17/12/2025
✨ A Holiday Starter That Surprised Everyone at My Table This Year ✨
Every year we all fall back on the same Christmas appetizers — the smoked salmon, the cheese boards, the predictable spreads. But this season, I wanted something that felt familiar and completely new… something elegant, bright, comforting, and a little unexpected.
And I found it.
A silky, beautifully seasoned trout pâté, paired with crisp, golden pickled fennel.
I know — it sounds fancy. But here’s the surprising part: it’s incredibly simple, incredibly fresh, and tastes like something you’d be served at a holiday dinner in a cozy European café. The flavor is delicate, creamy, lemony, with just enough dill to feel festive without overpowering the fish. Spread it on warm toasted sourdough… and you’ll understand why everyone at my table stopped talking mid-bite.
What makes it even better is the pickled fennel — thin slices simmered in a perfectly balanced brine with mustard seeds, caraway, and a touch of turmeric. It adds crunch, brightness, and a pop of color that makes the whole plate look like a holiday gift.
This is one of those dishes that feels like effort, but is actually incredibly doable. You can prep the trout days ahead, let the fennel sit and deepen in flavor, and when guests arrive… all you have to do is toast the bread and assemble.
It’s classy.
It’s comforting.
And it’s absolutely perfect for Christmas Eve, Christmas morning brunch, or New Year’s gatherings.
If you’re looking for a starter that will truly wow without stress — this is the one.
👇 You can find the full recipe in the link below.
