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You can find 1000+ of my kitchen-tested recipes using the Recipes tab, watch nearly 100 of my Kitchen Encounters/WHVL-TV segments using the TV Videos tab, join the discussion about all of my creations using the Facebook tab, or Email your questions and comments directly to me--none go unanswered. Have fun!

03/16/2013

~ Pretty in Pink: A Simple Smoked Salmon Spread ~

IMG_3695If you're looking for an appetizer for an upcoming Spring breakfast, brunch, or even lunch, almost nothing is better than a well-made smoked salmon spread served with some bagel chips to dollop it on.  Ever since lox and bagels were invented, those two foodie items just go hand-in-glove.  If you've been living on a different planet, and don't know what the classic lox and bagels service typically consists of:  fresly-made sliced bagels, topped with the best smoked salmon available, pickled capers, cream cheese and diced red onion.  It is an amazing combination!

IMG_3508Smoked salmon spread couldn't be easier to make, and, like many other recipes, there are as many versions as there are cooks who love smoked salmon.  When I first tasted smoked salmon spread, it was at a baby shower for a co-worker hosted by her sister back in 1976. (I know it was 1976 because it was a steaming hot August day and I was 5 months pregnant with my son Jess.)  It was good, but it did not remind me at all of the classic lox and bagels flavors I was used to eating in the Philadelphia area.  I came to find out it was homemade, but was purchased from a local State College caterer, who at that time owned an Italian restaurant.  I liked the idea of "salmon spread", but, I wanted my own recipe to contain the traditional ingredients and flavors!

IMG_35068  ounces smoked salmon, the best available (Note:  Nova Scotia and Scottish are my two favorites, unless I've got my hands on some homemade smoked salmon.  In the event you are a smoked trout lover, this spread is great made with that too!)

8  ounces cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese, at room temperature

1/2 cup sour cream (Note:  Some folks use mayonnaise, I prefer sour cream, but you can substitute it without compromise.)

1  teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1  teaspoon lemon-pepper seasoning

1/2  teaspoon dried dill weed

1/2  teaspoon garlic powder

4-6  tablespoons finely-diced red onion

2  tablespoons drained, but not rinsed, capers, chopped

additional drained, but not rinsed, whole capers, for garnish

IMG_3528 IMG_3518~ Step 1. Prep the red onion and capers as directed and set aside. Place half of the salmon in the work bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade.  Using a series of 10-12 rapid on-off pulses, finely-chop the salmon.  Remove it from the processor and set aside.

IMG_3541 IMG_3533                                            ~ Step 2. Place the second half of the salmon in the workbowl and finely chop it as directed above.  Add the cream cheese,  Worcestershire sauce, lemon-pepper seasoning, dill weed and garlic powder.  With motor running, process until smooth, about 15 seconds.  Taste. Adjust seasonings?  Not necessary!

IMG_3556 IMG_3562                                          ~  Step 3. Remove mixture from processor and place in a small mixing bowl.  Using a large rubber spatula, fold in the reserved salmon, red onion and capers.  

Transfer to a food storage container and refrigerate several hours or overnight prior to serving chilled garnished with a few capers:

IMG_3706Pretty in Pink:  A Simple Smoked Salmon Spread:  Recipe yields 2 generous cups.

Special Equipment List:  cutting board; chef's knife; food processor; large rubber spatula; 2-cup food storage container w/tight-fitting lid

IMG_3654Cook's Note:  ~ My Buttery Parm, Pepper & Parsley Bagel Chips ~ are the perfect foil for this delicious salmon spread or a cheese dip. You can find out how to make my bagel chips by clicking into Categories 1, 2, 9 or 20!

"We are all in this food world together." ~ Melanie Preschutti

(Recipe, Commentary and Photos courtesy of Melanie Preschutti/Copyright 2013)  

Comments

It's just amazing definitely going to try thanks for sharing.

TERESA -- Thank-you for the nice comment! I do my best to post a variety of recipes to please a lot of different tastes, and, so far, everyone seems happy. If there is anything in particular you would like me to post a recipe for, I take requests!

I just found this site and
I love it . I'm anxious to try some of the recipes . Thank-you, Teresa

As always Teresa, I appreciate your feedback. Coming from a foodie like yourself, it's words like this that make all the work I put into this blog worthwhile! ~ Mel.

Your smoked salmon spread was delicious Mel, and so pretty!

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