bite sized memory

A few weeks ago my husband and I were invited to dinner. I knew it would be a special night and I wanted to bring something equally exceptional. As I filed through my extensive repertoire of hors d'oeuvres I found myself reaching further back into my culinary recall.

Maybe my vegus nerve was subliminally triggered by the start of golf season and that was the reason I began craving a fabulous sandwich I used to order each time I played golf with my-then-lawyer-boyfriend a decade and a half ago. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a golfer. But I did a long tour on the adult dating circuit, and as all top ranked contenders know you must at times pretend to like what your partner is passionate about. So along with my FootJoy shoes and Callaway glove I developed an appetite for post-golf lunches on the club terrace.

His club served an incredible open-faced egg salad sandwich that was topped with smoked salmon. So I really didn’t have to feign enthusiasm when asked to hit the links. On the course I just kept my feet firmly planted, me head still and after impact my eye on the luncheon plate.

Here is my bite-seized version of this nine-and-dine classic- smoked salmon and egg canapés.

Carefully peel the hardboiled eggs under running water.

Place the eggs one at a time in a ricer fitted with the larger perforated disk. Press down over a medium sized bowl.

Continue with each of the eggs.

Stir in the onion, mayonnaise and mustard. Add more mayonnaise if needed. Season with salt and pepper. The egg salad can be a day in advance, cover and refrigerate.

To make the croutes toast the buttered bread rounds in a 325 degree oven until lightly browned and crisp. Cool completely. The croutes can also be a day in advance. Store in an airtight container.

Cut the smoked salmon into one and half inch pieces. The salmon can be cut earlier in the day. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate.

To assemble spread each toasted bread round with a spoonful of egg salad. Top with a small piece of torn lettuce, then a slice of smoked salmon.

You too will find these perfect bites are on par every time!