Recipe: Smoked Salmon and Crème Fraîche Kettle Chips

Top a ho-hum potato chip with a little smoked salmon, crème fraîche, lemon zest, and chives, and suddenly it’s dressed to the nines, ready for one of those serious cocktail parties. These chips are so good, though, that it would be a shame to save them for such an event. Instead, invite a few friends over tonight, pop open a bottle of wine (we’ll tell you which!), and make this appetizer immediately.

These one-bite cocktail snacks truly feel special and yet they couldn’t be faster to throw together. Pick out the best-looking kettle chips from the bag and garnish them with smoked salmon, crème fraîche, lemon zest, and chives. The tangy crème fraîche contrasts the salty chips and smoky fish, while the lemon zest and fresh herbs brighten up the bite.

Although these call for smoked salmon, which can sometimes be pricey, it really gets stretched here so you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. Oh, and if you’d rather use sour cream then crème fraîche, don’t hesitate to make the swap — it will still be just as fancy and just as fast.

Something so fast and fancy deserves to a drink that’s equally so. That’s why Cava fits the bill. It’s fast to open, and bubbles always feel fancy.

• Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Spain, $8.99
• Castellroig Cava Brut, Spain, $13.99
• Bohigas Cava Brut Reserva, Spain, $14.99

There are a lot of great sparkling wines out there, and they’d all fit the bill here, but Cava wins for me because it barely breaks the bank. It’s dry, crisp, and has a good deal of bubbles, which help clear your mouth of the salty flavor of the chips and salmon, as well as the rich and creamy crème fraîche.

There’s nothing better than a fun and festive cocktail party with your friends — but hosting one definitely doesn’t need to put a big dent in your wallet. This week, we’re showing off six appetizer recipes and the budget-friendly wines that pair best with them to inspire you to throw an “Appy Hour” any night of the week.