Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Smoked Salmon Spread

All of the usual accoutrements are here although in different form. Must be made one day in advance. Smoked trout could be used.

Ingredients

8 ounces smoked salmon, thinly sliced

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 /2  cup sour cream

1 /2 cup Blue Plate Mayonnaise

1 tsp hot sauce

1 /4 tsp old bay seasoning

1 /8  tsp Creole Seasoning

1 tsp Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 /2  cup green onions, minced

1 /4 cup capers, chopped

1 /4 cup parsley, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh chopped dill

1 /2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

Line a 4-cup round mold with plastic wrap. Using half of the salmon slices, make a star pattern on the plastic wrap. Chop remaining salmon into 1/2-inch pieces and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and Blue Plate Mayonnaise until creamy and well combined. Add hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, mustard, lemon juice, and Creole seasoning stirring well.

Into mixer, fold in chopped salmon, green onions, capers, parsley, dill, green onions, parsley, and pepper. Place cream cheese mixture into lined mold. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until firm, about 3 hours.

To serve, place the bottom of the mold in a bowl of warm water for 10 seconds. Remove all plastic wrap and invert mold onto a serving plate, gently shaking to release.

Serve with toasted French bread croutons, pita triangles or crackers.

Yield: 8-10 servings

Recent Recipes

Macaroni and Cheese

Growing up, elaborate mac & cheese wasn’t something that made its way to our dinner table. That’s not some sort of elitist statement. We grew up in a very modest way. It’s just that macaroni and cheese was something my mom never purchased at the store and therefore never served. This recipe is rich and indulgent with a blend of cheeses that create a creamy, savory masterpiece. Adding crispy fried shallots or crumbled bacon to the breadcrumb topping gives it a savory, satisfying crunch. The blend of cheeses—Velveeta for creaminess, Gruyere for nuttiness, Cheddar for sharpness, and Colby Jack for that buttery melt—makes all the difference.

Read more

Robert’s Christmas Turkey 2025

There's nothing like a well-roasted turkey to anchor a holiday table, and no one made it quite like my grandmother. She didn't wait until Thanksgiving to serve it. She'd roast a turkey once a month throughout the year, never mind the occasion. It was a staple at her table. My mother, on the other hand, always made a formal Christmas Eve dinner, complete with turkey, dressing, and gravy. As kids, the excitement of Christmas Eve was almost too much to bear. Those big dinners felt like the beginning of Christmas itself. It’s a memory that comes to mind every time I cook a turkey or make gravy. And a good gravy can make or break the meal. Making sure the roux browns just right and finishing the gravy with a touch of lemon juice or fresh herbs are tricks worth remembering. A little extra attention to the gravy goes a long way.

Read more

Bayou Bacon & Cheddar Spread

I can lay waste to a block of cream cheese with pepper jelly and crackers in a matter of minutes. It’s a weakness. No matter how hard I try to exercise self-control, I always find myself standing over the plate at a cocktail party, making it disappear without even thinking. This spread hits the same notes, but with a smoky, savory punch that’s hard to beat. It’s become a go-to for Christmas parties, and if you’re smart, you’ll double the recipe because it’ll be gone before you know it. It’s best when made a day in advance—giving all the flavors time to mingle.

Read more