Ingredients (6)
- 1/2 cup crème fraîche
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 (11-inch) premade pizza crusts or flatbreads, such as Boboli, baked and cooled
- 2/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 8 ounces cold-smoked salmon, thinly sliced
Nutritional Information
- Calories47
- Fat2.26g
- Saturated fat0.83g
- Trans fat
- Carbs3.56g
- Fiber0.22g
- Sugar0.48g
- Protein2.97g
- Cholesterol5.52mg
- Sodium126.15mg
- Nutritional Analysis per serving (20 servings) Powered by
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There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.
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What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.
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Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.
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Always look for a salmon that is firm to the touch, but bounces back if you press the flesh. The cut shouldn't have any liquid pooling around it and the meat should also be translucent and moist.
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It is important to capture as much moisture as possible. Wet the salmon, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and wrap again with aluminum foil. Place the filets in a freezer bag and keep away from the door to ensure a consistent temperature. If the salmon has been previously frozen, do not re-freeze.
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The best way to store fish is over ice. Remove the fish from its original packaging, rinse under cold water, and dry with paper towels. Set fish on a cooling rack and place inside a container filled with crushed ice. The ice should reach just beneath the fish, but shouldn’t touch it. Cover the container, rack, and fish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in the fridge. If the fish is stored longer than 24 hours, be sure to swap out the melted ice with a new batch. Ideally, any fresh fish should not be stored for more than two days.
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How to Freeze Fish
Some fish can be frozen for up to year (with three months as the standard), but its freshness depends entirely on its exposure to air. To limit this from taking place, you should first clean the fish, wrap it in aluminum foil or freezer paper, and place it in a freezer bag. Press down on the bag before closing to eliminate any excess air.
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In an attempt to satisfy our craving for bagels with lox and cream cheese, we came up with this quick appetizer of flatbread topped with chive crème fraîche and cold-smoked salmon.
What to buy: Crème fraîche is a naturally thickened fresh cream with a tangy flavor and a rich texture. If you can’t find it, sour cream is a decent substitute.
Game plan: The crème fraîche mixture can be made up to 1 day in advance and refrigerated in a covered container.
This recipe was featured as part of our Valentine’s Day Menu.
Instructions
- 1Combine crème fraîche, chives, and lemon juice in a nonreactive bowl and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Season well with salt.
- 2Spread half of the crème fraîche mixture evenly on top of each flatbread, leaving a 1/2-inch border.
- 3Arrange half of the onion on 1 flatbread, top with half of the salmon, and season with freshly ground black pepper. Repeat with second flatbread. Cut into 2-by-2-inch squares and serve.
Beverage pairing: Champagne Bollinger NV Special Cuvée, France. There’s no better match for smoked salmon than a fine Champagne. A good choice is Bollinger. The salmon’s oiliness is both contrasted and complemented by the prickly, creamy bubbles of the wine. And the smoky flavor of the fish is echoed by the yeasty toastiness of the Champagne, which is partially aged in wood to give it mellowness and smoke.
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