Recipe: Smoked Salmon Spread in Pastry Cases

With the festive season fast approaching, it’s that time of the year to catch up with friends and family before Christmas. Whether you are hosting a party, or have been asked to bring a plate of nibblies along to a someone’s else’s gathering, these tasty morsels will be a hit. Quick, easy and elegant, the spread can be made ahead of time and only needs to be spooned into the pre-bought pastry cups when ready to serve. Perfect with a glass of bubbles!

Ingredients (makes 40):
250g cream cheese, at room temperature
125g smoked salmon, roughly chopped
Finely grated rind of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives
Pinch of salt
Freshly ground black pepper
40 ready-made small pastry cups (available from supermarkets and gourmet stores)
Garnish:  dill sprigs

Method (10 minutes):
1.    Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and process until combined (if you don’t own a food processor, this can be done by hand).
2.    Taste for seasoning, adding more salt and/or pepper if necessary. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
3.    When ready to serve, spoon a heaped teaspoon of the spread into each pastry cup and top with a small dill sprig.