Healthy party canapés made with homemade macadamia cream 'cheese' topped with smoked salmon, fresh dill and lemon zest on top of crispy cucumber. These make an impressively healthy canapé perfect for entertaining.The cream cheese component is made with Australian macadamia nuts using a method to make a 'nut cheese' that's free from dairy and plant based.This recipe is gluten free, grain free and dairy free.
1 cup raw Australian macadamia nuts, soaked overnight*
2.5 tbsp lemon juice/ Juice of 1 lemon
1clove garlic, minced
1/3 cup filtered water*, at room temperature
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Pinch Sea salt and black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
2 large cucumber
150-200 g good quality smoked salmon, sliced
Fresh dill
Lemon zest
Black Pepper
Instructions
*Soak macadamia nuts overnight in water, covered. This helps to make the cream cheese smooth and creamy. Rinse and drain well.
In a high speed food processor or blender combine macadamia nuts, lemon juice, garlic, water, coconut oil, salt and pepper.
Blitz until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Adjust seasoning. *Add just a touch of extra water if needed.
Transfer to a bowl and mix through chives. Set aside in refrigerator to cool.
Slice cucumbers on a diagonal. Arrange on a serving platter.
Top with macadamia cream cheese and a piece of smoked salmon on each.
Top with grated lemon zest and a pinch of cracked black pepper.
Garnish with fresh dill.
Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve, chilled.
Video
Notes
Recipe Tips:
To get the ideal smooth cream cheese consistency you will need a good quality food processor or blender. Personally I blend in my food processor then transfer to my high powered Vitamix blender to finish to get a silky smooth texture.
*Make sure you use room temperature water otherwise cool water will make your coconut oil hard and affect the consistency.