Keep It Simple

Jun 11, 2015

By Fran Hill

My garden is finally planted and growing well. Porches and patio have been outfitted with Adirondack chairs and tables and adorned with pots of vibrant blooming flowers. The new grass we seeded early this spring is lush and green. I have a stock of firewood for the fire pit. It is time to host a patio party.

Entertaining in the summer doesn’t have to be elaborate. The season, by its nature, is all about casual. Invite a few friends over. Chill a bottle of wine, pick up a 6-pack, brew a pitcher of sun tea or stir up some lemonade. Snacks can be as simple as popcorn dusted with parmesan cheese, chips and salsa, pretzels and peanuts, cheese and crackers, veggies and dip or some fresh fruit. Nobody is giving bonus points for knocking yourself out. Keep it simple and just have fun.

Smoked Salmon Pizza is a super simple appetizer that is a perfect cool addition for a summer party. Created from purchased ingredients with just a little slicing and spreading, it leaves plenty of time for summer fun at your patio party.

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Smoked Salmon Pizza

purchased flatbread, naan, or pita bread

whipped cream cheese

smoked salmon, thinly sliced

cucumbers, thinly sliced

red onion, thinly sliced

capers, drained

freshly ground black pepper

fresh dill, snipped

lemon wedges, optional

Preheat oven to 425F. Heat flatbread, naan or pita directly on oven racks for 5-8 minutes to slightly crisp. Allow to cool.

Spread flatbread with cream cheese. (I like a thin layer, but spread it thickly if that’s your thing.)

Carefully separate the salmon into layers and arrange on top of the cream cheese. Top with cucumbers and red onions. Sprinkle capers over all. Add a crack of fresh pepper. Snip fresh dill over all.

Cut into small wedges and serve. Offer lemon wedges to squeeze over individual portions. (I love it; Hubs does not.)

Fran Hill has been blogging about food at On My Plate since October of 2006. She, her husband and their two dogs ranch near Colome.