Creamed Herring Appetizer - ☺♥

This is a very nice appetizer and simple to make because the main ingredient is a jar of pickled cut herring filets (some are in a cream sauce) available at good supermarkets, in a refrigerated deli area. When you buy it and take it home, do remember to store it in the refrigerator, not the food pantry.

This appetizer is especially popular in Scandinavian countries. Also in the USA for those adventurous enough to eat cured raw herring. Trust me, it is delicious. The last time I saw it available in a USA restaurant as an appetizer was likely twenty years or more ago in Maryland at a restaurant named The Swiss Inn. It was superb! I believe that restaurant closed around 2005, which made me sad, for in their prime years The Swiss Inn was excellent for many foods.

This recipe starts with a jar of the pickled cut herring filets and adds additional ingredients to create a fine appetizer. When served, the chilled herring pieces are taken from the serving bowl (one at a time) using toothpicks, and then placed on a cracker and eaten. A nice medium dry white wine like Pinot Grigio, chilled, is perfect to serve with this appetizer. Also, I like to serve some accompanying foods like cheeses plus olives and/or gherkins on the side.

Ingredients: (four to six servings)

12 ounce jar of cut herring fillets (either just pickled or pickled and creamed), drained and liquid reserved (if there is any)

2/3 cup of sour cream

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

2/3 cup of thinly sliced diced onion

1 tablespoon of fresh dill, chopped

1⁄8 teaspoon of white pepper

1/4 teaspoon of sea salt

toothpicks for your guests to access the creamed herring pieces

crackers of whatever type you like

Directions:

In a 2 quart bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of the reserved herring liquid, the lemon juice, sour cream, diced onion, dill, salt and white pepper.

Mix the sauce ingredients until the mixture is smooth.

Spread the herring pieces on a plate, and cut any piece in half that is too large to fit on the cracker type you plan to serve.

Add the herring pieces to the bowl and mix gently to coat the herring pieces with the sauce.

Cover and chill the herring and sauce mixture for two or more hours to blend the flavors.

Serve the creamed herring appetizer in a wide, shallow bowl, with toothpicks on the side for your guests.

Serve crackers and a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio, plus any accompanying appetizer foods on the side.

Be sure to cover and refrigerate any herring in cream sauce leftovers, and use them within two days.

Enjoy!