Hors d'œuvre
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Hors d'œuvre, (IPA: French [ɔʁˈdœvʁ] but often in English as [ɔɹˈdɝv]; French plural: hors d'œuvre, without an extra s; English plural often hors d'œuvres), also known as appetizer(s), refer to the food served before or outside of (French: hors d') the main dishes of a meal (œuvre, literally "work").
Use
The purpose of the hors d'œuvre is to whet the appetite; if there is a long waiting period between when the guests arrive and when the meal is served (for example, during a cocktail hour), these might also serve the purpose of sustaining guests during the long wait.Hors d'œuvre may be served at the table; for example, as a part of the sit-down meal; or they may be served before sitting at the table.
A more substantial starter or first course served at the table might be referred to as an entrée according to Commonwealth English usage of the term.
Other Languages and Cultures
- Antipasto is the Italian equivalent of hors d'œuvre, meaning "before the meal". In Italian cuisine, this typically consists of savory cold foods such as cheeses and raw or marinated vegetables, as well as cold cuts and cured meats such as prosciutto.
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