Smoked Salmon Tartare on Cucumber Rounds

These elegant hors d’oeuvres are quick to make and always popular. It doesn’t hurt and they look wonderful; the green of the cucumber is so pretty with the pink salmon flecked with chopped fresh green dill. This is one of the few recipes for which I insist on Perfect Homemade Mayonnaise, as it makes a huge difference in the subtle combination of flavors and textures.

 

 

 

YIELD: 16 to 20 hors d’oeuvres

 

Ingredients:
2 fresh, medium-size unpeeled cucumbers
8 ounces best-quality smoked salmon, diced
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (preferably my Perfect Homemade Mayonnaise)
1 tablespoon minced shallots
2 tablespoons chopped roasted pecans
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
Coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

 

Directions:

• Use a kitchen fork to score the cucumbers lengthwise (for decoration) all the way around, and then slice them into ½-inch thick discs.

• Using a rubber spatula, combine the salmon, mayonnaise, shallots, pecans, dill, pepper, and lemon juice together in a medium mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly. Using a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon, place a dollop of the salmon mixture on each cucumber round. Garnish it with a small sprig of fresh dill.