Non-Pareil Capers

Non-pareil basically means “the best”. Capers come in many sizes, and the non-pareil are the smallest and most delicately flavored. Capers are packed in brine, so you should always rinse them before adding them to a sauce or to a dish; otherwise, you’ll be adding a sour and salty flavor that you don’t’ want!

Capers really dress up certain dishes and sauces!  When adding capers, plan for 8-10 capers per serving. If you are worried about adding them to a dish, you can always provide a small bowl of rinsed capers to pass for anyone who’d like them. That said, I find that no one will try them, if they haven’t had them before, so I tend to just put them right in the sauce. People can pick them out and not eat them, but usually they try them and find them exotic and somewhat fancy! It’s a true chef’s delight to introduce people to new tastes!