Ingredients For A Fabulous Life
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SMOKED SALMON DIPPERS WITH GRISSINI
I created this recipe for Smoked Salmon Dippers with Grissini after looking at pictures of our European vacation from last Spring.
We had enjoyed a lovely al fresco snack high on a cliff on the coast of Sicily one sunny afternoon. And while I was taking a walk down memory lane, I came upon the picture the waiter had taken of us. I was greedily scooping up a creamy concoction of smoked salmon and vegies with a crunchy breadstick. I have to admit, I looked really happy frozen in that moment in time!
So, after remember how fabulous that glorious afternoon was, I set about trying to recreate the recipe and came up with Smoked Salmon Dippers with Grissini. I’m not sure how similar it tastes to the original, but I will tell you, it turned out fabulous!
IT STARTS WITH A CREAMY, TANGY BASE
I remembered that the creamy sauce in Sicily’s version of this dish had a deep tang that I definitely had to 
reproduce.
And having over 30 years of catering and party planning under my belt, I knew they had used creme fraiche. It’s got a distinguishable taste and tang that’s a perfect foil to the rich smokiness of the salmon.
To give my sauce more body and even a little more tanginess, I blended cream cheese into the mixture. With some plain Greek yogurt and a nice hit of prepared horseradish, the sauce turned out to be even better than the original!
One caveat, you’ll need to make your creme fraiche at least 24 hours before starting this recipe. It takes that long sitting on your counter to develop the creamy, tangy flavors and thickness.
I give you instructions on how to make creme fraiche on the printable recipe card at the bottom on this post.
HOW TO SERVE YOUR SMOKED SALMON DIPPERS WITH GRISSINI
I remembered how much fun it was using my grissini as a spoon, enjoying the azure skies that sunny day in Sicily.
So, I decided to use tall clip-top jars to transport my Smoked Salmon Dippers to picnics this season. They keep everything tidy, and are a fabulous hostess-helper, since they’re already “pre-portioned” for your guests to grab.
I do however, pack a handful of long iced-tea spoons, just in case anyone finds it too difficult to eat with their breadsticks.
Even if you’re not planning a picnic soon, why not whip up a batch of Smoked Salmon Dippers with Grissini for cocktail hour this weekend? Remember Sicily?
THIS RECIPE IS ONE OF THE “PERFECT PICNIC” RECIPES INCLUDED IN THE PERFECT PICNIC SERIES OF POSTS. CLICK HERE TO READ THE 5 PERFECT PICNIC RECIPES POST WITH THE REST OF THE MENU:
- Mediterranean Chicken Focaccia Sandwich
- Fruit Salad with Orange Poppyseed Sauce
- Lobster Roll Sliders
- Summer Shrimp and Soba Rolls with Plum Sauce
DO YOU WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT PICNIC? HOW ABOUT HAVING SOME FABULOUS PICNIC DECOR THAT YOU DOWNLOAD AND PRINT FOR YOUR PICNIC?
Keep reading to find out how to plan the perfect picnic!
PERFECT PICNIC PLANNER PRINTABLE PDF
If you want a convenient way to plan your perfect picnic, you’ll want to download your own copy of my Picnic Planner PDF after you finish reading this article.
When it comes to how to plan the perfect picnic, my Picnic Planner literally walks you through the entire process. As you work your way through each of the Picnic Planner’s pages, your perfect picnic will start to take shape.
I’ve also included shopping list pages for your picnic groceries and supplies. That way all your picnic planning notes and information will be in one handy place. How fab will that be?
PERFECT PICNIC PARTY DECOR PRINTABLES
Since I’ve been a professional party planner for so many years, I can’t imagine throwing a gathering without some kind of decor. It can be a theme, a palette of colors, or even some fabulous party printables! So that’s exactly why I’ve created a bundle of fabulous Perfect Picnic Party Decor Printables, especially for you!
- Guest Cup Name Labels
- Picnic Menu Tent Cards
- Dessert “Treat” Bag Stickers
- Picnic Condiment 5 piece Hang Tag Set
READ THE MASTER PERFECT PICNIC POST HERE:
HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT PICNIC
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Smoked Salmon Dippers with Grissini
Chunks of smokey salmon, green onions and the zip of horseradish make this fabulous appetizer party-ready! Creme fraiche, yogurt and cream cheese make the creamy base to help scoop up all the goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup creme fraiche (See Notes)
- 2-3 Tbsp. prepared horseradish
- 2 tsp. lemon zest
- 1 tsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup English cucumber, diced
- 1/3 cup avocado, peeled and diced
- 8 oz. dry smoked salmon, large chunks (reserve a few chunks for garnish)
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley for garnish
- Grissini bread sticks/crackers/toasts for dipping
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add the yogurt, creme fraiche, horseradish, lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper. Beat at low speed, just until combined.
- Add the onions, cucumber, avocado and salmon and stir just until combined.
- Chill salmon mixture at least 3 hours before serving.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, parsley and a chunks of salmon and serve with bread sticks, crackers or toasts.
Notes
HOW TO MAKE CREME FRAICHE - make at least 24 hours prior to making recipe
1 cup heavy cream / 2 Tbsp. whole-fat buttermilk
1. Combine heavy cream and buttermilk in a pint mason jar or clean glass container
with lid.
2. Stir well, cover, and let stand at room temperature for 8-24 hours, OR until
very thick.
3. Refrigerate creme fraiche once it's sufficiently thickened.
4. Creme fraiche will last up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 328Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 78mgSodium 1370mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 13g
Calorie and fat counts will vary with serving size and specific ingredients used.
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