We all know not to go grocery shopping hungry. Why do I try to defy the laws of nature and not heed this rule?
A while ago I was shopping on an empty stomach, foolishly thinking I was immune to impulse buys. I was zipping around the store, only grabbing items on my list. I guess I got a little too cocky.
I was in the fancy cheese area, which is next to the organic area in the store where I shop. One of my favorite places to look around, this is usually a dangerous spot for me. Just grab a block of Kerrygold butter and a brick of Vintage Cheddar and get the heck out of here!, I told myself.
And then I heard her. With the voice of an angel, she was offering samples of an imported Italian cheese (I can’t remember the name offhand) on top of a Mary’s Gone Crackers cracker. About to book it in the other direction, my stomach grumbled in hunger. I winced. I knew the store had won. Like the house, the store always wins.
I reluctantly sampled one of those fabulously delicious cheese-topped crackers and ended up buying two boxes. Because of course, if you buy one box, the other is $1 off. Yes, it turns out, I am not immune to impulse buys, lol.
Off I went with my crackers in cart, in search of something delicious to top them with. The good part about this story is that hunger truly is the creator of the best recipe ideas. I know it isn’t anything new, but it was new to me – right there in the middle of the store I thought about how those crackers would be killer with a creamy smoked salmon dip spread on top. And so I made a detour to my shopping list and bought what I needed for it.
I was right, the creamy-textured and slightly tangy, smoky-flavored dip was the perfect accoutrement for these seeded, nutty crackers. It won’t be long before the ingredients to make this dip again make their way to my shopping list. And next time I’m in a recipe-developing rut, I think I might just plan a hungry grocery shopping trip for some inspiration.
Here are a few other delicious uses for smoked salmon:
Smoked Salmon, Goat Cheese, and Fresh Dill Frittata from Cooking Light
Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs from Arctic Garden Studio
Smoked Salmon Quick Quiche from Foodie Crush
Smoked Salmon Crostini from The Shiksa in the Kitchen
Smoked Salmon, Vegetable, and Ricotta Quiche from Blue Kale Road
And here is how to make smoked salmon at home:
How to Make Smoked Salmon, Two Ways from The Kitchn
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, at room temperature (low-fat is fine)
- ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream (low-fat is fine)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons minced red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 2 oz (60 g) smoked salmon, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Stir in the onion, dill, and black pepper, and then the salmon.
- Taste and season with salt as desired.
- Serve chilled with a little more fresh dill on top, along with crackers, sliced baguette, bagels, etc.
I’m Faith Gorsky, the writer, cook, and photographer behind An Edible Mosaic. My goal is to inspire you to get in the kitchen and try something new! Feel free to 
I love those crackers! You can get them for an amazing price at Costco. I will have to try them with this amazing dip.
I’m no stranger to impulse buys ;) This dip looks sublime!
That looks so good and the crackers should be at my house.
I’ve made a lot of salmon dips, smoked and otherwise, during my catering years. This one looks simple and exceptionally good! Love those crackers, too!
It’s almost impossible for me to stick to my list when I’m shopping, especially if I’m hungry! I love the inspiration your rumbling tummy provided…what a terrific dip. Creamy and smoky is so good together! Your photos are very tempting, too. Thank you for the kind mention in your list of smoked salmon goodies, as well. :)
Sure, most of us have maked smoked salmon dip: BUT your recipe is way better than my current one – thank you :) !
I love this dip Faith – it sounds so good! I know what you mean about going to the food store even a tiny bit hungry – I always go over my budget and buy something totally off the list lol.
im always a victim of hungry shopping and buying EVERYTHING POSSIBLE. on a different note, the dip sounds amazing
Shopping while hungry is often a danger ;). Love your dip creation!
Oh this looks amazing, Faith! I want to dip… everything in it!
First time I experiences smoked salmon was in a pasta dish my husband made! It was so good. I bet this is something I would enjoy!!
YUM.
Oh my gosh this dip is calling my name. Looks so delicious.