Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites

Smoked Salmon Cucumber Bites are the one-bite appetizer that looks more sophisticated than the effort required to make them. Crisp cucumber rounds topped with herbed cream cheese, silky smoked salmon, and a jewel of bright orange roe — they are elegant, refreshing, and completely gluten-free.

These require no cooking whatsoever, can be assembled up to 2 hours ahead, and are as appropriate at a cocktail party as at an intimate brunch.

Ingredients (makes 30 pieces): - 2 large English cucumbers, sliced ½ inch thick (about 30 rounds) - 7 oz cream cheese, softened - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 5 ¼ oz premium smoked salmon, cut into small pieces - 1 oz salmon roe or trout roe - Additional dill sprigs and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions: Mix cream cheese with dill, chives, lemon zest, and lemon juice until well combined and fluffy. Transfer to a piping bag.

Pat cucumber rounds dry with paper towel. Pipe a rosette of herbed cream cheese onto each round. Fold a small piece of smoked salmon onto the cream cheese. Top with a small amount of roe and a tiny dill sprig.

Arrange on a chilled platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour.

Pro Tips: Using a piping bag is essential for the clean, restaurant-quality presentation. Scottish or Norwegian smoked salmon tends to be the silkiest and most delicately flavored.