Smoked Salmon-Cucumber Canapés

Wondering what to serve before any meal can be stressful. Do people like seafood? Are they allergic to nuts? Will they want chips with guacamole, or just chips and salsa? Or both?

And what if it’s summer and it’s hot outside and people don’t want cooked appetizers?

Relax.

That’s a word I throw around a lot when it comes to entertaining. And what I mean when I say relax, is simply that you’re overthinking one fundamental thing: People get excited and are happy at the prospect of any kind of food presented to them. Now it might not be in their wheelhouse, but they’ll be excited about you offering any snack to them.

SMOKED SALMON CUCUMBER CANAPES

• 1 English cucumber, diced

• 1 package of smoked salmon

• Cream cheese or Boursin (depending on preference)

• Freshly chopped dill

• Lemon juice

• Pepper

Ready to assemble? Dice your cucumbers in thick slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Smear the cheese of your choice across each one. Top with a little piece of smoked salmon, and a drizzle of lemon juice. Garnish with some fresh dill and cracked black pepper.

SmokedSalmon

SMOKED SALMON WITH FRIED CAPERS ON CRACKERSHere’s what you’ll need for these crackers:

• Smoked salmon (a whole standard-size package will make about 40 of these)

• Stoned Wheat Thins, split down the middle

• Bunch of fresh parsley

• Lemon Juice

• Capers (I fry mine in a little olive oil, then let dry on a paper towel so they’re crispy)

• Red onion, diced

Now for the assembly. Split your crackers in half. Place pieces of smoked salmon on top. Sprinkle with diced red onion, capers and a drizzle of lemon juice. Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley and you’re done.

FRESH SPICY GUACAMOLEHere’s what you’ll need for this homemade guacamole:

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1 tomato, diced

• 1/4 red onion, diced

• Bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 teaspoon cracked red pepper flakes

Mash all the above ingredients together in a bowl and serve chilled alongside your favorite chips. You can adjust the amount of cilantro and red pepper flakes to your taste. I like to sprinkle some extra flakes on top as a garnish.

Now get out there and enjoy the party. Don’t forget about the drinks. That’s key.

And for serving, I love wooden cutting boards. They’re rustic and simple. And they look good just about anywhere.

Who says summer has to be formal?