Candy Smoked Salmon Holiday Wreath with Cranberry Drizzle

Candy Smoked Salmon Holiday Wreath with Cranberry Drizzle

Prep Time

20 mins

Cook Time

10 minutes (for cranberry drizzle)

Total Time

30 minutes

Serves

6-8 (as an appetizer)

Ingredients

• 12 oz smoked salmon, sliced into strips 

• 1 large round platter or serving tray 

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened 

• 1/2 cup sour cream 

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish) 

• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish) 

• Salt and pepper to taste 

• Fresh arugula or spinach leaves (for base) 
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Spread: In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, chopped dill, and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

2. Assemble the Wreath: On a large round platter, spread the cream cheese mixture in a circular shape, leaving a gap in the center for the "wreath" effect. Smooth it out with a spatula or knife. Arrange the smoked salmon slices in a circular pattern over the cream cheese, overlapping slightly. Form the slices into a wreath shape. 

3. Make the Cranberry Drizzle: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir in the lemon juice and orange zest, then let the sauce cool slightly. 

4. Finish the Wreath: Drizzle the cranberry sauce over the smoked salmon wreath, allowing some of the sauce to also touch the cream cheese mixture. Garnish the platter with extra dill and chives, and arrange fresh arugula or spinach leaves around the wreath to add a fresh green base. 

Cranberry Drizzle

• 1 cup frozen cranberries 

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 

• 1/2 cup water 

• 1 tbsp lemon juice 

• 1 tsp finely grated orange zest 

Holiday Cocktail Pairing: Cranberry Rosemary Sparkler

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

0 minutes

Total Time

5 minutes

Serves

1 cocktail

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cranberry juice 

• 1/2 tablespoon honey or simple syrup 

• Sparkling wine or champagne 

• Fresh rosemary sprig 

• Fresh cranberries for garnish 

Instructions

1. Mix cranberry juice with honey or simple syrup. 

2. Pour the cranberry mixture into a champagne flute, filling about 1/4 of the way. 

3. Top off with sparkling wine or champagne. (note: can be made into a mocktail with non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice) 

4. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and a few floating fresh cranberries. 

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