SMOKED SALMON AND CHERVIL PÂTÉ

This simple pâté can be made with salmon pieces, which are often sold more cheaply than slices. It makes a lovely canapé or an easy first course served with the Cucumber Pickle with Dill (see page 90). Chervil is a good herb with salmon, but dill or chives can also be used when they are in season. I often serve a slice of cucumber with smoked salmon and chive pâté on top, finished with a chive flower, when they are available.

Preparation: 15 mins

Serves 4

115g/4oz smoked salmon

350g/12oz/1½ cups cream cheese

2 tbsp finely chopped chervil leaves

a large pinch of cayenne pepper

juice of ½ lemon

Blend together all the ingredients. No other seasoning is necessary.