Recipe - Salmon Pinwheels

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Last week I was in charge of refreshments for our book club meeting.  We have a tradition of serving something that's related in some way to the book we've been reading.  In this case, our story was set in Alaska, so I decided to make Salmon Pinwheels.  They turned out to be easy and attractive--like something Mrs. Patmore might have prepared for Thomas to carry upstairs to guests of the Crawleys, served under Mr. Carson's watchful eye.  But whether or not you're a Downton Abbey fan, these tasty make-ahead appetizers would be perfect for your next party--or St. Patrick's Day--even if the Dowager Countess is not expected to drop in!

 Salmon Pinwheels

3/4 to 1 lb Salmon Fillets 
1 package (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
4 Spinach Tortillas (or wraps) at room temperature
1 small bunch Green Onions, sliced
1 - 2 Tablespoon Capers, drained
3/4 teaspoon Garlic Salt
1/2 teaspoon Dill Weed
1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon Lemon Juice

-Rinse salmon and pat dry with paper towels.

-Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with seasoned salt.  Place on a baking pan, skin side down, and bake for 20 to 30 min (or until it flakes apart easily--don't overcook or it will be dry).  When it cools a bit, remove the skin and break it apart a bit so it looks like this:

Keep cold in fridge until ready to use.

-Leave cream cheese out on the counter an hour or so to soften or soften slightly in the microwave (watch it closely!)  Slice up green onions.

Measure out capers and drain on a paper towel.  If you've never used capers before, here's what they look like:

(They're kind of like tiny olives and go nicely with fish.)

-Into the cream cheese, add garlic salt, dill, pepper, the green onions, and the capers.  Mix well.

-Spread over the tortillas, dividing evenly between them.

-Top with the prepared salmon.

-Roll up tightly.

-Wrap all four rolls in plastic wrap and refrigerate several hours.

-When ready to serve, cut into 1/2" slices with a sharp knife or an electric knife.

-Makes about 32.  Do not leave out for more than an hour, and refrigerate leftovers.