by Kinsey Brown

Crispy Caviar Bites

by Kinsey Brown

By Kinsey Brown, @ironandpearls
Fisherwoman, F/V Lucid Dream

Salmon caviar has a way of stopping people mid-conversation. Those bright orange pearls carry the whole story with them: early mornings on the deck, cold hands, and the payoff of a clean, beautiful fish where more than just a fillet can be enjoyed.

Salmon caviar, the eggs of the fish, are packed with vitamins and flavor that are not only delicious but also healthy. These delicate eggs are a prize even for a fisherman which is why I choose to share them with friends and family during the holidays.

This recipe is celebratory but still simple, something you just as easily pass around while the coffee’s on for Christmas morning or delight the table as an appetizer for a candlelit dinner.

The puff pastry bakes up light and crisp and the whipped cream cheese gives just enough richness to let the caviar shine. Finished with cucumber or radish for crunch and color, these bites will disappear fast. Get creative with your own garnishes!

Crispy Caviar Bites

Ingredients

6 oz of cream cheese, room temperature
2 Tbsp sour cream
Fresh dill, chopped
Fresh chives
2 sheets prepared puff pastry
Cucumber and radish for garnish

Instructions

Using a hand held mixer, whip cream cheese and sour cream together. Add fresh dill and mix well.

Preheat the oven to 380 F. Using a small cookie cutter or mouth of a 4-6oz jar, cut circles from the puff pastry dough. Two sheets should yield at least nine circles. Place each circle in a greased mini-muffin baking cup. Bake for ten minutes or until golden brown. Without a filling the dough will puff so using balls of foil or pie weights is recommended. When fully baked, remove from the oven and let cool completely before the next step.

Using a pastry bag or a small spoon, scoop about ½ tbsp of the whipped cream cheese into each pastry cup, leaving a small indent in the middle if possible. Spoon a small amount of salmon caviar on top of each puff. Garnish with sliced cucumber, radish, or chives. Other optional garnishes include pickled jalapeno, capers, or fresh diced red onion.

Store in the fridge until serving.