Salmon and Herb Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches

I’m not sure if it’s because I’m “fun- sized”, but I find myself more excited about food when it’s presented in tinier portions. I once read a quote that says “taste everything, but eat nothing”, and that couldn’t be any more true nibbling on an array of these sweet tiny tasters for an afternoon tea. It’s precisely why I love tapas, wine flight pairings and obviously high tea, as they give you the chance to taste just enough without feeling overly engorged. I also find the act of having to gracefully pick up miniature items to pop in my mouth adds a level of finesse to life – a moment that reminds you that life is meant to live beautifully by enjoying these beauteous morsels that were created as a gift for us humans to savor with our family and friends. Really, then, what better way to slow down and intentionally create more of these moments than by carving out time amidst this short-lived, agitated life surrounded by chaos to share them with loved ones.

Ingredients* {makes 16}

2 oz. cream cheese softened

2 teaspoons each finely chopped fresh dill and chives

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon drained capers rinsed, chopped finely

4 slices bread (crust removed)

4 oz. thinly sliced smoked salmon

Directions

1. Combine cream cheese, chives, dill, lemon juice, and capers in a small bowl. Season to taste.

2. Cut bread slices into thick strips. Spread with the cream cheese mixture; top with a quarter-size smoked salmon and finish with a dollop of the cream cheese mixture atop the salmon. Repeat with remaining bread, cream cheese mixture, smoked salmon. Then arrange them on your serving tray.

* Herb cream cheese mixture can be made a day ahead.