The Driftwood Beach Appetizer (Print)

A blend of crisp crackers, smoked fish, and creamy hummus evoking a peaceful, coastal impression.

# Ingredients:

→ Crackers

01 - 3.5 oz pale, rustic-style crackers (e.g., water crackers, matzo, or lavash), broken into driftwood-like pieces

→ Fish

02 - 4.2 oz smoked white fish (e.g., smoked trout, mackerel, or haddock), flaked into bite-sized pieces

→ Hummus Shore

03 - 8.8 oz classic hummus
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

07 - 1 tbsp fresh dill fronds
08 - Zest of ½ lemon
09 - 1 tbsp capers, rinsed and drained
10 - Microgreens (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Spread the hummus evenly in a thick layer on a large serving platter, shaping it to resemble a gentle shoreline using a spatula or spoon.
02 - Drizzle olive oil over the hummus, then lightly dust with smoked paprika and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to create a sandy texture.
03 - Place the broken crackers along one edge of the hummus, mimicking weathered driftwood washed ashore.
04 - Scatter the flaked smoked fish atop and around the crackers, varying piece sizes to enhance a natural presentation.
05 - Top with fresh dill, lemon zest, capers, and optional microgreens for a vibrant, beach-inspired finish.
06 - Present immediately, inviting guests to scoop the smoked fish and hummus using the crackers.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • It looks like edible art but takes barely twenty minutes, making you seem effortlessly sophisticated when guests arrive.
  • The smoked fish and creamy hummus pair in a way that feels both elegant and deeply satisfying, each bite tasting like a small luxury.
  • It's adaptable to whatever smoked fish you can find, so it works with your budget and what's actually available at the market.
02 -
  • If your hummus is too thin, it'll slide around the platter and lose that sculptural quality; if it seems loose, drain it gently or use a thicker brand.
  • The smoked fish is delicate—handle it gently so you get those nice flakes rather than shredded strings, which affects both texture and presentation.
  • Assemble this no more than 30 minutes before serving or the crackers will soften from the hummus moisture and lose their crucial crunch.
03 -
  • Make or buy your hummus the day before so the flavors deepen and you have one less thing to do on serving day.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds if you have them—they taste noticeably fresher and more flavorful than pre-toasted versions that have been sitting around.
  • If you want extra crunch and visual interest, add paper-thin slices of radish or cucumber scattered across the top just before serving, which adds color and a peppery brightness.
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