A CLASSIC BAGEL WITH SMOKED SALMON AND CREAM CHEESE

When I was working on Long Beach Island in the US, every Thursday morning our lifeguard team would hit up a place called ‘Spray Beach Bagel’ and tuck into their huge variety of bagels. This classic smoked salmon bagel has become my new favourite. If you’re feeling indulgent, add some salmon roe or caviar.

PREPARATION TIME: 5 MINUTES

MAKES: 4

WHAT’S IN IT?

4 fresh bagels, sliced in half

120 g (4¼ oz/½ cup) cream cheese

½ cup picked watercress sprigs

175 g (6 oz) smoked salmon

juice of ½ lemon

fresh horseradish, grated (see note)

dill, to serve

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

1.   Spread both sides of each bagel with cream cheese, then top with the watercress and salmon. Drizzle over some lemon juice, a grating of fresh horseradish and garnish with dill. Serve as an open bagel.

NOTE

* Fresh horseradish can be found at good grocers and speciality delicatessens. You can substitute the fresh stuff with good-quality horseradish from a jar, but it’s just not the same.