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It’s been years since I’ve been sidelined from a bad cold, but a little bug turned into a giant wollop this week. I’m having to miss a special dinner with girlfriends tonight, one last feast with our favorite chef who is on his way out. Grab me a kleenex for those tears, along with another for the runny nose….
I’ve temporarily lost my sense of smell and taste because of these nasties, such a good reminder of how important each of the five are every moment of the day. They help us experience, understand, delight, and survive in this world.
When I asked myself which sense I’d miss the most, it came down to sight and smell, it was smell. There is nothing else so attached with memories, emotions, and instincts. And when smell is gone, so is taste.
I can’t even imagine living in a world like that.
The scent of certain foods can transport me to an exact time and place, and every time it happens, I pinch myself after the deja-vu feeling…
The smell of yeast and flour as I walk through a bakery bring me right back to grandma’s kitchen, watching her pull a loaf of homemade, fluffy white bread from the oven.
The forward smell of fermented cabbage reminds has me sitting at my other grandma’s table for a Sunday supper of roasted pork, sauerkraut, and dumplings.
Perfectly popped popcorn, the sweet cream butter she drizzled it in, that was Mom & I’s bedtime snack.
Hoppy malted milk powder and the not so chocolate smelling Hershey’s syrup, and all of a sudden there I am standing on the step stool helping dad make the thickest malts.
Smoky, cured salmon – well, I’ll forever think of the conversation I had with the fishermen and fisherwomen of Cordova, Alaska while we shared a salmon feast. The wild salmon I used here is what I brought back from my trip, via Copper River Seafoods, run by Juraj and his sweet wife, Adrianna.
Hence the inspiration for this quick and easy appetizer, perfect timing for the holidays which are right around the corner (already?!).
The horseradish, although not dominant, adds a little extra zip to creamy ricotta, just the right contrast to the crunchy chips. And the chives add a pop of color, along with a little garlic flavor. Instead of the old baked brie and jam play, I say go for these 4 ingredient, colorful beauties.
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Kelly @ Inspired Edibles
November 15, 2015
Amanda, I love easy + tasty (and let’s add nutritious too) — these are going to happen over here this holiday season. I always appreciate having a few stress free quick options on hand – so helpful when things get busy and wild as they occasionally do over here :). My husband is also a big wasabi/horseradish kind of guy and will love these bites. Thank you.
Lizzie
November 12, 2015
Wowzers that looks GREAT. Potato chips are totally off our chart however (The Honey had heart surgery last May) soooo I’m going to make this JUST like you directed but sub a rye-crispy-type-cracker. Perhaps not quite the panache factor, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.
amandapaa
November 12, 2015
The rye-cracker sounds great! Very european-like with the salmon. :) Also, just a note – this potato chips are fried in coconut oil, so maybe a healthier heart option down the road!
Lizzie
December 10, 2015
Let’s just say that the culinary ambitions of RRRanger (16 pounds of cat love) overruled the creation of this recipe in its intended form. Instead, a luscious dip was made. Use your imagination: cat+salmon=havoc.
amandapaa
December 15, 2015
oh my gosh – hilarious! but i looooovvveee the dip idea. and i need to see a picture of this 16 pound cat – asap.
Julia | Orchard Street Kitchen
November 12, 2015
What a beautiful little appetizer, Amanda! I’ve never seen a potato chip look so elegant before :) I love the idea of pairing salmon with ricotta, and that black pepper from the chips must add so much great flavor.
I hate when a cold messes with your taste buds. You’re right that smell is so important, but I think it is often overlooked. I hope you get better asap! You need your sense of smell back for all those wonderful baked goods during the holiday season! Xo
Faith (An Edible Mosaic)
November 12, 2015
I’m the same way – smells are so interwoven with memories. These are such beautiful little bites. I love smoked salmon and it somehow always makes me long for a visit to NYC! I hope you’re feeling better soon, sweet friend. xoxo
amandapaa
November 12, 2015
I’m on the mend! Lots of rest and kitty snuggles helped. :) xo
Alison @Food by Mars
November 11, 2015
You made whaaaat? Those are darling, and I can’t help but think of my Dad who is helping me with appetizers this year and loves throwing salmon into stuff :) He will love this… emailing it to him now!
Also – I hope you’re feeling better, lovie! XO
jaime / the briny
November 9, 2015
smell is totally a sense that keeps memories (at least for those lucky enough to have it!). these flavors sound awfully tempting and i want to put way too many of these chips and pickles in my mouth right now! hope you’re staying warm up in your neck of the woods. xo
amandapaa
November 11, 2015
jaime, so true that we are the lucky ones who have a sense of smell! i am staying warm, as the weather has been unreal this fall. nearly 60 degrees today! xo
Karla
November 9, 2015
Amanda – Is there somewhere locally in the Twin Cities area that sells the smoked salmon you used for the recipe?
amandapaa
November 11, 2015
Hi Karla! I don’t think you can get this salmon here, but rather through ordering via the website. I sure wish that Coastal Seafoods carried it!
Hannah | The Swirling Spoon
November 6, 2015
Omg I sometimes think about what it would be like to lose my sense of smell… and then I just want to get the thought of it out of my mind immediately cos it’s just awful to think about!!! L
This is such a neat idea, Amanda! Potato chips as the vessel for all of those delicious appetiser-y flavours is simply genius.
Chrissa - Physical Kitchness
November 6, 2015
Ummm malts and popcorn? YES! Anyhoo, love this creation! Such a simple recipe with crazy complex flavors. I think this would be a perfect app to serve at a dinner party! You never cease to impress! PS LOVE that cutting board!
Amanda Paa
November 6, 2015
so many great memories! what is life without food, right? thanks for stopping by Chrissa.
Antigoni | A Pinch of Lemon
November 6, 2015
Amanda this recipe is without a doubt going at the top of my list for “go-tos” this holiday season! So simple and packed with flavor! I can’t wait eat this with a crisp glass of bubbly! The potato chips best friend :) Thanks for the great idea!