Super Easy and Yummy Appetizer

Oops! Looks like someone scored a couple before I could take a photo. :-) That's a good thing!

I'm in charge of appetizers when we have dinner parties, and since the main course was going to be hearty, I was told to keep it simple. Nothing could be simplier than smoked salmon on toasted baquette slices. The secret is in the herbed cream cheese. Here's the recipe:

8 ounces Cream Cheese 2 Tblsp fresh Dill, chopped

2 Tblsp Creme Fraiche 1 Tblsp freshed Chives chopped

Zest of one Lemon 1/2 Shallot minced

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Loosely chop the herbs and combine all the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.

I like to lightly bake the bread (200 degree oven for 30 minutes) so it holds up to the ingredients. Slather the herbed cream cheese on the bread and top with a slice of smoked salmon. A few capers is a finishing touch.

Some cornichins from the olive bar at Whole Foods and a bowl of jumbo cashews makes for an elegant and easy appetizer. Enjoy!