Ingredients

  • 3 tbs unsalted butter
  • 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds, crushed
  • 6oz cream cheese (3/4 pkg), room temperature
  • 2 tbs ricotta
  • 1/2 cup gouda (grated)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (1/2 a lemon)
  • 2 tbs chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tbs chopped fresh dill
  • 1/2 tsp allspice
  • 1/2 tsp white pepper
  • 4 oz smoked salmon, chopped
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1 tbs heavy cream

Method

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease 8" square baking pan. Melt butter and combine in a bowl with breadcrumbs, parmesan and almonds. Press mixture along bottom and up sides (about 1" up). Set in fridge.
  • In large bowl, combine cream cheese and ricotta. Stir in gouda, lemon zest, fresh herbs, allspice, white pepper and smoked salmon. Slowly stir in whisked eggs. Add heavy cream and mix well.
  • Remove baking pan with crumb mixture from fridge and pour in cheese and salmon mixture. Place on middle rack in oven and immediately turn temperature down to 350 degrees. Bake for 50 mins or until center is set. Cool in baking pan on wire rack. Use knife to loosen the edges of the crust before turning onto serving platter. Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.