Cheesy Smoked Salmon Appetizers Food

ENDIVE STUFFED WITH GOAT CHEESE AND SMOKED SALMON AND CHEESY CHICKEN BON-BONS

Steps:

• For the goat cheese filling: Mix the goat cheese, 1/2 cup of the cream cheese, the cream, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, vinegar, 2 tablespoons salt and pepper in the bowl of a mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on medium-low speed until well blended and creamy. Remove half of the goat cheese filling to a separate bowl and add in the remaining 1/2 cup cream cheese. Set aside and chill for the cheesy chicken bon-bons.
• For the salmon stuffed endive: Add the salmon, the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the dill and parsley to the first half of the goat cheese filling. Mix to combine well. Check the seasoning; you may want to add some salt or pepper but that will depend on the flavor your salmon has.
• Transfer the filling into a zip-top bag and cut the tip to make a medium opening, or use a pastry bag with a medium tip. The filling is dense so you need a larger opening to pipe it. You can also use a spoon to fill the endive but piping is faster. Pipe the mixture onto the tip of the endive. Keep the endive chilled until serving time.
• To serve, garnish with a bit of lemon zest, a sprinkle of toasted almonds and a bit of the salmon roe if using on top.
• For the chicken bon-bons: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Put the chicken thighs on a baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 35 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and roast for 10 minutes more (about 15 minutes per pound cooking time, depending on the size of the thighs. To check doneness, pierce the thigh in the thickest part; if the juices run clear, it is likely done). Set aside to cool. Remove the chicken from the bone and mince; not too fine, but not big chunks, either.
• While the chicken is cooling, mix the sour cream, parsley, chives, dill, garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne and a big pinch salt into the reserved goat cheese filling. Add the chopped chicken and chill again.
• Select 15 to 20 of the animal crackers for garnish. Put 2 cups of the remaining animal crackers into a food processor and pulse to make them into fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs onto a plate. Using a very small ice cream scoop (so you have consistent size), scoop the chicken mixture and roll into small balls. Roll in the crumbs and garnish with an animal cracker. Do this final step just before serving so the cracker crumbs don't get too damp.

CHEESY SMOKED SALMON APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Lay a sheet of good quality baking paper or a double layer of aluminum foil on your bench top. Spread the salmon onto the paper to form a large square shape. Overlap each slice- there should be no gaps and you must be able to roll the salmon later and have the slices hold together.
• In a bowl mix all remaining ingredients. Spread this mixture over the salmon.
• Using the paper or foil. Roll the salmon. The cream cheese will end up in the centre of the salmon rolls. Refrigerate until required.
• Slice into approx one inch rolls (they'll look like small sushis). Sprinkle with extra finely chopped chives, or parsley.

SAVORY SMOKED SALMON APPETIZER

Steps:

• Heat oil in saute pan, then add butter to melt. Saute onions and mushrooms until nearly all liquid has evaporated. Away from heat, add port. Return to medium high heat and continue sauteing until liquid has nearly evaported. Set aside.
• In large bowl, break up smoked salmon into small uniform pieces. Mix together sour cream & cream cheese until smooth, then add to salmon. Add remaining ingredients along with onion-mushroom mixture, blend well.
• Spread mixture into lightly oiled baking dish (I use a 10" round ceramic bake & serve) and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and light golden in color.
• I serve this warm or at room temperature with thin baguette slices which have been spread lightly with garlic-infused olive oil then toasted & sprinkled with just a bit of kosher salt!