My festive rescue: Smoked salmon canapes 

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My festive rescue: Smoked salmon canapes

By Mary Berry

Published: | Updated:

Rye bread, usually from Denmark or Germany, is available already sliced in packets, sometimes with sunflower seeds added. Of course you could use ordinary brown bread or blinis, but rye bread is more unusual and much more practical. The texture of the bread means that it holds up well, not going soggy once the topping is added, and so these are ideal to be made ahead.

MAKES 48

6 slices rye bread

1 x 200g (7oz) packet full-fat cream cheese

2 x 125g (4½oz) packets smoked salmon (minimum 3 slices in each)

a little freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

freshly ground black pepper

TO GARNISH

sprigs of fresh dill

black lumpfish caviar

  • Spread the bread generously with the cream cheese. Cut each slice of bread into eight equal squares.
  • Cut the smoked salmon into 48 small pieces.
  • Top each square with smoked salmon, piling the salmon on generously so that it doesn’t lie flat.
  • Season with freshly ground black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice if wished.
  • Garnish each with a small sprig of fresh dill or a little black lumpfish caviar. Arrange on a serving platter.

TIP 

If you don’t like rye bread, use an interesting brown loaf cut fairly thinly instead. You could also pipe the cream cheese on to the squares of bread.

PREPARE AHEAD 

The rye bread holds up so well that these can be made in advance the day before. Cover the canapés tightly with clingfilm and keep in the fridge.

 

Have yourself a Mary little Christmas

Our recipes are from Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection (Headline Home, £25) and Mary Berry’s Simple Comforts (BBC Books, £26). To order at discounted prices, go to mailshop.co.uk/books or call 020 3308 9193 offer available until 31 december. Free UK delivery on orders over £15. 

Recipes From Simple Comforts: Marigold soup; Best roast potatoes; Cauliflower, broccoli & leek mornay; Stir-fried aromatic hispi cabbage; Celebration trifle. From Mary Berry’s Christmas Collection: Smoked salmon canapes; Sausages wrapped in bacon; Roast turkey crown