Smoked Trout Pâté, for Party or Picnic

Smoked trout pâté takes only minutes to prepare and is an easy, elegant appetizer that goes equally well with breakfast, champagne, or a picnic lunch.

Smoked trout fillets are not hard to find in specialty food stores and even many supermarkets. They are usually sold with the skin, which is easily peeled off.  To dress up the pâté, garnish the serving bowl with fresh herbs or small edible flowers. Serve with crusty bread, pita chips, or crackers. Note the wine pairings at the end of the recipe, which will help with your planning.

1. 1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, horse­radish, lemon juice, and Tabasco sauce. Process until very smooth. Set aside about one­ fourth of the trout fillets and add the remainder to the cream cheese mixture. Process again until almost smooth.

2. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and add the scallions, parsley, and dill. Break the re­served trout into small chunks and stir into the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days before serving. Serve chilled with toasted pita bread, crackers, or thin slices of toasted bread.