Driftwood Beach Appetizer (Print)

Crisp crackers and smoked fish layered on creamy hummus for a coastal-inspired appetizer.

# Components:

→ 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)

# Directions:

01 - Evenly spread the hummus in a thick layer on a large serving platter, shaping it gently into a shoreline using a spatula or spoon.
02 - Drizzle olive oil evenly over the hummus, dust with smoked paprika, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds to evoke a sandy texture.
03 - Place the broken cracker pieces along one edge of the platter to resemble weathered driftwood washed ashore.
04 - Scatter flaked smoked fish atop and around the crackers, varying placement for a natural, organic appearance.
05 - Decorate with fresh dill fronds, lemon zest, capers, and optional microgreens for a vibrant, fresh presentation.
06 - Present the platter promptly, inviting guests to scoop hummus and fish with the crackers.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks stunning with minimal effort, so you feel like a genius host without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • The salty smoked fish and creamy hummus together hit that sweet spot between indulgent and refreshingly light.
  • Everything comes together in twenty minutes, which means you can actually enjoy your own party instead of stressing.
02 -
  • If you spread the hummus too thin, it dries out quickly under the paprika; go thick and generous, and it stays creamy throughout the meal.
  • Toast your sesame seeds yourself if you can—the difference between stale and freshly toasted is the difference between nice and unforgettable.
  • The capers are essential not just for flavor but for the visual contrast; don't let anyone convince you they're optional.
03 -
  • Make sure your smoked fish is at its best by buying from a fishmonger rather than pre-packaged if you can; they'll tell you exactly how fresh it is and what pairs well.
  • The paprika is your secret weapon—it looks like sand but also adds this subtle warmth that ties all the salty, briny flavors together beautifully.
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