Mini Blinis with Herb Cream Cheese and Caviar

Small blinis, topped with herbed cream cheese, a spoon of caviar, and a scatter of spring onion. Five minutes from fridge to plate.

Ingredients

• 12 small blinis or buckwheat pancakes
• 4 tbsp full-fat cream cheese
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 2 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (dill, chives, parsley), finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Royal Oscietra caviar (or a mix of black and salmon)
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• Fine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese with the grated garlic and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper. Taste — it should be assertive but not overpowering.
2. Spread a small spoonful of the cream cheese on each blini.
3. Add a small spoon of caviar to each — about a quarter of a teaspoon is plenty.
4. Scatter with sliced spring onion and serve immediately, while the blinis are still warm to the touch.

Notes

• Warm the blinis for 30 seconds in a dry pan rather than the microwave. They keep their texture.
• Don’t over-load with cream cheese. The caviar should still be the headline.
• For a serving twist, finish with a tiny drop of lemon juice on each blini just before guests reach for them.