The Covered Dish - Smoked Salmon Spread

It’s hard to believe we are already 12 days into the month of November. By the time everyone reads the column, it will be like half the month is over. Too fast for this gal, I know that much. I’m trying to get a great deal accomplished in what appears to be a very small window of time. I fell behind this past weekend so now I’m starting to doubt myself.
Every family has their favorite appetizers for the holidays, super bowls and the like. One of my family faves is my Salmon Spread. It’s super easy to make, and it usually shows its self sometime during the holiday season. I may slip a small batch into two lovebirds stash as they head to the airport on their honeymoon. It will hold for several days in the refrigerator, and it’s much better after it has set for 24 hours before serving.
Often I will smoke my own salmon, but you can always purchase smoked salmon in a pouch, at the grocers. Which remind me to put it on my list along with a couple of quarts of egg nog! I already have the shortbread cookies in the pantry as we enter the holiday season. They are another mandatory on the holiday ‘must have’ list. Now if I could just find the chocolate drops. Usually I get them at Hobby Lobby, but they were already out last week.
Serve the salmon spread with crackers or toasted rye. On Thanksgiving Eve we always have a specialty soup and this would be a nice side along with a few vegies and dip. That also reminds me I haven’t squared away the Thanksgiving dinner yet. Ervin and I are planning something like a stew on Thanksgiving Day and then follow up on Sunday with our big dinner. By that time I also need to have the tree up, followed by most of the décor. wow, it’s lots to think about!
Get those lists started for the groceries, and don’t forget to shop at Aldi’s, also watch for sale items in your other grocery stores. Make as much ahead of time as possible, so the cook too, can enjoy the big day. One of our other Thanksgiving standards is cinnamon rolls and scrambled eggs on Thanksgiving morning. I will say my dried bread is crumbled and in the freezer, ready to go, and the celery is diced and sitting in the freezer too. I’d like to find time for homemade egg noodles, but that may be pushing it too much. Enjoy the crisp air, and the warmth of a good fire. Simply yours, The Covered Dish.

Smoked Salmon Spread
1 can, skinless, boneless salmon, flaked, (6 oz.)
8 ounces cream cheese
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1⁄2 cup finely minced onion or green onion
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 tablespoon liquid smoke, I only use organic
(Will omit, if salmon is already smoked.)
Parsley, finely chopped. 
Soften the cream cheese if necessary. Add all ingredients and blend until smooth. Some may choose to use a little dry dill instead of parsley, I would suggest a small amount if you go this route.
At our home I always present the spread in a fish shaped appetizer bowl. Refrigerate. Keeps for 7-10 days in frig.