Smoked Salmon Dip with Datil Pepper!  Christmas, New Years, any time you need a quick and elegant dip, this one is always a hit.  Spiced up with Fresh From Florida, Old St Augustine Datil Zest and Snake Bite or Venom Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, this dip is sure to please any seafood lover.  With fresh lemon juice, horseradish, capers and dill, it’s perfect served with crackers, fresh veggies or chips.  It is wonderful with a crisp, white wine or a glass of champagne.  Merry Christmas from my house to yours.  And here’s to a happy and prosperous New Year!

Salmon Nutrition Information:

Salmon is high in Omega-3 fats, which are known to reduce inflammation.  Inflammation is at the root of many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, several types of cancer, and arthritis just to name a few.  Omega-3 fats also help to prevent blood clots, which can lead to strokes.  Research has shown that omega-3 fats also have the potential to slow the cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

Salmon is a good source of vitamin D, which aids in bone health, and protects against macular degeneration.  Vitamin D helps strengthen bones and is essential for the absorption of calcium in the body.  It has also been shown to be beneficial in reducing certain breast, colon, prostate and lung cancers.

Salmon contains tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, which can help to improve your mood and manage depression.  It is high in protein and contains very little carbohydrates.

Interestingly enough, recent research has shown that children who eat salmon regularly, may have decreased ADHD symptoms.  The children in the study who ate salmon on a regular basis, could focus better and their academic performance improved due to the omega-3 fatty acids found in the salmon.

Fun Facts:

1. There are 6 species of Pacific salmon and only 1 species of Atlantic salmon.
2. Chinook are the largest species of salmon, and can weigh up to one hundred pounds.
3. Pink salmon are the smallest and generally range from 3-5 pounds.
4. Salmon live an average of 4-5 years, but can live up to 7 years.
5. Most species of salmon  are anadromous, which means they hatch in fresh water, migrate to the ocean, then return to fresh water to reproduce.
6. Salmon rely on their sense of smell, ocean currents and the moon to find the waters where they were born.
7. Salmon travel thousands of miles and swim upstream to reach their spawning grounds.
8. Most salmon die of exhaustion after spawning.  Only a very small percentage of salmon will spawn more than once in their lifetime.
9. Typically, young salmon eat insects, plankton and invertebrates.  Adult salmon eat other fish, shrimp and squid.
10. Sockeye salmon almost exclusively eat plankton.

Spicy Datil Pepper Smoked Salmon Dip

Old St Augustine Datil Zest Spice Blend

Venom and Snake Bite Datil Pepper Hot Sauces

Datil Pepper Spicy Smoked Salmon Dip

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Cuisine Seafood

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Datil Zest
• 1 teaspoon Snake Bite or Venom Datil Pepper Hot Sauce
• 2 1/2 Tablespoons red onion, diced in small pieces
• 2 Tablespoons capers, drained, plus a few more for garnish
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 8 ounces smoked salmon, divided in half
• 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped, plus a few sprigs for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a food processor, combine the mayonnaise, cream cheese, Datil Zest, Snake Bite or Venom Datil Pepper Hot Sauce, onion, capers, lemon juice, horseradish, and 4 ounces of the salmon.
• Pulse until smooth.
• Transfer mixture to a bowl.
• Chop the remainder of the salmon into small pieces, and stir into the salmon mixture in the bowl.
• Stir in the chopped dill.  Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
• Prior to serving, garnish with a few capers and a sprig or two of fresh dill.
• Serve with crackers, bagel chips, or fresh veggie dippers.