These elegant appetizers are quick and easy to make and blend a beautiful mixture of colors and textures together to produce a flavorful appetizer suitable for any holiday occasion. You can use your favorite selection of cocktail bread in white, wheat, or even pumpernickel for these savory bites. Choose the best caviar you can afford, and decide how much you want to place on each appetizer.

Ingredients

24 slices - cocktail bread
3 tablespoons - softened butter
1 - medium cucumber
1/2 cup - sour cream
2 tablespoons - fresh dill
- freshly ground black pepper
1 jar - red salmon caviar
- fresh dill sprigs (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat the broiler if necessary. Place the cocktail bread on a large baking sheet. Broil a few inches from the broiler for about 30-45 seconds, or until the cocktail bread is lightly toasted. Flip over the cocktail bread and broil on the other side until golden brown. Remove from the oven. Let cool slightly. Liberally butter the bread with the butter. Peel the cucumber and slice into 24 slices. Place a slice on each buttered toast. In a small bowl mix together the sour cream, dill, and black pepper to taste. Distribute the sour cream evenly over each cucumber slice, and make a slight indentation with a teaspoon in the sour cream. Top with a small spoonful of the caviar. Garnish with a dill sprig if desired. Chill if making ahead of time for up to 3 hours, or serve immediately.
Extra Touches : For a more decorative appeal cut firm bread with small cookie cutters and use in place of the cocktail bread. Flower shapes, circles, diamonds, and Christmas shapes work well with this recipe.
Low Fat Variation : Use low fat margarine and fat free or light sour cream in place of the butter and sour cream.

Preparation Time

Preparation Time : 13 minutes
Cooking Time : 2 minutes
Chilling Time : Optional
Total Time : 15 minutes

Number of Servings

Makes 24 appetizers

Tips

Untoasted cocktail bread or melba toast can be used instead of the toasted cocktail bread.