Double Salmon and Chives on Rye
Makes about 3 cups, or 6 servings.
Note: This salmon spread also tastes great on a toasted pumpernickel bagel. From the Chicago Tribune.
• 1 (8-oz.) pkg. light cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 c. sour cream
• Finely grated lemon zest from ½ lemon
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 2 to 3 dashes red pepper hot sauce, optional
• 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh fennel bulb (or celery)
• 1/4 c. finely diced roasted red bell pepper (homemade or jarred)
• 1/4 c. chopped fresh chives
• 4 oz. smoked salmon, chopped, about 1 c.
• 1 (6-oz.) can wild Alaskan red or pink salmon, drained, flaked
• Soft butter, optional
• 6 to 12 slices hearty rye bread
• Garnishes: Fresh fennel fronds, shaved fresh fennel bulb, sliced tomato, thin apple slices
Directions
Stir softened cream cheese and sour cream together in medium bowl until smooth. Stir in lemon zest, salt, pepper and hot sauce until well mixed. Stir in fennel, red pepper and chives. Fold in smoked and canned salmon. Refrigerate covered up to 3 or 4 days.
To assemble sandwiches, spread a thin layer of soft butter (if using) over one side of a slice of bread. Top with a 1/2-inch-thick schmear of the salmon mixture. Garnish as desired. Serve with a knife and fork. (Or top with a second slice of buttered bread, and skip the utensils.)
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories249Fat10 gSodium733 mg
Carbohydrates19 gSaturated fat4 gTotal sugars5 mg
Protein18 gCholesterol57 mgDietary fiber2 g
Deviled Egg Salad Sandwiches
Serves 4.
Note: This salad also tastes great on slices of toasted baguette, ciabatta rolls or whole-wheat bread. From the Chicago Tribune.
• 8 large eggs
• 1/2 c. mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 c. finely minced fresh onion, rinsed well before using
• 1 small rib celery, finely minced
• 1 to 2 tsp. drained capers, chopped (or use cornichons or dill pickle)
• Softened butter, optional
• 4 to 8 slices hearty rye bread
• Sweet paprika
• Chopped fresh chives
Directions
To hard-cook eggs, put them in a single layer in the bottom of a large saucepan. Add cold water to cover them by 1 inch. Heat over high heat to a boil. (Watch closely.) Boil for 1 minute — use a timer. Immediately turn off heat and set the timer for 14 minutes. When the timer rings, carefully pour off the hot water and fill the pan with cold water and a couple of handfuls of ice cubes to chill the eggs fast. Let stand until eggs feel cool. Remove from water, and refrigerate covered for several days.
Mix mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in onion, celery and capers. Peel eggs. Put 6 on a cutting board; chop roughly with a large knife. Add the chopped egg to the mayonnaise mixture; fold together gently. Taste and adjust salt if necessary. Thinly slice the remaining 2 eggs.
To assemble sandwiches, spread a thin layer of soft butter (if using) over one side of a slice of bread. Top with a 1/2-inch-thick schmear of the egg mixture. Top with sliced egg, a sprinkle of paprika and fresh chives. Serve with a knife and fork. (Or top with a second slice of buttered bread.)
Nutrition information per serving:
Calories412Fat31 gSodium811 mg
Carbohydrates16 gSaturated fat7 gTotal sugars2 mg
Protein15 gCholesterol384 mgDietary fiber2 g
Cucumber and Avocado Gazpacho with Grapes
Makes 4 cups.
Note: From the Chicago Tribune.
• 1 large seedless cucumber, 14 to 15 oz., ends removed
• 1 c. vegetable broth
• 4 green onions, trimmed, chopped (or 1/4 c. roughly chopped chives)
• 1/2 small jalapeño, halved, seeded
• Leaves from 1 large sprig mint, about 1 tbsp., roughly chopped
• 1 large ripe avocado, halved, pitted
• Juice of 1/2 lime, or more to taste
• 1/2 to 1 tsp. salt
• Seedless red grapes, cut in half
• Diced ripe avocado
• Chopped chives
Directions
Use a vegetable peeler to remove and discard half of the cucumber peel. (This helps prevent bitterness.) Roughly chop the cucumber. You should have 3 loosely packed cups.
Put cucumber, broth, onions, jalapeño and mint leaves into a blender. Process until very smooth. Refrigerate in the blender jar, covered, about 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
Scoop avocado pulp into the soup base in the blender. Add lime juice and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Purée until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt as desired. Refrigerate up to 1 day.
To serve, pour into soup bowls. Garnish with grapes, diced avocado and chives.
Nutrition information per serving of 1 cup:
Calories101Fat8 gSodium334 mg
Carbohydrates9 gSaturated fat1 gTotal sugars2 mg
Protein2 gCholesterol0 mgDietary fiber5 g
