A SHELTER-IN-PLACE SALMON SPREAD FIT FOR A QUEEN
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, I confess that I have allowed a few proverbial dust bunnies to gather around this website that I call “home.” I have sat down on countless occasions with the intention of writing, but have found that during this most uncertain of times, finding the right words—any words, for that matter—has felt daunting given the realities that our world is facing.
Amidst my own loss for words, however, I was encouraged by Queen Elizabeth II’s address reminding the United Kingdom and the world that "We should take comfort that while we may have more still to endure, better days will return: we will be with our friends again; we will be with our families again; we will meet again.”
As we shelter at home, we may not be entertaining these days (apart from family and dogs), and I certainly can’t quite turn a phrase like HM, but these are hardly reasons to let a warren of dust bunnies proliferate—whether under my sofa or around this blog. While sheltering and praying for brighter days, we can still cherish the present: set a beautiful table, put on a favorite frock, feather the nest, or perhaps make this delicious and simple salmon spread. I dearly look forward to a brighter day, but until then I hope to deliver you a few less dust bunnies in the meantime!
And one last word—I’ve previously noted my devotion to pithy recipe introductions, but I’ve gone and written an epistle. In the spirit of stay-at-home resolve, here’s the promised salmon spread recipe that is so tasty it might be fit for a queen: note that rather than traditional smoked salmon, this spread employs leftover roasted salmon (I use this recipe), which seems especially fitting given a time when we ought to make the most of our groceries. The measurements do not have to be strictly observed—you can adjust the ratios of salmon and cream cheese, especially, to change consistency and texture to taste. My key ingredient is an unusual one, but don’t let the liquid smoke scare you! Simply start small and adjust its amount to personal preference. This spread makes a perfect addition to Easter brunch hors d’oeuvres, or just make it for your next virtual cocktail hour!
SHELTER-IN-PLACE SALMON SPREAD
6-8 oz. leftover roasted salmon in small bite-sized chunks, skin removed
4 oz. cream cheese or neufchâtel cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise (Duke’s, if you can find it)
1/4 cup sour cream
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 Tablespoons capers, drained
salt to taste
fresh thyme or dill for garnish
crackers or flatbreads for serving
Allow the cream cheese to soften slightly at room temperature, combine with the mayonnaise and sour cream, and stir until smooth. Add lemon juice and liquid smoke, and stir until smooth once again. Gently stir in the salmon and capers until fully combined, and add salt to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme or dill, and serve together with your favorite cracker (the dip especially shines when paired with Rustic Bakery’s Everything Spice Organic Sourdough Flatbread). Bon appetit!
yours truly,
moi
