Smoked Salmon Mousse

Procrastination, Holidays, travel, children.... Pick your excuse, but I meant to post about this addicting mousse BEFORE Christmas and New Years Eve as an appetizer idea. I was going to scrap it for another time and then realized this appetizer would be perfect for Valentine's Day. The mousse is pink after all, and to be festive, you could cut out the puff pastry into little hearts instead of just boring old squares. Don't worry about only cooking for two people either, the mousse will keep for up to 5 days and I really don't think you will end up with much leftover anyhow. One Saturday, while our hubbies were off doing something very manly in the wilderness,like shooting at cans or trying to catch fish; a girlfriend and I ate a whole batch between us! And no,we did not save them any! To be fair, they didn't bring us back anything to eat either.... Serve with something not overly dry and not overly sweet, like a Spanish Cava (Segura Viudas). This mousse is also delicious piped on endive spears as well! Enjoy!

Smoked Salmon Mousse on Puff Pastry
Makes about 24, recipe is easily doubled

This mousse can be made the day before, which makes it an easy party appetizer! I reccomend using Trader Joes Artisan puff pastry, it's my favorite!

1 package puff pastry, thawed

1/4 # or 4 oz lox (cold, wild smoked salmon)
1/4 cup organic sour cream
1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon white pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried dill
1/4 # or 4 ounces softened cream cheese

Blend everything but cream cheese in a food processor until smooth. Add cream cheese. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. If making ahead, refrigerate mousse at this point.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lay out puff pastry on work surface. Cut sheet into 3 inch squares or into shapes, like stars, hearts, etc. brush the edges lightly with water. Refrigerate puff pastry on baking sheet for 15 minutes. Remove from refrigerator and bake 15 minutes until puffed and golden brown. Put a few tablespoons of mousse on each square. Serve immediately!