Puree That Sticks to the Celery

Celery sticks are ubiquitous at picnics, but no one would ever mistake them for elegant. Well, not the way they’re normally served. Here, in place of the fake orange cheese spread, we’ve got a delicate, fresh-tasting puree of salmon. The only thing it has in common with the other is its color.

Salmon Puree Celery Sticks

Active Work Time: 20 minutes * Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes, plus 2 hours chilling

1/2 pound salmon filet

2 teaspoons prepared horseradish

1 tablespoon light sour cream

1 teaspoon dill weed

1 teaspoon chopped capers

1 teaspoon Hungarian paprika

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon salt

18 (2-inch) celery sticks

Frisee, optional

Pansies, optional

* Steam salmon over simmering water until fish flakes easily, about 10 minutes. Remove from steamer and cool to room temperature.

* Puree salmon in food processor until smooth. Add horseradish, sour cream, dill weed, capers, paprika, lemon juice and salt and puree until smooth. Cover and chill several hours. Spoon puree into pastry bag with tube and pipe onto celery pieces. Arrange on platter with frisee and pansy petals, if desired.

18 appetizers. Each appetizer: 18 calories; 85 mg sodium; 6 mg cholesterol; 1 gram fat; 1 gram carbohydrate; 2 grams protein; 0.13 gram fiber.