Ingredients

Filling

• 1 medium onion minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 ¾ pounds natural cream cheese
• 1/3 cup half and half
• ½ cup shredded Gruyere or Asiago cheese
• ½ teaspoons salt
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• 4 eggs
• ½ pound good quality smoked salmon, finely chopped

Walnut Crust

• 2 cups white or French bread crumbs
• ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts
• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup Shredded Gruyere or Asiago Cheese
• 1 teaspoon dry dill

Instructions

1. For the crust, combine bread crumbs, walnuts, butter, cheese and dill in bowl. Mix well and press firmly into bottom and sides of buttered nine inch spring form pan.Chill for at least two hours.
2. Sauté onion in butter until tender but not browned. Combine cream cheese and half and half and mix until smooth.
3. Add sautéed onion, cheese, salt and pepper and mix well.
4. Add eggs one at a time beating slowly until just incorporated. Stir in smoked salmon.
5. Pour mixture in the Walnut Crust and bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes.
6. Chill two hours before serving and garnish with baby lettuces or other fresh greens.

Notes

1. Very rich, can be an appetizer or a first course with salad. Don’t forget that it needs a good chill before serving so it is better to make it early in the day.