Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon

Canape – Potato Cake with Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Recipe from France

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon is a delicious and elegant appetizer that is perfect for any special occasion or gathering. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory smoked salmon, and crispy potato cake creates a delightful flavor and texture experience that will impress your guests.

History

The origins of this recipe can be traced back to traditional Russian cuisine, where potatoes are a staple ingredient. Over time, variations of this dish have been created and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. The addition of cream cheese and smoked salmon adds a luxurious touch to the classic potato cake, making it a popular choice for parties and events.

Ingredients

Potato Cakes

1 kg baking potatoes
100 g melted butter
100 g flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp baking soda

Topping

280 g cream cheese
100 ml double cream
zest and juice of 1 lemon
200 g smoked salmon slices
small bunch of dill, fronds picked
50 g capers, halved

How to prepare

Poke the potatoes all around with a fork. Place them on a tray lined with parchment and bake at 220°C/200°C for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the exterior becomes crispy and the inside is fully cooked and moist. Once cooked, set them aside on a rack to cool.
Cut the cooled potatoes in half and scoop out the flesh from the skin. Discard the skin and add the flesh to a bowl.
Thoroughly mash the potatoes, adding in 0.67 units of melted butter, baking soda, and flour.
Season the mixture once all the ingredients are added.
Brush half of the remaining butter onto a parchment and line it on top of a large baking tray (approximately 35 x 25 cm).
Roll the potato dough flat and place it on the baking tray. Brush the remaining butter on the dough and bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C for 45 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the tray and let it rest.
For the topping, add cream cheese to a large bowl and whisk until it becomes light and smooth.
Add double cream and lemon juice, seasoning it as desired.
Spread the mixture over the cooled potato cake.
Now cut the cake into very small squares and top each one with strips of salmon, caperberries, dill fronds, and lemon zest.
Serve fresh with some wine!

Variations

Substitute smoked salmon with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped herbs such as chives, parsley, or dill to the cream cheese topping for a fresh and aromatic twist.
Top the potato cake with caviar or roe for a luxurious and indulgent variation.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to bake the potatoes until they are fully cooked and moist to ensure a soft and fluffy texture for the potato cake.

- Thoroughly mash the potatoes to create a smooth and uniform dough for the cake.

- Brushing melted butter on the potato dough before baking helps to achieve a crispy and golden crust.

- Whisking the cream cheese until light and smooth will create a creamy and spreadable topping for the potato cake.

- Be creative with the toppings by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or garnishes to enhance the flavor and presentation of the canape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon as an elegant appetizer at cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or special events. Pair it with a glass of champagne or white wine for a sophisticated touch.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the potatoes until they are fully cooked and moist ensures a soft and fluffy texture for the potato cake.

- Thoroughly mashing the potatoes and mixing them with butter, flour, and baking soda creates a smooth and uniform dough for the cake.

- Whisking the cream cheese until light and smooth and adding double cream and lemon juice creates a creamy and spreadable topping for the potato cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes or yams instead of baking potatoes for a sweeter and richer flavor.

- Substitute Greek yogurt or sour cream for the cream cheese for a tangy and creamy topping.

- Replace capers with chopped olives or pickles for a different briny and salty element.

Make Ahead Tips

The potato cake can be baked in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- The cream cheese topping can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

- Assemble the canape just before serving to ensure the freshness and quality of the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the canape on a decorative platter or serving tray for an elegant and eye-catching display. - Garnish the potato cake with additional dill fronds, lemon zest, or edible flowers for a beautiful and festive touch. - Serve the canape with small cocktail forks or toothpicks for easy and convenient eating.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon with a crisp and refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- Serve the appetizer with a sparkling wine or champagne for a celebratory and festive occasion.

- Enjoy the canape with a light and fruity cocktail or mocktail for a fun and flavorful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover potato cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the potato cake in a preheated oven at 180°C/160°C for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

- Do not microwave the potato cake as it may become soggy or lose its crispy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon contains approximately 300 calories. It is important to enjoy this appetizer in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Each serving of Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon contains approximately 15 grams of fats. Fats are an important source of energy and help the body absorb essential vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

Each serving of Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon contains approximately 10 grams of proteins. Proteins are essential for building and repairing tissues, muscles, and cells in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and magnesium. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health and supporting various bodily functions.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cream cheese), fish (smoked salmon), and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals. Please check for any food allergies or sensitivities before consuming this dish.

Summary

Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon is a flavorful and nutritious appetizer that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy this dish as part of a well-rounded meal or as a special treat for a special occasion.

Summary

Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon is a delightful and elegant appetizer that is perfect for entertaining or special occasions. The combination of creamy cream cheese, savory smoked salmon, and crispy potato cake creates a delicious flavor and texture experience that will impress your guests. Enjoy this dish with a glass of wine or champagne for a sophisticated and memorable dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Canape – Potato Cake with cream cheese and smoked salmon. It was many years ago, during a visit to my friend’s house for a dinner party. As I mingled with the other guests, I couldn’t help but notice the delicious-looking appetizers that were being served.

I made my way over to the kitchen where my friend’s mother was busy preparing the food. I watched in awe as she effortlessly whipped up a batch of these delectable potato cakes topped with cream cheese and smoked salmon. The combination of flavors and textures was simply divine, and I knew right then and there that I had to get my hands on the recipe.

After some coaxing, my friend’s mother graciously agreed to share the recipe with me. She explained that the key to making the perfect potato cake was to use a combination of mashed potatoes and grated potatoes, which would give the cakes a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. She also stressed the importance of seasoning the potatoes generously with salt and pepper, as this would enhance the flavor of the dish.

Armed with this newfound knowledge, I set out to recreate the recipe in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – potatoes, cream cheese, smoked salmon, and a few herbs and spices – and got to work. I boiled the potatoes until they were tender, then mashed them with a dollop of butter and a splash of cream. I grated the remaining potatoes and mixed them with the mashed potatoes, along with some chopped herbs and a generous amount of seasoning.

I formed the potato mixture into small patties and fried them in a hot skillet until they were golden brown and crispy. While the potato cakes were cooking, I whipped up a simple cream cheese spread flavored with lemon zest and dill. I thinly sliced the smoked salmon and arranged it on top of the warm potato cakes, then finished them off with a dollop of the cream cheese spread.

The result was nothing short of spectacular. The potato cakes were perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a rich, creamy texture that paired beautifully with the smoky, salty salmon. The tangy cream cheese spread added a bright, fresh contrast to the dish, tying all the flavors together into a harmonious whole.

Since that fateful dinner party, I have made this recipe countless times for family gatherings, holiday parties, and special occasions. Each time, it never fails to impress and delight my guests, who always ask for the recipe so they can make it at home.

I have since passed the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren, who have embraced it with the same enthusiasm and love that I have. It has become a cherished tradition in our family, a dish that symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.

As I sit here, reminiscing about the day I first discovered this recipe, I am filled with gratitude for the friends and family who have inspired and supported me on my culinary journey. The simple act of sharing a recipe has brought us closer together, creating lasting memories and a legacy of love that will endure for generations to come. And for that, I am truly grateful.