Salmon Spread Is Now a Family Classic

I started thinking about the Christmas holidays this morning for some reason, and the first image to pop into my head was Salmon Spread.  For the past few decades we have served this appetizer in the living room while those of us in the kitchen put the final touches on dinner.

By the time we popped in for a quick taste, there was usually nothing left.  It’s always been a win/lose situation.  We kitchen slaves won the chance to have the first bite of the turkey as we were doing the carving, but seldom did we get a mouthful of Salmon Spread.

Yesterday I solved that problem by making Salmon Spread 10 weeks early.  Not only did the whole family get to share equally but also we broke a tradition.  Why not be flexible with a dish we all love but seldom make because Christmas comes just once a year?  We’ve anointed Salmon Spread as a Family Classic, and we now we’re going to make it and eat it as often as we like. 

Salmon Spread – serves 8-12 (adapted from “Help! My Apartment Has a Dining Room”)  

1 6-ounce can skinless, boneless salmon
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons horseradish
1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Crackers 

Drain the salmon and discard the liquid. 

Combine the salmon, cream cheese, lemon juice, horseradish, liquid smoke, salt and black pepper in a medium bowl.  Mix thoroughly, making sure the salmon is broken up into small pieces. 

Place a sheet of plastic wrap or foil on the counter.  Transfer the salmon mixture onto the sheet and, using your hands or a spoon, shape into a 6-inch log.  Wrap up the log, twist the ends of the wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours. 

Combine the chopped walnuts and parsley, if using, and spread out on a large plate.  Unwrap the salmon log and roll in the mixture to provide a coating.  Transfer to a plate and serve immediately with crackers, or refrigerate until needed.

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