1/2 lb. smoked salmon
1/2 lb. cream cheese
1/3 c. chopped scallions
1/4 c. finely chopped fresh dill
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
Tabasco sauce to taste
2 tbsp. vodka (plain or lemon flavored)

1. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender. Blend to a fine puree. Spoon and scrape the mixture into a serving dish. Smooth the top. Chill.

2. Serve (cool, not cold) with buttered toast, chopped onion and drained capers on the side. Yields about 4 cups.