By having a few ingredients on hand, you can put this appetizer together in no time.  Purchase smoked salmon in the package and it will last several months before opening.   Purchase a baguette, slice it, and freeze the slices in a freezer bag – it will last for about a month.  Capers come jarred and have along shelf  life.  Cream cheese, red onion, and dill sprigs are all that’s left to buy.  This elegant appetizer will get your simple celebration started in minutes!

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Elegant Smoked Salmon Appetizer

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 package sliced smoked salmon
• 1 baguette
• 8 ounces softened cream cheese or whipped
• 1/2 jar capers
• 1 small red onion sliced very thin optional
• dill sprigs or chives

Instructions

• Slice the baguette into thin angled slices.  
• Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on each baguette slice.  
• Top with capers (about 6-8 per slice) and red onion.  
• Add a piece of smoked salmon that covers about 3/4 of the bread.  
• Top with a sprig of dill or chives.  
• Place on a pretty platter and serve.

This dip is a real “simple” party pleaser.  It is so simple …  no cooking required!

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Southwest Black Bean & Avocado Dip

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans 15 ounce- drained and mashed
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce minced
• 1 garlic clove finely minced
• 2 ripe avocados
• juice of one lime
• salt & fresh ground pepper to taste
• 1 cup low fat sour cream
• 1 cup fresh salsa drained of excess juice
• 1 cup farmer's cheese or Mexican crumbling cheese

Instructions

• Mix together black beans, chipotle, and garlic and place in the bottom of a serving bowl or pretty Mexican dish and level with a spatula.  
• Mash the avocados and mix with the lime juice and salt & pepper.  
• Spread on top of the beans.  
• Layer the rest of the ingredients as follows:  sour cream, salsa, and cheese.  
• Serve with tortilla chips and crackers.