Now that the holidays are coming in with the speed of a freight train, the panic begins. How do I entertain (or get a dish together for a potluck) in between work, activities, housework, paying bills, kids, parents, pets and all the other stuff, stuff, stuff that consumes our rapidly diminishing daylight hours?
Here’s one easy solution that takes just 5-10 minutes to prepare (factor in an hour of chill time), looks creamy and luscious, and can travel tidily with you everywhere! It makes about a pound of spread, so you can divide it up for different events. Mine has capers; I am riffing off an Ina Garten recipe that uses dill instead.
On a cracker, dressed up with some capers…
I made it this weekend for my Single Mothers by Choice meet-up and it went over very big with chips and crackers. And then I parked a bowl next to my dad (who is OFF the crazy-ass veganplus diet — by doctor’s orders — and is becoming a fun person to cook and eat with again, Hallelujah, Hallelujah) as he was recovering from his successful cancer surgery in a big chair in front of all the sports a man could care to consume…will he ever want to leave the living room?
In the fridge it firms up very nicely!
He had his with breadsticks and pronounced it very very good. So even if you don’t have a party in mind, you can make some up and eat it while you catch up on Downtown Abbey….or the lead-up to the World Cup in Brazil…Other serving suggestions include stuffing tiny piquillo peppers or celery sticks with it or slathering it on toasts if you don’t want your guests to DIY.
Let the holidays begin!
Lay it on thick….
Smoked Salmon Spread (makes 1 lb)
8 oz. cream cheese
4 oz. sour cream
1 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs red onion, minced
1 Tbs capers, drained and chopped
In a bowl beat cream cheese until smooth. Blend in remaining ingredients one by one until well-incorporated. Place in the fridge to chill for at least an hour. Serve with crackers or crudité.
*Concerned about seafood and sustainability? I use Wild Alaskan smoked salmon from Costco. I choose it because the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch list says Wild Alaskan is a best choice. Click here for the complete list and take control of what you eat!
Bonus: How cute are these hummus and oatmeal crackers? Made by Brigitta from a Pinterest idea.
Angels of good health!
