smoked salmon dip

So, part of the reason my posts have been a little thin lately is because of the amount of travel we've been doing in addition to the holidays. One of those trips was to Alaska for my job - a trip that had us across the country for almost 10 days. Way cool (cold!) in every way, but we got out of dodge just before the start of the winter snow storms began. If you know anything about Alaska, you know that being there around Halloween is really pushing it from a weather standpoint! But, alas, it was for work, so beggars can't be choosers. It was amazing!

This dip is made from one of our souvenirs in Alaska - smoked salmon we bought from a hatchery located in the small town of Valdez, easily one of the most beautiful and pristine places on earth. The hatchery doubles as the town's hydro-power plant, providing enough energy to run the place. I loved it immediately.

We shipped five lbs. of cured, smoked salmon home (paying a pretty penny in the process) and were so excited to try it on top of a salad. One bite, though, and we were done. Talk about salty! Not sure what else to do with it, I considered some of my favorite foods: pizza and cream cheese. While I haven't made a pizza with it yet (I'm thinking goat cheese, roasted red peppers and basil to soften the salty blow), cream cheese took the gold. Smoked salmon dip! And the holidays were approaching, so I would be in need of something yummy to share. The idea was hatched (ha!).

I found this recipe online and didn't change a thing. Our family really enjoyed it, as well. It's great with buttery or wheat crackers, and is perfect for the holidays or tailgating. It also freezes well. Give it a try next time you're headed to a party ... or you find yourself being shipped to Alaska in the wintertime for work.

Smoked Salmon Dip

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2 ounces flaked or chopped smoked salmon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder 
• 1/4 teaspoon seafood seasoning
• 1 dash ground black pepper

In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, salmon, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, onion powder, seafood seasoning and ground black pepper. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.