Smoked Salmon Spread

Smoked Salmon Spread

Hello fellow foodies,
     The other day I was putzing around in the kitchen and decided to make something different that sounded good, and easy. So needless to say I decided on a salmon cheese spread. I love fresh salmon and I love any spread/dip....lol So I took off to the store, I picked up some salmon. I always ask if the fish I'm buying is fresh, whats the pack date (I like it to be 5 or less from the current date), and last but not least I smell it, I'm sorry I'm a big believer if it smells, its not going home with me. I ask the seafood clerk if they would please remove the skin and steam it for me, any time I can save, awesome. While the salmon was steaming away ( 1lb. steamed 9 mins) I was off to finish my shopping. Headed back to the seafood department and there was my steamed salmon waiting, a quick thanks to the clerk and I was heading home to the kitchen. Returned home, walked in the kitchen and first things first....uncorked a  nice Robert Mondovi Meritage, I know I can hear some of you already....that wine is to strong, that wine should only be drank with food. Hey my house that what I like, chilax.....lol. So with my steamed fish now nice and cool I break out my favorite mixing bowl and spoons and I'm off. Before I left I took out 3 packs of cream cheese to soften. Grabbed the garlic, onion powder, liquid smoke, cayenne pepper, smokey paprika, kosher salt and got to mixing (recipe to follow). After creating what I say is a darn tasty spread, in the fridge it goes for several hours before serving. I recommend making this a day or 2 ahead so the flavors have time to work and get happy.
I will leave with this.....A fatfoodie is a happy foodie
Mark

Recipe:
1 lb. Steamed Salmon (skin removed)
3 12 oz. pks. Philadelphia cream cheese
1 TB. Garlic powder
1 TB. Onion powder
1 TB. Smokey Paprika
1 TB. Cayenne Pepper (or more to taste)
1 TB. Liquid Smoke ( or more to taste)
Start by mixing your cream cheese well, then add your spices, mix well.
Add your liquid smoke, mix well.
Break up your salmon with a fork to desired size then hand stir into spread.
You may dice up a chive to add at this time as well.......