Scandi smoked fish on crackers

This is my go-to Christmas lunch appetizer and something I make all the time when friends are coming over and I want something they can eat as they stand around the kitchen island drinking while I cook.

It uses my favourite food item from Ikea – the giant knackebrod as a base. Ikea sell these giant rye crackers in the food shop just after the cash registers (they are in blue paper, around the size of a steering wheel). They last for ages in the cupboard and are a really impactful, easy way to create a snack or starter. If you can’t face a trip to Ikea, just buy any rye crackers to use as a base.

My boys love smoked fish so I make this for a weekend lunch or quick dinner alongside soup all the time. I think the flavour is less fishy so it appeals to people who wouldn’t normally like fish. Plus the cream cheese tempers the flavour further.