Let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a well-crafted snack.
Here are my favourite things to pile on top of a cracker – featuring one of the best you can buy – the Peters Yard Sourdough Crispbreads
Smoked salmon, cream cheese, lemon, dill.
So this one doesn’t get any marks for innovation. Still, some things are classics for a reason. I particularly like the boastfully named Paysan Breton “Luxurious” cream cheese, with french sea salt. This is the best cream cheese I’ve tasted and gives your cracker (or bagel, or sandwich…) an extra edge. I top the cream cheese with slivers of the world famous Forman & Son London cure smoked salmon (or if I can be bothered to make the journey, get some freshly sliced from Panzers deli in St Johns Wood. A few sprigs of dill, a squeeze of lemon, and a crack of black pepper is all that’s needed for one of my favourite flavour combinations to come alive.
Mascarpone, blackcurrant jam, fresh mint.
Think the laziest possible take on a blackcurrant cheesecake, with the highest possible flavour reward, given it takes seconds to make. I spoon my favourite Bonne Maman blackcurrant jam on silky mascarpone, and top with some finely chopped mint. Of course you could use any jam or conserve of your choice, which paired with the mascarpone creates a delicious cheesecake flavour profile.
Gorgonzola dolce, fig, orange blossom honey.
There is never a time when I don’t have some gorgonzola dolce in the fridge. When I’m not eating it straight from the tub with a spoon, one of my favourite ways to enjoy this delicious Italian delicacy, is simply on a crispbread with some very ripe figs and a drizzle of orange blossom honey. I get my gorgonzola from La Fromagerie in Marylebone, or Selfridges if I’m in the area. Fig are reaching end of season, but if yours are under ripe, you can quicken the process by putting them into a warm oven for 10 minutes (they’re particularly nice, warm and fudgy on the salty gorgonzola). I have a sweet tooth so love honey on top, but for a more savoury kick, add a few drops of balsamic.
Enjoy!