Parmesan Rounds With Lox Food

PARMESAN CHEESE ROUNDS

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler to 425 degrees F.
• With a 2 1/8-inch cookie cutter, cut 2 rounds out of each slice of bread. Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet and place 5 inches from the heat source. Toast the bread on one side until they are golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Using a whisk, mix together the mayonnaise and Parmesan in a small bowl. Remove the bread from the oven and turn the rounds over to the untoasted sides. Spread each with a thin layer of mustard. Put 1 onion slice on top and cover with about 1 teaspoon of the mayonnaise mixture, spreading the mixture across the onion and bread.
• Broil until golden, about 1 minute. Never take your eyes off these; the time varies with different ovens. Work in batches of 24 rounds. Serve one batch hot while the next is cooking.

PARMESAN ROUNDS

Steps:

• Using a round cookie cutter, make four 1 1/2" circles per slice of bread.
• Butter each slice on one side.
• Broil, turning once until lightly toasted.
• In a small bowl combine the remainder of ingredients until smoothly blended.
• Spread 1 tsp on the buttered side of each "toast".
• May be frozen in an airtight container at this point - do not thaw before broiling.
• Broil 4" from heat for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve hot.

CREAM CHEESE AND LOX PASTA

Steps:

• In a large pot, cook pasta according to pakage directions; drain and return it to the pot.
• Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and onion powder.
• Cook over medium-low eat, stirring until cream cheese is melted.
• Add peas, reduce heat to low, and stir 4 to 5 minutes, or until sauce is warmed through.
• Add salmon and cream cheese sauce to the pasta in the pot.
• Cook over medium heat 3 to 5 minutes, or until thoroughly combined and warmed through, stirring frequently.
• Serve immediately.

QUICK POLENTA ROUNDS WITH SAGE BUTTER AND PARMESAN

Steps:

• Spray or spread cooking oil on the bottom and sides of a broiler-safe baking dish.
• Cut polenta in 1/4" thick disks. Place these disks on the bottom of the greased baking dish, overlapping them slightly so that there is no space in between disks.
• Sprinkle cheese evenly across the polenta.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add olive oil. When the butter/oil mixture is fully heated, immediately add sage, stirring constantly. Cook for no more than 30 seconds.
• Add chopped garlic and sauté very briefly, until garlic starts to perfume the oil but has not yet browned. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat and drizzle over polenta.
• Broil for 3-5 minutes.