A taste of the sea

Smoked salmon paté

This deluxe starter is ready in a flash. I buy frozen smoked salmon offcuts at my supermarket – they’re much more economical than the ribbons and just as delicious.

Serves 4 as a starter • Preparation time: 5 minutes

• 200g smoked salmon or trout, finely chopped
• juice and zest of 1 small lemon
• 30ml small capers
• ½ small onion or shallot, very finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill or fennel leaves
• 230ml (1 tub) medium-fat cream cheese
• pinch of salt and white pepper

Season the fish with the lemon juice and zest, then mix with the capers, onion, herbs and cream cheese, and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Spoon into a pretty bowl and serve with fresh bread, bruschetta or Melba toast.

Laksa noodles

For this super-quick stir-fry, you can use egg noodles or glass noodles.

Serves 4 • Preparation time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 10 minutes