deviled Ham Canape Appetizer Recipe. Easy-Peasy and a flavorful bite-sized treat from Tweet.
Before Christmas a group of ladies in the neighborhood arranged reservations for high tea at Cherokee Castle just a few miles south of Highlands Ranch. The castle sits high on a plateau affording unforgettable Rocky Mountain panoramic 200 mile views from Pike’s Peak to Long’s Peak and beyond. Absolutely breathtaking.
After tea, we received a guided tour of the castle. It was so fascinating to see her extensive collection of artwork and antiques. And of course learn a bit of the history behind the property.
Cherokee Castle was built between 1924 and 1926 by Denver Real Estate tycoon Charles Alfred Johnson. The Johnsons owned the castle for 30 years until 1954 when Mildred Montague Genevieve “Tweet” Kimball purchased the property as well as 6,000 surrounding acres. She named the home Cherokee Castle and lived there for 45 years until her death in 1999.
She was well known in our community for her lavish parties, and entertainment of distinguished people from all over the world. She was described by her house staff as remarkable, charming, exasperating, generous, loyal, lusty and wicked.
Much to the chagrin of local Cattlemen, she brought a herd of Santa Gertrudis cattle from Texas to the property. The Cattlemen were sure the breed wouldn’t survive Colorado’s harsh climate. Tweet was intruding into what was then a man’s world. Ranch hands were hired, but Tweet was right there in the barn, directing castrations, seman collecting, births an deaths. She eventually went on to win many trophies at the National Western Stock Show in Denver each year.
Being a gargoyle fan, I couldn’t resist taking this photo of the stone creature that lords over Tweet’s property from the top of the castle.
And this is the gargoyle’s view as it looks west from the top of the castle.
This is just a small piece of what we learned about the castle and Tweet Kimball. The castle is now open for teas, lunches, special events and serves as an outdoor laboratory and classroom for outdoor research.
After the tour, I purchased a cookbook named “From Ranch Hands to Royalty”. Which contains real recipes used at Cherokee Castle when Tweet entertained dignitaries and royalty. The book is written by Meg Anderson, Tweet’s Cook and John Lake, her Butler. Tweet was a deviled ham fan, and when I saw this simple recipe in the book, I couldn’t resist trying her Deviled Ham Canape recipe. One of Tweet’s favorites.
What Is A Canape?
A canape is a small appetizer, small easy to eat finger food that is traditionally served before dinner and served with cocktails. They are made to be eaten in one bite and held with one hand. Typically a canape is made with a small piece of bread or cracker and topped with a variety of savory foods.
Recipe for Deviled Ham Canape Appetizer
I hope you give this Canape Appetizer recipe a try. And if you do, please come back and let me know how you liked it and give the recipe a star rating.
Your feedback is valuable to me for developing future recipes. And if you have a favorite canape recipes, let me know, I’d love to give them a try.
Tweet’s Deviled Ham Canape
Ingredients
- 4/25 ounce can deviled ham
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1 healthy dash of Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- Wheat Thin Crackers
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients well. Chill for an hour. Spread on favorite cracker just before serving. Or may be served in a bowl with crackers on the side.
