Lulu's Smoked Salmon Platter

I love poppy seed bagels toasted, with scallion cream cheese, a slice of red onion, a slice of tomato, smoked salmon, a squeeze of lemon, fresh ground pepper, and salt. I don’t have it too often but when I do I savor every bite. You can buy flavored whipped cream cheese or make your own. Serves 10 to 12

3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced 1 Bermuda or red onion, thinly sliced 1 small jar capers 1 lemon, cut into wedges 1 large package (24 ounces) smoked salmon Whipped Scallion Cream Cheese (recipe follows) 2 dozen bagels (a variety of flavors and sizes)

Arrange the tomatoes, onions, capers, lemons, and smoked salmon on a platter. Place a bowl of cream cheese in the middle of the platter and serve with a basket of bagels. Alternatively, place all of the ingredients (except the bagels) in separate bowls. This is a great way to prep the night before, and the morning of the party you just have to pull out the bowls and place them next to the bagels.

Note: If you're cutting the tomatoes the night before, place them on paper towels to absorb any liquid.

Whipped Scallion Cream Cheese

You can buy scallion cream cheese if you are short on time.

Makes 1 cup

One 8-ounce package cream cheese at room temperature 1 teaspoon lemon zest ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions, both white and green parts

Whip the cream cheese in a stand mixer with the whip attachment or with a hand mixer. Add the lemon zest and scallions and mix well.