Holiday Appetizer: Smoked Trout in Endive



At our house we celebrate both Christmas and Hanukkah.

I usually serve some type of smoked fish along with latkes (potato pancakes) for Hanukkah.
Last night I made this great appetizer of smoked trout in Belgian endive and zucchini potato pancakes (recipe to follow).

This would be a great appetizer for either holiday! You can serve it for Christmas Eve if you are making the Feast of the 7 Fishes.



Belgian endive only became popular in the States in the 70's. It was discovered in Belgium in 1830 and is from the chicory genus, very similar to radicchio.
If you buy it from a good source and get it fresh, then it can be sweet, but if it sits in the fridge too long, it will be very bitter. It is in the bitter greens family to begin with.

The growing season is November-April, and I always use endive as part of my holiday appetizer menu.
The leaves are perfect little "boats" or vessels to carry whatever you want them to!

You can make this 2 hours ahead of time. It takes about 5 minutes to put together!

Stacey Snacks Smoked Trout in Endive Spears:

4 heads of Belgian endive (if you can find the red ones, then use both red & white)
2 smoked trout filets, remove skins and flake
1/4 cup Hellman's full fat mayonnaise
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp of fresh chopped dill
handful of chopped scallions


In a small bowl, mix your mayo with your trout and the rest of the ingredients.
Cut your endive heads at the stem to make individual leaves.
Spoon small amounts of your trout salad into the spears and arrange on a platter.
Garnish w/ fresh dill sprigs.

To make the little rose in the center of the platter, just use the bottom stem of the red endive head.


Happy Merry!

Comments

Anonymous said…
How artistic!!!

Your "centerpiece" appetizer is beautiful.

Love the Grant Wood-ish "all holidays celebrated here picture!"

mil
Anonymous said…
I grew up in northern Michigan where trout is very plentiful. Surprisingly, I never grew to liking trout. I'm thinking I might try this recipe with smoked salmon instead.
Maria said…
I love endive! The perfect serving dish for appetizers! Happy Holidays!
LaDue & Crew said…
Gorgeous! So deliciously festive!
I just love your presentation, you're so creative Stacey! I'm not a trout lover, but I will definitely make this with shrimp! Love it. Whats in the middle? a radish rose?? Happy Merry!
kat said…
Such a beautiful presentation! I love your American Gothic
Endive just makes the cutest cups for dips and spreads and cheeses, doesn't it?
Anonymous said…
Beautiful! Happy Holidays to you both! The presentation was gorgeous!
Bob said…
Looks lovely. My dad is a huge trout fan, I'll have to toss this recipe his way.
Patsyk said…
Happy Holidays to you both! That dish is impressive looking, even though it sounds so simple to put together!
Bluebird NY said…
Looks so beautiful, Stacey!
Lori Lynn said…
This presentation is awesome, the flower shape and the colors, a work of art.

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas to you and your family Stace!

LL
Pam said…
It sounds fantastic and it looks so pretty! A very festive appetizer.
Peter M said…
Indeed, full fat Mayo...the only way!

The dish is a beaut and I hope you're having a wonderful day.
Shelley said…
Looks gorgeous and delicious!!!! I have been a fan of endive for many years. I love to put tuna or crab salad on the leaves, but your trout idea is a great one, too!
That picture is so cute!
Happy Merry to you, too, Stacey!
Anonymous said…
Beautiful presentation! Perfect for a hanukkah party. I love the red and green mix you used. Thanks for posting and happy new year!