Canapés Creole with a Twist

Ingredients

• 24 slices of baguette (French bread) or crackers 24 slices of baguette (French bread) or crackers
• 200g (7oz) smoked salmon 200g (7oz) smoked salmon
• 150g (5.3oz) cream cheese 150g (5.3oz) cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon capers 1 tablespoon capers
• 1 lemon, sliced into wedges 1 lemon, sliced into wedges
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 6g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 1g)
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the baguette slices or crackers on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and crispy.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with the Creole seasoning until well combined.
4. 4.
   Spread a thin layer of the seasoned cream cheese onto each toasted baguette slice or cracker.
5. 5.
   Top each canapé with a slice of smoked salmon.
6. 6.
   Garnish with fresh dill, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
7. 7.
   Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
8. 8.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Smoked salmon — Choose high-quality smoked salmon for the best flavor. Look for slices that are firm, moist, and have a vibrant color.
• Creole seasoning — You can either make your own Creole seasoning by combining spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and oregano, or use a store-bought version.
• Baguette — Opt for a fresh baguette with a crispy crust and a soft interior. Slicing the baguette at a slight angle will create larger surface areas for the toppings.

Tips & Tricks

• Experiment with different toppings such as pâté, goat cheese, or caramelized onions to add variety to your canapés.
• For a spicier kick, sprinkle some extra Creole seasoning on top of the canapés before serving.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning or opt for a mild version.
• Serve the canapés on a decorative platter or wooden board for an elegant presentation.
• Prepare the toppings and toast the bread or crackers in advance, but assemble the canapés just before serving to keep them fresh and crispy.

Serving advice

Arrange the Canapés Creole on a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley for an attractive presentation. Serve them as a delightful appetizer at cocktail parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion. These canapés pair well with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing cocktail.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, you can arrange the canapés in a decorative pattern on the platter. Consider adding a few lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh dill as additional garnishes. The vibrant colors of the smoked salmon and the green accents will make the canapés even more enticing.